{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/06/01/rep-aguilar-visits-redlands-convenience-store-impacted-by-rising-gas-prices/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Visits Redlands Convenience Store Impacted by Rising Gas Prices", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Visits Redlands Convenience Store Impacted by Rising Gas Prices\n\nThe Rocket convenience store in Redlands serves hundreds of customers a day, driving the local economy and providing jobs to people in the Inland Empire\n\nREDLANDS, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) visited the Rocket store on Lugonia Avenue to learn about the ins and outs of running a convenience store and how rising costs are impacting business. Rising gas prices are putting added financial pressure on drivers and shoppers and hurting convenience stores like Rocket, where food purchases make up a large portion of their profits.\n\nThe visit is part of the National Association of Convenience Stores’ (NACS) In Store program, which gives members of Congress a firsthand look at how convenience stores operate and benefit local communities. You can find photos from the visit above and here.\n\n“It was great to stop by the Rocket convenience store and see firsthand the different ways this store benefits Redlands residents and our entire community,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, getting a car wash, filling up your gas tank, or using the ATM, convenience stores are an important part of daily life for people in the Inland Empire and help boost our local economy. Yet as gas prices soar thanks to Trump’s war with Iran, people have less money to spend on food and drinks, hurting convenience stores and their customers. I’ll keep fighting back to end this reckless overseas conflict and bring down costs so families and businesses like Rocket can thrive.”\n\n“Convenience stores are essential to everyday life and local economies, and challenges around affordability continue to place increasing strain on our customers, operations, and the communities that depend on us,” said Joe Juliano, President & CEO, United Pacific. “We hope the visit provided Congressman Aguilar with a deeper understanding of convenience store operations and the challenges we face, and that it will help drive stronger support for our industry in Washington, DC.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://allen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7258", "title": "Congressman Allen Leads Colleagues in Calling on the EBSA to Enforce PBM Reforms", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://allen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "allen.house.gov", "scraper": "allen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000372", "name": "Rick W. Allen", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) was joined by Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Lucy McBath (GA-06), and Bradley Schneider (IL-10) in sending a letter to the Honorable Daniel Aronowitz, Assistant Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).\n\nThe letter urges the EBSA to exercise its enhanced authority to enforce the landmark reforms designed to rein in the abuses of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), as required by law via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 (CAA).\n\nIn the letter, the Members write: \"The CAA represents years of bipartisan work to increase the accountability and transparency of PBMs’ opaque business practices, which have contributed to rising costs and diminished access to medicines for American patients and employers. The enactment of the CAA’s provisions is a significant step toward increased PBM transparency.\"\n\nThe Members continue: \"However, meaningful implementation will require active oversight and guidance from the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). We write to urge EBSA to exercise its enhanced authority to give full effect to these reforms, as Congress intended.\"\n\nThe Members conclude: \"Robust implementation of the rebate pass-through requirement and the bona fide service fee standard will help ensure the following:\n\nPBMs no longer have a financial incentive to favor more expensive medicines over generics or biosimilars.\n\nPatients benefit from the rebates and discounts negotiated on their behalf.\n\nEmployers and plan fiduciaries gain meaningful transparency into the compensation arrangements and services provided by their PBMs.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-delivers-state-of-the-district-address", "title": "Ansari Delivers “State of the District” Address", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ansari.house.gov", "scraper": "ansari", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000381", "name": "Yassamin Ansari", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PHOENIX – Last week, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), the youngest woman in Congress, hosted her first “State of the District” Address, highlighting her work in Congress to build a stronger, more opportunity-driven future for Arizona’s Third Congressional District.\n\n“Families across Arizona’s Third District are working harder than ever just to keep up while Donald Trump and Republicans hand out giveaways to the top 1% and dismantle essential safety nets for working people,” said Rep. Ansari. “I came to Congress to fight back. From lowering costs and expanding affordable housing to defending our rights, pushing back against ICE, and tackling the climate crisis, my focus is delivering results and protecting Arizona families. That’s exactly what I’ll continue to do.”\n\nDuring her address, Congresswoman Ansari discussed efforts to lower costs for working families, expand affordable housing, confront the climate crisis, defend civil rights, and hold the Trump Administration accountable. She shared the results she has delivered for our community and outlined her vision for the path ahead.\n\nKey Wins & Investments for AZ-03:\n\nSecured more than $17.7 million in new investments for Arizona’s Third Congressional District.\n\nDelivered $5+ million for the City of Phoenix, supporting Sky Harbor Airport, community safety, and wildfire prevention.\n\nDirected $4 million to Arizona State University for heat resilience research and domestic manufacturing innovation.\n\nFunded $2 million for Biehn Colony Park revitalization in Guadalupe.\n\nSecured $830,000 for Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) to renovate its Single Adult Shelter.\n\nAdditional funding secured for transportation improvements in Glendale, Valley Metro, and nonprofit partners.\n\nClosed 624 constituent casework issues, returning more than $1.4 million to residents.\n\nEngaged 77,000+ constituents through the Community Ambassador program across 300+ events.\n\nHeld 18 town halls, including outreach to Sudanese, Afghan, Iranian, and Asian American communities.\n\nProvided Know Your Rights resources in multiple languages and hosted tele-town halls reaching tens of thousands.\n\nIntroduced or supported 32 pieces of original legislation and 442 cosponsored bills.\n\nLed nine oversight visits to Arizona detention centers.\n\nWHAT THEY ARE SAYING\n\nReyna Montoya, Founder & CEO of Aliento:\n\n“The administration’s continued delays in processing DACA renewals are not just bureaucratic — they have real and immediate human consequences. People who followed the rules, submitted their applications on time, and trusted the system are now being left in limbo. That is deeply unjust. DACA recipients are not an abstraction. We are part of the fabric of Arizona and this country. We are homeowners, small business owners, students, parents, and caregivers. Our ability to work is not a privilege; it is the foundation of our stability, our families’ well-being, and our contributions to the communities we call home.\n\nThe children of immigrants, Dreamers, and immigrant families strengthen our state and our nation every day — in our classrooms, our workforce, and our local economies. When their futures are put on hold, the impact is felt far beyond any single individual. We need action and accountability. USCIS must process renewals without delay, and Congress must finally pass a permanent solution, including the Dream Act, that reflects both our values and our shared future.”\n\nDr. Matthew C. Whitaker, Executive Director, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center:\n\n“The gutting of the Voting Rights Act is nothing short of a catastrophe for American democracy. For communities of color — and particularly for Black and Brown voters here in Arizona's Third Congressional District — the VRA was not a relic of the past; it was a living shield against the deliberate suppression of our voices and our votes. Its evisceration has opened the floodgates to discriminatory redistricting, restrictive ballot access laws, and the systematic silencing of the very communities this nation has historically excluded from full participation. We did not march, bleed, and die for the right to vote only to watch it be dismantled from the bench. The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center stands firmly with Congresswoman Ansari and every leader who refuses to accept the erasure of our hard-won freedoms. The fight for voting rights is the fight for democracy itself — and we will not retreat.”\n\nMarisol Garcia, President of the Arizona Education Association:\n\n“AZ-03 is home to amazing public schools and educators who work tirelessly to ensure every student gets the great education they deserve. The past two years have brought serious challenges — from chronic underfunding and political attacks on public education to efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education and accelerate the privatization of our schools. Through it all, Congresswoman Ansari has been a steadfast champion for students and educators because she understands that strong public schools are the foundation of a strong future for Arizona. As our union continues fighting for investments in our schools, we are grateful for Congresswoman Ansari’s leadership.”\n\nMike Renaud, CEO of Valle del Sol:\n\n“Every day at Valle del Sol, we see the consequences when healthcare, housing, food assistance, and mental health services are treated as optional instead of essential. Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari understands that investing in people is not just good policy—it is a moral responsibility. We are grateful for her leadership and her commitment to protecting the dignity, health, and opportunity of Arizona families.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415671", "title": "Wed., June 3: Rep. Chris Smith to chair hearing on Turkey“Can Turkey Find Its Way Back to Freedom? Authoritarian Consolidation versus the Defense of Turkish Democracy”", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Wednesday, June 3rd, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC), will chair a congressional hearing on the challenges to freedom, rule of law and democracy in Turkey.\n\nIn the aftermath of recent electoral setbacks for the ruling party, the Turkish government has intensified its crackdown on political opposition, independent media, civil society, religious minorities, and perceived critics at home and abroad.\n\nHuman rights advocates estimate that over 15,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Turkey, including journalists, lawyers, elected officials, academics, civil society leaders, and democracy activists. The government continues to target Kurdish politicians and religious activists, and growing concerns regarding transnational repression directed at critics residing outside Turkey.\n\nResidents of Turkey also face escalating censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression, including court-ordered blocking of online content, social media accounts, and opposition news platforms; criminal investigations and prosecutions targeting online speech. The government continues to repress religious and ethnic minorities in Turkey, including through restrictions affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Halki Seminary.\n\nWitnesses will discuss the broader trajectory of democratic backsliding in Turkey, implications for regional stability and the NATO alliance, and policy options available to the United States and Congress in support of democracy and human rights.\n\nWHAT: Congressional hearing on political persecution, election manipulation, and censorship, as well as prospects for a return to democratic governance, judicial independence, free and fair elections, and respect for fundamental freedoms in Turkey.\n\nWHEN: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM\n\nWITNESSES: (Partial list)\n\nHenri Barkey, Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies, Council on Foreign Relations\n\nMichael Rubin, Director of Policy Analysis, Middle East Forum\n\nSerkan Golge, Senior Research Scientist, Ex-Political Prisoner in Turkey\n\nAndrew O’Donohue, Carl J. Friedrich Fellow, Harvard University; Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\n\nWHERE: 2128 Rayburn House Office Building and livestreamed here\n\nWHO: Co-Chairs of the TLHRC, other members of the Commission, and witnesses\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415672", "title": "Save Jersey article on Smith's work to combat Lyme disease'Smith Applauds New Federal Push to Combat Lyme Disease'", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By The Staff\n\nPublished June 1, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith (R, NJ-04) is welcoming a series of new federal initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s response to Lyme disease, including expanded research funding, prevention efforts, and support for innovative diagnostic tools.\n\nOn Friday, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced an initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase federal investment in combating Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. The initiative includes support for reauthorizing the Kay Hagan Tick Act, a law that provides funding for research and prevention programs through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\n\nSmith, who co-chairs the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus, is sponsoring legislation (H.R. 4348) designed to extend funding and expand federal-state cooperation to combat tick-borne disease outbreaks. The legislation passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously.\n\nIn a statement, Smith said Kennedy’s endorsement could help accelerate congressional action as the summer tick season begins. Health officials have reported increasing concerns about tick exposure and Lyme disease cases in several regions of the country.\n\nKennedy also announced an expansion of the LymeX Innovation Accelerator, a public-private partnership that funds competitions designed to spur advancements in Lyme disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. According to Smith, the program has already contributed to the development of two FDA-approved diagnostic tests intended to improve early detection of the disease.\n\n“Millions of Americans battling Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have spent years searching for answers, treatment, and support,” said Secretary Kennedy. “Today, the Trump Administration is launching one of the most ambitious federal efforts ever to combat Lyme disease by accelerating research, expanding innovation, and improving care for patients and families. We are going after this disease at its source, driving faster diagnostics and new prevention strategies, and delivering the urgency and action Americans deserve.”\n\nThe congressman has separately introduced legislation that would formally authorize the LymeX program and provide additional federal funding to support future research competitions.\n\nAnother component of the federal initiative focuses on reducing tick populations and limiting the spread of Lyme-causing bacteria among wildlife. HHS plans to work with the New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases on strategies to control infection rates in animals such as deer and mice, which play a role in the disease’s transmission cycle.\n\nSmith noted that the research center was established through funding authorized by the original Kay Hagan Tick Act and has contributed to ongoing efforts to better understand tick-borne diseases and effective prevention methods.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415673", "title": "Jersey Shore Online article on Manchester Twp.'s new, federally-funded police vehicles'Ten New Police Vehicles Unveiled In Manchester'", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Bob Vosseller\n\nPublished June 1, 2026\n\nMANCHESTER – It was a day of celebration with county and municipal officials joining special guest 4th District Congressman Christopher Smith for the dedication of 10 new police vehicles.\n\nPolice Chief Antonio Ellis welcomed the officials and guests who were present at the police headquarters on Colonial Drive. The vehicles were funded with no municipal tax burden through the Byrne Discretionary Grant Program.\n\nThis program supports projects designated for funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2022 (Public Law 117-103) that improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and assist victims of crime (other than compensation).\n\nEligible applicants are limited to those identified in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement (JES) for the projects designated for funding.\n\nTen new police vehicles were funded with no municipal tax burden through the Byrne Discretionary Grant Program. (Photo courtesy Manchester Police)\n\n(From left) Councilman Craig Wallis, Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins, Councilman James Vaccaro, Police Chief Antonio Ellis at the podium, Councilwoman/former Manchester Township Police Officer Sandra Drake, Council President Michele Zolezi, Fourth District Congressman Christopher Smith and Ocean County Commissioner/former mayor Robert Arace on the occasion of 10 new police vehicles that were unveiled at police headquarters. (Photo courtesy Manchester Police)\n\nThe congressman joined Ocean County Commissioners Jennifier Bacchione and Robert Arace, Mayor Joseph Hankins, Council members James Vaccaro, Michele Zolezi and Sandra Drake – a retired police officer – for the occasion.\n\nThe effort to secure the vehicles began several years ago when then-Police Chief Robert Dolan identified a serious concern as many vehicles in the department’s aging vehicle fleet were beyond operational limits and temporary fixes could no longer alleviate those issues.\n\nIn an effort to maintain the level of service the community desired, Chief Dolan reached out to Congressman Smith for assistance.\n\n“Our department – serving over 45,000 residents across 85 square miles – was facing increasing demands with limited resources. That’s when we put forward a comprehensive plan – focused on restoring reliability, safety, and sustainability, and that plan led to the real results we see before us today,” Ellis remarked.\n\nThrough Smith’s assistance, the township was awarded approximately $1.148 million through the Fiscal Year 2024 Byrne Discretionary Grant Program, which went toward purchasing nine new Chevy Tahoe SUVs and an animal control van.\n\nManchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis (left) shakes hands with 4th District Congressman Christopher Smith following the dedication of 10 new police vehicles. (Photo courtesy Manchester Police)\n\n“Special thanks to Chief Antonio Ellis, then-Mayor and now-Commissioner Rob Arace, then-Chief Robert Dolan, Mayor Joseph Hankins, and the entire Manchester Town Council for their tireless efforts to identify concerns with Manchester Township Police Department’s aging fleet of police vehicles and spearhead this critical request to the finish line,” Congressman Smith said.\n\n“Today is an amazing example of what good local governance can lead to. Their remarkable advocacy has reaped tangible benefits for the people of Manchester Township, the nine brand-new Chevy Tahoe SUVs and animal control van that stand before us will actively make Manchester safer and better equipped to fulfill the needs of its residents,” the congressman added.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/dont-spy-on-me-freedom-caucus-launches-video-highlighting-need-to-protect-americans-privacy", "title": "‘Don’t Spy on Me’: Freedom Caucus Launches Video Highlighting Need to Protect Americans’ Privacy", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Sean Moran | Breitbart\n\nThe Freedom Caucus launched a video, “Don’t Spy On Me,” highlighting many conservatives’ concerns with surveillance.\n\n“I don’t know any Americans that want Big Brother controlling our cars, tracking our money, or really just surveilling us from every corner that we turn,” Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) said.\n\nRep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) said, “But too often, the American people are left wondering, what’s the government doing trying to get in all their business?”\n\nCloud was referring to how automobiles and banks surveil more Americans than ever. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) have proposed legislation that would give drivers more control over their personal data collected by auto manufacturers without drivers’ consent.\n\n“Our privacy is not negotiable,” Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) said.\n\nRep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) said, “This is America, not some surveillance state. If they can spy on a member of Congress, they can spy on you.”\n\n“Look, under the Biden administration, there were nearly 3 million warrantless searches of American citizens. That’s unacceptable,” Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) explained.\n\n“Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) authorization, if you’re an American, you shouldn’t be spied on as a foreigner, but they did it anyhow,” Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), said.\n\nSection 702 is a surveillance authority meant to be used to spy on foreign adversaries; however, Americans’ private communications incidentally get surveilled without a warrant — contrary to the Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless surveillance. The surveillance authority will expire on June 12 if Congress does not pass a bill reauthorizing the legislation.\n\nConservatives have continued to press for reforms as Congress seeks to reauthorize Section 702 ahead of that deadline.\n\n“We want our intelligence community, our federal law enforcement community, that when they are going to surveil an American, they have to get a warrant,” Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) said. Many conservatives want to enact reforms that would bar intelligence agencies, federal law enforcement, and others from purchasing Americans’ private communications through third-party data brokers without a warrant.\n\n“It’s important that as we come to this June 12th end of FISA that we understand the importance of getting a warrant as we move forward,” Harris said. Congress has yet to find a framework that would reauthorize and reform Section 702 of FISA that could pass through both chambers of the legislative branch.\n\n“Don’t spy on me,” Norman concluded.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/release-congressman-cloud-applauds-wins-for-ccad-in-initial-release-of-the-2027-national-defense-authorization-act", "title": "RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Applauds Wins for CCAD in Initial Release of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Armed Services Committee released text for the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) containing several key victories that support national defense efforts and military infrastructure in the Coastal Bend, specifically at the Corpus Christi Army Depot.\n\nCongressman Cloud worked with the House Armed Services Committee to secure key provisions into the bill, including:\n\nAuthorizing the Secretary of War to adjust the Working Capital Fund for a covered depot, including CCAD, that generates debt as a result of a Government-directed mission changes.\n\nLanguage directing the Secretary of the Army to accelerate the modernization of the Army’s Organic Industrial Base.\n\nLimitations on the Secretary of the Army from decreasing workload at an Army depot by more than 10%.\n\nIncreased procurement funding for the Army’s rotary wing aircraft.\n\nModifications to Annual Department Reporting requirements for Depot-Level Maintenance and Repair Workloads. This will require public and private sector workload assessments for each covered depot, like CCAD, to increase oversight and workload compliance with the 50-50 rule under 10 U.S.C. § 2466.\n\n“These provisions deliver some long overdue policy updates to help modernize the business models of our Organic Industrial Bases sites, while putting in place measures to ensure workload transparency and accountability.” Rep. Cloud stated. “I am grateful to Chairman Rogers and the Armed Services Committee for including these provisions, and I am hopeful that we can finally address some of the core issues facing our Corpus Christi Army Depot, to ensure our Army’s overall readiness and lethality, while protecting our depot and artisan workforce. I look forward to continuing the fight for our district in this NDAA, and seeing it cross the finish line in both the House and the Senate,” Rep. Cloud concluded.\n\nThe NDAA is an annual package of legislation that outlines the budget, expenditures, and priorities for the Department of War. The bill now awaits full mark-up by the House Armed Services Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3808", "title": "De La Cruz Imposes Consequences for Mexico's Refusal to Comply with the 1944 Water Treaty", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delacruz.house.gov", "scraper": "delacruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000594", "name": "Monica De La Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for Rio Grande Farmers Act (WATER for Farmers Act). The legislation will impose tariffs on Mexico if they refuse to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. The funds collected from the tariffs will be allocated to the South Texas farmers impacted by missed water deliveries.\n\nDe La Cruz introduced the legislation alongside Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27), and Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22). Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the legislation in the Senate.\n\n\"For too long, the Mexican government has refused to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty, and South Texas farmers have faced the consequences. It's time to hold the Mexican government to their agreed-upon water deliveries, and, if not, impose tariffs to support the farmers who have suffered due to their inaction.\" – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder the 1944 Water Treaty, the Government of Mexico is required to deliver 350,000 acre-feet of water per year to the United States over a five-year cycle. However, consistent delivery delays have resulted in devastating economic consequences for South Texas farmers, including the closure of the last sugar mill in Texas.\n\nTo address this crisis, the WATER for Farmers Act would impose tariffs on Mexico if the government continues to violate the treaty by withholding obligated water deliveries.\n\nThe duties collected from these tariffs would fund a new \"South Texas Agricultural Compensation Trust Fund\" within the U.S. Treasury. At the discretion of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, this fund would provide financial compensation to South Texas farmers and producers who have suffered losses due to the Government of Mexico's non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4346", "title": "DelBene Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Require Warrants for Emails, Digital Records", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Warren Davidson (OH-08), along with Senators Mike Lee (UT) and Ron Wyden (OR) introduced the bipartisan Email Privacy Act, which would create updated privacy protections for emails and other personalized digital records.\n\nCurrently, law enforcement can obtain private email communications older than 180 days without a warrant because the law is based on outdated storage capabilities. Congress passed the Electronic Communications Privacy Act in the 1980s to establish email privacy standards. In the four decades since, usage and storage of email have evolved significantly, underscoring how behind the U.S. is in digital privacy more broadly.\n\nThis bill would protect Americans’ digital communications by requiring warrants to access emails regardless of when the message originated. The bill also includes provisions that will allow email providers (Gmail, Yahoo!, Hotmail, iCloud, etc.) to notify users when their data has been accessed, and updates voluntary disclosure language.\n\n“The current law governing online privacy standards is egregiously out of date, leaving millions of Americans’ private communications and data vulnerable,” said DelBene. “Our laws must reflect the capabilities of modern technology rather than being stuck in the past. Personal email communications and physical documents should be protected with the same level of security. This bill makes critical changes that will update email privacy standards and modernize Americans’ civil liberties.”\n\n“The Fourth Amendment is clear: the government must get a warrant before searching an individual’s private property, including written communications. As today’s world has grown increasingly digital, that principle should apply just as strongly to an email inbox as it does to a desk drawer or file cabinet,” said Davidson. “That’s exactly why I’m proud to cosponsor the Email Privacy Act—to ensure our freedoms carry into the digital world and that all communications are protected as the Founders intended. Congress must pass this commonsense legislation so Americans’ rights are fully respected in the 21st century.”\n\n“Americans should not lose their Fourth Amendment protections simply because their private communications are stored with a third-party provider. By eliminating the outdated 180-day rule and requiring the government to obtain a warrant for the contents of emails and other electronic communications, this legislation brings ECPA into line with the realities of the 21st century,” said Lee.\n\n“Right now, the only thing standing between the government and warrantless access to all of the old emails in your inbox is a federal appeals court decision. That's not good enough when it comes to Fourth Amendment protections for one of the fundamental forms of communication right now. I’m proud to partner with a bipartisan coalition to put clear protections for Americans' rights into black-letter law,” said Wyden.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the ACLU, Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Association for Competitive Technology, Center for Democracy & Technology, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Consumer Choice Center, Consumer Technology Association, Demand Progress, Due Process Institute, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Engine, Fight for the Future, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Institute for Policy Innovation, Internet Infrastructure Coalition – I2Coalition, NetChoice, Project On Government Oversight, R Street Institute, Restore the Fourth, Software & Information Industry Association, TechFreedom, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\n\nDelBene is also the author of a comprehensive national data privacy bill that would put Americans back in control of their data.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2630", "title": "Donalds Releases Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Southwest Florida Residents", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "donalds.house.gov", "scraper": "donalds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000032", "name": "Byron Donalds", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "— EMERGENCY RESOURCES —\n\nFlorida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM):\n\nStatewide List of Shelters Open to the Public\n\nDisaster Supply Kit Checklist\n\nHome Resiliency Checklist\n\nStatewide Evacuation Zone Information\n\nSpecial Needs Registry Sign-Up\n\nMake a Plan for Your Pets\n\nMake a Plan for Your Livestock\n\nGenerator Safety Information\n\nFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):\n\nRegister with FEMA\n\nDownload the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts and safety tips (available in English and Spanish)\n\nOffice of Response and Recovery\n\nAssistance After a Disaster\n\nTools to Recover\n\nPrograms to Support Recovery\n\nOther Resources:\n\nCollier County Emergency Management\n\nLee County Emergency Management\n\nNOAA Tropical Weather Outlook\n\nStatewide Public School Closure Information\n\nList of Public Shelters in Lee County\n\nList of Public Shelters in Collier County\n\nHow to Find Fuel in Collier County\n\nHow to Find Fuel in Lee County\n\nEmergency Supply Kit Checklist\n\nEmergency Hotlines:\n\nEmergency Medical Services – 911\n\nCollier County Emergency Hotline – 311 or (239) 252-8444\n\nCollier County Emergency Management – (239) 252- 3600\n\nLee County Storm Hotline – 211\n\nLee County Emergency Management – (239) 533-0622\n\nFlorida Price Gouging Hotline – (866) 966-7226\n\nFlorida Division of Emergency Management – (850) 815-4000\n\nOffice of Congressman Byron Donalds – (202) 225-2536\n\nIn addition, the State of Florida has enacted a permanent sales tax exemption on select disaster preparedness supplies. For a full list of qualified items, visit HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7473", "title": "Rep. Estes Leads Letter to Reissue the Protect Life Rule", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "estes.house.gov", "scraper": "estes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000298", "name": "Ron Estes", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Ron Estes (KS-04) led a letter alongside U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) urging Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reissue the Protect Life Rule to restore crucial safeguards to the Title X Family Planning Program.\n\nReissuing the Protect Life Rule, which previously eliminated abortion referral mandates and separated Title X funding from abortion activities, the goal is to reverse Biden-era policies and ensure taxpayer dollars do not fund the abortion industry.\n\nDuring the first Trump Administration, the organization withdrew from the program to avoid complying with the rule. Although the Biden Administration later rescinded the Protect Life Rule – permitting clinic co-location and requiring abortion referrals – the Trump Administration's Spring 2025 Unified Agenda signals intent to reinstate the Protect Life Rule.\n\nCongressman Ron Estes previously led a letter in 2018 on the Protect Life Rule.\n\n“For too long, the Biden administration forced a deeply flawed mandate on the Title X program, forcing hard-working Americans to effectively subsidize the abortion industry through their tax dollars. Leading this letter is about restoring basic program integrity,” Congressman Ron Estes said. “By reissuing the Protect Life Rule, the Trump Administration will once again draw a bright, undeniable line of physical and financial separation between actual family planning services and elective abortion activities. We must ensure our federal resources protect innocent life rather than funding its destruction.”\n\n“We’re counting on the Trump administration to restore this policy and ensure that Title X funds cannot be used to perform or support abortions. The Biden administration flagrantly disregarded both the letter of the law and congressional intent, illegally mandating that abortion and abortion services be actively promoted through this program,” U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus said. “With this bicameral letter, we’re sending a clear, unified message that it’s time to do right by the law, the American taxpayers, and unborn children.”\n\n“The Protect Life Rule cements the fundamental directive that the federal government is never to be involved in the business of abortion either directly or indirectly. For the majority of Americans who are fundamentally opposed to this barbaric and entirely demeaning practice, the Protect Life Rule remains an ironclad safeguard for the sanctity of human life,” Congresswoman Virginia Foxx said. “The tax dollars of hardworking Americans must be given the due deference they deserve – not a single cent should be used to fund Title X programs where abortion is deliberately misconstrued and interpreted as a method of family planning.”\n\nYou may click HERE to read Congressman Estes’ full letter to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy.\n\nSupporting organizations of this letter include: SBA Pro-Life America, National Right to Life, March for Life Action, Family Research Council, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and Catholic Vote.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-to-longview-mill-pay-your-workers", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez to Longview Mill: Pay Your Workers", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LONGVIEW, WA – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez sent a letter to executives at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company asking them to clarify their commitment to pay Longview millworkers during an ongoing investigation by the Chemical Safety Board. The mill in Longview was the site of a devastating industrial incident last week that killed 11 workers.\n\nIn the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, Nippon Dynawave staff made a verbal commitment to pay its workers for the duration of the investigation. Now they seem to be walking that back, telling workers they’ll only be paid through June 7, 2026. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s letter asks for clarity on the company’s commitments, and urges them to pay workers for the complete duration of any investigation.\n\n“A community must come together in a time of tragedy. These are our friends, our neighbors, our families, and we need to make sure they’re being taken care of,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m deeply concerned – if the company doesn’t stand by its commitment to pay workers, it’s just going to pile on even more hardship for people who are already uncertain about the future of their livelihoods.”\n\nThe mill employs 550 people and is a critical part of the local economy. The letter expresses concern that this skilled workforce, which took generations to build, needs certainty and support to ensure the future of the mill and the industry overall.\n\nRead the letter here.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6087", "title": "Rep. Jimmy Gomez Meets with Hunger-Striking Detainees During Oversight Visit at Adelanto ICE Detention Facility", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ADELANTO, CA – Today, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) returned to the Adelanto Detention Center to meet with detainees on a hunger strike protesting conditions inside the facility.\n\nRelated News", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-leads-intelligence-committee-trip-to-the-uae-and-asia-with-clear-message-end-irans-threats-strengthen-american-alliances", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer Leads Intelligence Committee Trip to the UAE and Asia with Clear Message: End Iran’s Threats, Strengthen American Alliances", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Gottheimer meets with the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), released the following statement after leading a HPSCI Congressional delegation (CODEL) to the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and the Philippines.\n\nIn the UAE, Gottheimer was honored to meet with Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran, regional security, artificial intelligence, and energy security cooperation.\n\nThe group also discussed rising antisemitism and extremism and both nations’ shared commitment to combating hate and extremist ideologies.\n\nIn Thailand and the Philippines, Gottheimer met with senior officials to discuss shared efforts to strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific and counter the destabilizing influence of bad actors around the world, including China, North Korea, and Iran.\n\n“The United States and the UAE are close partners, and I am grateful for the warmth our hosts extended throughout this trip,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “The UAE has stood firm throughout Iran’s relentless missile and drone attacks on Emirati cities and demonstrated the enduring strength of the Abraham Accords by engaging in a deeper partnership with Israel than ever before. We are completely aligned that Iran cannot continue threatening its neighbors.”\n\nGottheimer continued, “We also had productive discussions on artificial intelligence and energy cooperation that underscored the strength of what our two societies can build. Together, we are forging a partnership that will define the future of AI and energy innovation.”\n\nThe US-UAE partnership spans decades, rooted in shared interests in regional stability, economic cooperation, and countering Iran and other malign actors. The UAE is among America’s closest partners in the Middle East, a core architect of the Abraham Accords, and a valued ally of the United States.\n\nCongressman Gottheimer is a member of HPSCI and serves as the Ranking Member of the National Security Agency & Cyber Subcommittee.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/grijalva-kelly-gallego-demand-answers-on-proposed-closure-of-tucson-indian-health-service-area-office", "title": "Grijalva, Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers on Proposed Closure of Tucson Indian Health Service Area Office", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tucson, AZ — Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva, alongside Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services requesting answers regarding the proposed closure of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Tucson Area Office.\n\n“The Tucson Area Office facilitates essential health services for nearly 28,000 patients in coordination with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tohono O'odham Nation. Merging these offices will require patients and staff to travel as long as two hours to visit the closest Area Office, exacerbating bureaucratic delays, communication failures, and service disruptions. The Tucson Office also provides specialized, local services, including dedicated Area Diabetes Consultants which the Phoenix office may be unable to replicate,” said the lawmakers in the letter.\n\nThe letter follows a press conference hosted by Rep. Grijalva this morning, where Tribal leaders, local elected officials, and community advocates raised concerns about the proposed elimination of the Tucson Area Office and its potential impact on Tribal communities across Southern Arizona.\n\nAbout the Tucson Area Indian Health Service: The Tucson Area Indian Health Service (IHS) works in partnership with the Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe in providing technical assistance to the primary health care and community outreach services of the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and a growing and diverse urban Indian population. The Area also provides urban health care services through the Tucson Indian Center, which provides community health outreach, education, prevention, and referral services, including case management, advocacy, and transportation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/01/leader-jeffries-on-cnn-immigration-enforcement-in-this-country-should-be-humane-and-nothing-we-saw-at-delaney-hall-suggests-that/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: “IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IN THIS COUNTRY SHOULD BE HUMANE, AND NOTHING WE SAW AT DELANEY HALL SUGGESTS THAT”", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, where he emphasized that the Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration is out of control and that Democrats are committed to ensuring immigration enforcement is conducted in a manner that is consistent with American values.\n\nERIN BURNETT: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries just visited the facility, and he is now OutFront. And Leader Jeffries, I appreciate your time. So I just detailed a few of the allegations out there, but can you tell me specifically what did you see and witness during your visit that convinced you that Delaney Hall has to be shut down?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good evening, thanks for having me on. Listen, Donald Trump promised that immigration enforcement in this country was going to target violent felons and the worst of the worst. That’s not what has happened. Taxpayer dollars are being used to brutalize or kill American citizens, which is what we horrifically saw happen in Minneapolis, or to violently target law-abiding immigrant families.Not a single person who we spoke with at Delaney Hall yesterday was a violent felon, someone who had been convicted of a crime or presented a danger, as far as we can tell, to the community. In fact, we spent a good amount of time with an 18-year-old girl who was a month away from finishing her high school graduation and has been detained now in Delaney Hall for months, who also appears to be here on a U visa, which is available for juveniles, and has been ripped away from her family, including her two children siblings, who are here as American citizens. We also spent some time talking to a whole lot of folks with serious medical conditions who clearly have not gotten basic medical care. Now, immigration enforcement in this country, it should be fair, just and humane, and nothing that we saw at Delaney Hall or that people have previously experienced at Delaney Hall suggest that that is what is taking place, and that’s why we believe it should be shut down.\n\nERIN BURNETT: So the acting Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security had a comment about your claims and other criticisms, saying, “Sanctuary politicians are spreading categorically false smears about ICE’s Delaney Hall facility in New Jersey. These types of smears are inciting violent riots outside the ICE facility in New Jersey. No lawbreakers in the history of human civilization have been better treated than illegal aliens.” What do you say to that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, it’s a wildly irresponsible claim, but this is what we should expect from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, which is deeply unpopular with the American people, or from the Trump administration. Not a day goes by without them peddling a lie to the American People. And they obviously are trying to distract from the fact that the administration has been a total failure—a failure on the economy, a failure of immigration enforcement, a failure as it relates to this reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East, which has caused gas prices to skyrocket for tens of millions of everyday Americans all across the country. We will continue to encourage people who show up outside of Delaney Hall to comply with the law and to peacefully demonstrate consistent with the First Amendment at the same period of time as Members of Congress, led by the New Jersey Congressional delegation, particularly LaMonica McIver and Rob Menendez, who have done a tremendous job, are going to continue to exercise our constitutional responsibility to engage in oversight to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent consistent with American values.\n\nERIN BURNETT: I want to ask you about something else, if I may, Leader Jeffries, and this is a report from our KFILE tonight about Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Democratic socialist. She’s endorsed by the New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani. She is challenging the incumbent Congressman, Adriano Espaillat. Now, she deleted a previous Twitter account, but KFILE found a lot of the deleted posts and reposts, and I just wanted to share a couple of them with you. One of them is Avila Chevalier responding to a user asking what a better slogan would be than defund the police by posting, “F— you. We’re going to defund and abolish. You don’t get to water down our movement.” There is another one. This one’s from 2020, so obviously prior to any of the conflict in the Middle East, in which Chevalier reposted a tweet, which responded to a social media prompt. The prompt asked, “Israel suddenly disappears. Your third emoji is your reaction.” And then she reposted a tweet that said, “Trick question. Israel doesn’t exist.” Now, Leader Jeffries, she has not disavowed these posts. She did tell CNN, “I have grown considerably since in the years since these tweets.” And you have endorsed her opponent, Congressman Espaillat. But, you know, those views, if she’s elected, do those views have a home in your Caucus in the Democratic Party?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, the voters are ultimately going to decide this primary election, and Adriano Espaillat, in my view, is going to win. Adriano Espaillat has been a tremendous leader. He’s leading in terms of battling Donald Trump. He’s leading as it relates to battling and pushing back against ICE’s violent mass deportation machine. And he’s been one of the leaders in pushing back against Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice. I’m unfamiliar with his particular primary opponent. Obviously, the language that she’s used, as is the case with any candidate, speaks for itself, and she’s gonna have to explain herself, of course, to the people of Harlem, the people of Washington Heights and the people of the Bronx. We’re going to continue to stand firmly behind Representative Espaillat. He’s got a track record of accomplishment, but more importantly, a progressive vision for the future to make life better for the people he represents.\n\nERIN BURNETT: Okay, so it’s clear where you stand, I mean, who you’ve endorsed, right? You say she has to speak for herself on those posts, but Mayor Mamdani praised her. Now, he didn’t address the controversial posts, okay, but he said, “At a time when power is concentrated in fewer and fewer hands, Darializa will fight in Congress for New York’s working families. She’s the champion we need for a city New Yorkers can actually afford.” Are you disappointed in that response given just those examples that I shared? Does it surprise you that Mayor Mamdani would say that?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: The mayor and I have agreed to strongly disagree as it relates to this particular race. And we, as House Democrats—certainly Members of the New York delegation, but also the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, Members of goodwill in terms of the organized labor movement who are strongly behind Adriano Espaillat—we’ve got to put the work in over the next few weeks to make sure that his track record is clear, can’t be distorted and that Adriano Espaillat is able to communicate the fact that he is an actual genuine leader who lifts people up as opposed to trying to tear people down.\n\nERIN BURNETT: Leader Hakeem Jeffries, I appreciate your time and thank you very much.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/01/openly-lgbtqi-representatives-house-democratic-leadership-celebrate-pride-month-2026/", "title": "Openly-LGBTQI+ Representatives & House Democratic Leadership Celebrate Pride Month 2026", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — In recognition of Pride Month, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus and the leadership of the House Democratic Caucus released the following statements:\n\n“Pride Month is more than rainbows and parades, it is a protest—a demand for fairness, dignity, and equality under the law,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and lead sponsor of the Equality Act. “As Trump and the Republican Party continue to wage their war of bigotry and hate against our community, targeting our most vulnerable members and undermining our equality, the Congressional Equality Caucus is leading the fight to oppose their attacks. I am humbled and immensely proud to have the honor of leading this coalition with my fellow openly-LGBTQI+ Representatives as we fight to protect and secure the rights of every person to live and to love openly and authentically.”\n\n“During Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community while reaffirming our commitment to strengthening protections and advancing equality for every American,” said Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “Everyone deserves to live free from hate, discrimination and fear. This month and every month, House Democrats are committed to doing everything that we can to protect and defend the LGBTQ+ community as Republicans try to turn back the clock on progress. I am proud to fight alongside the Congressional Equality Caucus to ensure that America lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.”\n\n“Pride is both a celebration and a call to action,” said Democratic Whip Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-05). “I’m proud to stand with the Equality Caucus in commemorating the strength and resilience of those LGBTQ+ icons who blazed the trail while redoubling our fight against those who want to drag us backward. Democrats’ mission is simple: we’re fighting for the freedom of all people, the dignity of every American, and a future worthy of all our children.”\n\n“This Pride Month, we honor the history, strength and invaluable contributions of the LGBTQI+ community,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “While progress has been made, the fight for equality is far from over. Donald Trump and Republicans continue to target the LGBTQI+ community by attacking their fundamental rights and spreading divisive rhetoric. House Democrats remain committed to fighting for equality, respect and opportunity for all, and I’m proud to be in this fight with my colleagues in the Congressional Equality Caucus.”\n\n“Pride is a time to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community’s strength, joy, and perseverance in the face of oppression,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “While Trump has targeted our community, especially our transgender siblings, with anti-equality rhetoric and policies that seek to undermine our rights, we will not give up. In honoring the spirit of Pride, I’m grateful to help co-lead the Equality Caucus by fighting every day to defend against these attacks and to advance LGBTQI+ equality here in Congress.”\n\n“Pride month is a time to celebrate the resilience, vibrance and contributions of the LGBTQI+ community in Minnesota and across our country,” said Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “But this Pride Month, as we honor the progress we’ve made, we must also recognize that the fight for equality is far from over. As a Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus, I’m proud to stand with my colleagues against all forms of hate and discrimination as we continue the fight for progress.”\n\n“Pride Month is a celebration of the resilience, joy, and strength of LGBTQI+ Americans — and a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over,” said Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As extremist politicians try to roll back hard-fought freedoms, we must keep standing up for every person’s right to live openly, safely, and authentically. I’m proud to represent LGBTQI+ Kansans in Congress and will keep fighting to ensure everyone has the freedom and opportunity to thrive.”\n\n“Pride month marks the hard-fought progress that we’ve achieved as a community and brings people together in support of full equality and a future where everyone can live as their authentic selves,” said Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “We must confront hate and intolerance and keep marching forward to ensure all Americans have the same freedoms, rights, and responsibilities.”\n\n“As a child of the Bronx who grew up in public housing, I was petrified to come out of the closet in my youth,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Now, as the first openly LGBTQ+ Afro-Latino Member of Congress, I feel the weight of history on my shoulders. I know firsthand the discrimination members of the LGBTQ+ community face and am determined to make a positive change for my community. This Pride, I am thinking about how we are both so close and yet so far to realizing the full vision of equality in America. It’s crucial that we aggressively combat LGBTQ+ discrimination with federal action. Millions of Americans still live in fear of losing their jobs, homes, or livelihoods because of who they are and whom they love. Happy Pride. Let’s never give up on the fight.”\n\n“I am motivated and energized by incredible queer activists and politicians who came before me, like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk and Barney Frank, who remind me that small, daily acts of bravery can grow into a lasting movement for equality,” said Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “This Pride Month, I want everyone in the queer community to find an opportunity to celebrate their courage and their strength. As the first openly queer Vermonter in Congress, I will continue to bring both joy and ferocity to my work defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.”\n\n“This Pride Month, I’m thinking about every LGBTQ+ kid who deserves to grow up seeing that there’s a place for them in this country, and that there are people willing to fight for them,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the first LGBTQ+ immigrant elected to Congress, I carry that responsibility every single day. I’m proud to stand with our community this month and we will keep advocating so every LGBTQ+ American can live openly, safely, and proudly.”\n\n“Pride Month is a celebration of courage, community, and the freedom to live openly and authentically. As the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress from Illinois, I know how important representation and visibility can be for people who just want to feel seen, valued, and safe,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “While we celebrate the progress we’ve made, we also recognize the work still ahead to protect the rights and dignity of every LGBTQ+ American. I’ll keep fighting for a country where everyone can live with pride, equality, and opportunity.”\n\n“This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while recognizing that the fight for equality is far from over,” said Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the Trump Administration continues to enable attacks on LGBTQIA+ Americans across the country, I remain committed to defending our community and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms. Through comprehensive federal protections like the Equality Act, we are calling on Congress to finally deliver on the promise of equal rights under the law. As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I will never back down from this fight.”\n\n“Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ community — and a reminder of the power we hold when we lead with compassion, courage, and authenticity,” said Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “This month, we honor the generations of LGBTQ Americans, including the example of those in Delaware, whose voices expanded freedom in our country, and recommit ourselves to the work still ahead. Even in the face of indignities, Pride shows us year after year that progress is driven by resilience and by people choosing hope over fear, solidarity over division, and love over hate. This month, and every month, we stand together — for dignity, for equality, and for a world where every person is free to thrive.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-democratic-womens-caucus-colleagues-urge-dhs-to-reinstate-protections-for-immigrant-survivors-immediately/", "title": "Brownley, Democratic Women’s Caucus Colleagues Urge DHS to Reinstate Protections for Immigrant Survivors Immediately", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "juliabrownley.house.gov", "scraper": "juliabrownley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001285", "name": "Julia Brownley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) member Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), DWC Executive Steering Committee member Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), DWC member Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), and 32 DWC colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging him to immediately reinstate protections to help immigrant survivors escape abuse, stay safe, and seek justice without fear of deportation. This letter follows consistent abuse of immigrant survivors at the hands of ICE, including a harrowing report about a mother of two who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after testifying against her ex-boyfriend for choking her until she lost consciousness then raping her. In the letter, the members also requested a meeting with Secretary Mullin to further discuss the importance of protecting survivors.\n\nIn the letter, the members explain that the Trump administration’s policies are continuing to put immigrant survivors at risk, despite demands from DWC that DHS act to protect them. The letter highlights multiple cases where ICE detained women after they sought help after abuse. This has created a chilling effect that prevents immigrant survivors from reporting violence, accessing health care, or seeking supportive services.\n\nIn the letter, DWC members explain that immigrant women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner violence because abusers often exploit survivors’ immigration status to maintain control and prevent them from seeking help:\n\n“Immigrant women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner violence—experiencing intimate partner violence at a rate of 49%, which is three times the national average. This is in part because abusers can use survivors’ immigration status, to wield control, manipulating survivors not to report the abuse. In 2025, 75.6% of advocates reported that the immigrant survivors they help have concerns about contacting the police; 70.3% reported that immigrant survivors are concerned about going to court for a matter related to their abuser; and 50% reported that immigrant survivors chose not to report their abuser out of fear. The lack of reporting also means that abusers remain in our communities- making all of us less safe.”\n\nThe members also highlight that the Trump administration has weakened longstanding protections for immigrant survivors of domestic violence from the Violence Against Women Act:\n\n“In December 2025, USCIS published updates to its Policy Manual that significantly weakened longstanding protections for immigrant survivors of domestic violence under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The new narrow the definitions of ‘battery and extreme cruelty,’ raise evidentiary burdens through a stricter interpretation of the ‘any credible evidence’ standard, and impose new good moral character guidelines that ignore the realities survivors face—including trauma’s effect on memory, abusers’ control over documents, and language and cultural barriers. These changes reward abusers by making it harder for survivors to self-petition for relief which goes against the intent of VAWA. Without protections in place for survivors to report violence coupled with stories about enforcement actions at courthouses and other sensitive locations, immigrant survivors are left with no safe avenues to report their abuse.”\n\nDWC members close the letter by calling on DHS to change policies that are protecting perpetrators:\n\n“Your Department must re-evaluate their policies to ensure that immigrant women survivors of intimate partner violence and other crimes can seek safety without fear. Your Department is punishing victims rather than perpetrators, which contradicts your Department and the President’s stated priority to keep our communities safe and get violent offenders off our streets. Your policies are instead protecting violent offenders, leaving many women vulnerable, scared, with their safety at real risk. Effective enforcement depends on survivors being able to safely report crime. Congress created survivor-based protections to support law enforcement and] improve public safety. A victim-centered approach strengthens enforcement, increases accountability, and makes us all safer. The Democratic Women’s Caucus stands with all survivors, and we implore your Department to undo these dangerous immigration policies and restore protections that allow survivors to escape abuse and receive the resources they need to heal. They deserve to find support without the looming threat of deportation. As you assume your new position, we would like to request a meeting with you to discuss this issue further. We look forward to your timely response.”\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nIn addition to Brownley and letter leads Debbie Dingell and Gwen Moore, the letter was signed by Yassamin Ansari, Nanette Barragán, Joyce Beatty, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Jasmine Crockett, Lois Frankel, Sylvia Garcia, Adelita Grijalva, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Summer Lee, Teresa Leger Fernández, Sarah McBride, Betty McCollum, LaMonica McIver, Kelly Morrison, Brittany Pettersen, Delia Ramirez, Luz Rivas, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Lateefah Simon, Haley Stevens, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson.\n\nThis is a follow up to the Democratic Women’s Caucus’s January letter calling on DHS to reinstate protections for immigrant survivors with pending T and U visa applications. This letter is part of DWC’s ongoing efforts to call out DHS on how their policies harm women, including at a hearing entitled: “The Assault of Women By Trump’s ICE & CBP” and in several oversight letters (see here, here, and here).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2444", "title": "With Some Vehicles Registering More than 150,000 Miles, Kennedy Announces $1.8 Million in Federal Funds for Buffalo Airport to Replace Shuttle Vans", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Kennedy: A Modern Airport Deserves Modern Amenities - New Vans Will Put Buffalo’s Best Foot Forward and Ensure Travelers Can Ride in Safety & Comfort\n\nFunding Secured by Kennedy in Federal Budget Will Replace Four Vans in Airport’s Parking Lot Shuttle Fleet\n\nCHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) was joined by leadership from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to announce $1.8 million in federal funding he secured that will replace four of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport’s parking lot shuttle vans. With several of the vans registering more than 150,000 miles and showing wear and tear from thousands of airport parking lot pick ups and drop offs, the new vans will ensure that travelers using the busiest airport in the state outside of New York City can get to their destination safely and comfortably. Surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the airport sees 11,000 passengers per day and has surpassed 5 million travelers in each of the last two years. Most importantly, the airport generates $1.7 billion in annual economic activity, supports nearly 14,000 jobs, and generates $139 million in state and local taxes. The NFTA continues to aggressively pursue Canadian passengers, with approximately 30% of passenger traffic originating from neighboring Ontario. New shuttle vans will ensure the airport remains competitive with its peers on both sides of the border, offering the latest amenities to families that are on the move.\n\n“The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the first impression tens of thousands of visitors have of our region, and we have to put our best foot forward,” said Congressman Kennedy. “With the airport’s fleet of parking lot shuttle vans aging and racking up miles on the odometer, these new vans mean that families traveling in and out of the Buffalo Niagara region will be able to enjoy comfort and the latest amenities every step of the way from the parking lot to their gate.”\n\n“We are grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy for his continued support of public transportation and his commitment to investing in cleaner, more accessible mobility solutions for our community,” said Kim Minkel, Executive Director of the NFTA. “This funding will help the NFTA modernize its fleet at the Buffalo Airport with electric airport shuttle vans. This will help us improve reliability, sustainability, and the overall customer experience. We appreciate Congressman Kennedy’s partnership in helping us move our region forward.”\n\nThe Buffalo Niagara International Airport offers more than 100 flights per day to 31 locations across North America. In 2025, J.D. Power & Associates ranked among the highest in the nation among medium-sized airports for customer satisfaction. Last month, Kennedy announced another $8.7 million in federal funds to replace up to eight existing passenger boarding bridges, along with new ground power units.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/06/01/congressman-congressman-kevin-mullin-and-keith-self-introduce-bill-to-improve-access-to-care-for-veterans-with-hearing-loss/", "title": "New Bill to Support Veterans with Hearing Loss", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15) along with Congressman Keith Self (TX-03) introduced the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act which would improve access to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for eligible veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This bill is a companion to S. 3739, introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).\n\nHearing loss is by far the most prevalent service-connected disability among American veterans. In 2017, President Trump signed into law legislation directing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a category of over-the-counter hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.\n\nMany veterans experience long wait times for audiology appointments, particularly in rural or high-demand areas. FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids are intended to expand access and fill this gap.\n\n“I know firsthand how essential hearing aids are for people with hearing loss to stay connected to their families, their communities, and the world around them,” said Congressman Mullin.“Our veterans deserve reliable access to high-quality hearing care and the support they need to live healthy, independent lives after their service. No veteran who sacrificed for our country should feel as though they have to choose between their hearing and affording other necessities. In Congress, I will always work to ensure that all Americans have access to hearing support that helps them continue living full, connected lives.”\n\n“The VA has a responsibility to use taxpayer dollars wisely while improving care for veterans,” said Congressman Self. “By evaluating lower cost hearing aid options that can still deliver strong results, we have the opportunity to improve healthcare and access to treatment, all while reducing costs for the VA.”\n\nVeterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act:\n\nThe Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act would establish a two-year pilot program to evaluate the use of FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, subject to clinical supervision and VA oversight.\n\nRequire the VA Secretary to select at least two VA medical facilities in different Veterans Integrated Services Networks to conduct the pilot; and\n\nRequire an interim report after the first year and a final report to Congress evaluating the program’s findings, effectiveness, and fiscal impact of the program on the VA.\n\nIf successful, the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act aims to reduce costs at VA.\n\nThis bill is supported by: American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Concerned Veterans for America, Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), AARP, and Consumer Technology Association (CTA).\n\n“Establishing a demonstration program in the Veterans Administration to test coverage of over-the-counter hearing aids will improve the quality of life for numerous veterans. This demonstration project will also provide data and insights into how access to self-guided hearing technologies can bring value to the VA by improving health outcomes at lower costs,” said Megan O’Reilly, Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP. “The demonstration project created by this bill will test the benefit of professional-fitted prescription hearing aids compared to self-guided over-the-counter hearing aids. Learnings from this two-year demonstration will help guide policy and coverage decisions so that more Americans can have access to affordable, high-quality hearing health care. AARP applauds your bipartisan leadership in caring for our nation’s military service members and your interest in improving hearing health for all Americans.”\n\n“The Hearing Loss Association of America is proud to support the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act. Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common service-connected disabilities, yet far too many veterans face obstacles when seeking the hearing health care they need. By allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the use of FDA-approved, self-fitting over-the-counter hearing aids, this legislation offers a practical solution that could expand access, reduce costs, and empower veterans to take an active role in managing their hearing health. We commend Congressmen Self and Mullin for their leadership and look forward to working together to get this legislation passed,” said Barbara Kelley, Executive Director, HLAA.\n\n“CTA strongly supports the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act because it puts affordable, over-the-counter innovation to work for veterans,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA. “CTA has long championed policies that expand access to safe, effective OTC hearing aids, and this legislation builds on that commitment by cutting red tape, reducing costs, and delivering faster access to hearing care for veterans—while also saving taxpayer dollars.”\n\n“ADA applauds representatives Self and Mullin for introducing the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act,” said Jill Davis, Au.D., President, ADA. “Authorizing audiologists to make clinical determinations about the appropriateness of OTC hearing aids for their veteran patients will support innovation and flexibility, while maintaining necessary safeguards. This legislation will ensure that veterans have the same access to all safe and effective options for the treatment of mild-to-moderate hearing loss that are already available to other Americans.”\n\n“The American Legion is proud to support the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act. This legislation establishes a two-year pilot program to expand access to over-the-counter, self-fitting hearing aids for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. By modernizing outdated VA processes and reducing barriers to care, this bill ensures that veterans can obtain the hearing support they need quickly and affordably… On behalf of our 1.5 million members, The American Legion thanks the sponsors of this bipartisan legislation for advancing practical, cost-effective solutions that enhance veterans’ health care and independence,” said Cole Lyle, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R) Director, The American Legion.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/catch-kim-june-01-2026-letter-congresswoman", "title": "Catch Up with Kim -- June 01, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Catch Up with Kim -- June 01, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman\nJune 1, 2026\nNewsletters\nImage\nBack to top button", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/ehime-university-partners-pss-school-meal-project", "title": "Ehime University Partners with PSS on School Meal Project", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "We’re proud to see a recent feature in The Mainichi, one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious newspapers, highlighting the work of students from Ehime University in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, who are partnering with schools in Saipan through the “Marianas Kyushoku Project.” The article focused on efforts to address food waste in our public school meal programs while strengthening educational and cultural ties between Japan and the CNMI. The students have been traveling to Saipan to study school meal conditions, conduct surveys, and work directly with our Public School System and nutrition officials to better understand why so much food is going uneaten. Their research found that in some schools, nearly two-thirds of meals served were discarded in a single day. In response, they are helping develop practical solutions such as improving menus, encouraging healthier eating habits, and testing new approaches in school cafeterias. The students are taking the time to learn from our community and work alongside local educators and families to find solutions together. Their efforts reflect the enduring relationship between Japan and the CNMI, a connection rooted in generations of shared history and friendship that continues to this day.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/welcome-avah", "title": "Welcome Avah!", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Please join me in welcoming Avah Torres to the Congressional Office for the summer. Avah is an incoming junior at Colorado State University majoring in Health and Exercise Science with a concentration in Health Promotion. She is excited to learn more about public health and how community-focused programs and policies can improve the health and well-being of others. As an aspiring occupational therapist, Avah is passionate about helping individuals improve their quality of life through supportive, community-centered care. We are excited to have her on the team this summer and look forward to the perspective and energy she brings. Welcome, Avah!", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4200", "title": "Larsen Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced the launch of the 2026 Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The annual competition accepts entries through Monday, October 26, 2026, is open to high school and middle school students who live in or attend school in Washington state’s 2nd congressional district.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to learn coding and computer science skills and schools to expand access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Students can compete in the CAC by creating an application for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices such as robotics and wearable technology. The CAC accepts any programming language, including C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or \"block code.\"\n\n“The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to sharpen and show off their coding skills,” said Rep. Larsen, whose office has participated in the CAC every year since its inaugural competition in 2015. “Northwest Washington is a leader in STEM education for young people, and I look forward to seeing the region’s coding talent showcased in this year’s entries.”\n\nLast year’s winners, Dylan Pham and Henry Pham from Explorer Middle School in Everett, designed an app called “Epidemic Wars: The 2100 Era” which seeks to educate people about vaccines and the immune system to combat vaccine misinformation.\n\nStudents can sign up to participate and read the full competition rules at the Congressional App Challenge website. Students have until 9:00 a.m. PST on Monday, October 26, 2026, to register and submit their entries, but CAC organizers recommend students register early to receive extra support and tips.\n\nRep. Larsen will announce a district winner in December and invite the winner to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Science Fair in Washington, D.C. in April of 2027. Winning apps will be electronically displayed in the U.S. Capitol and on the CAC’s house.gov website.\n\nStudents and STEM educators who want to learn more about the competition should reach out to Jessica Zuleta at Jessica.Zuleta@mail.house.gov or at (425) 252-3188. Competing students who would like to publish their Congressional App Challenge entry and receive a certification and free sticker should visit Hack Club’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/after-26-years-rep-mike-levin-and-army-corps-secure-federal-plan-to-bring-sand-back-to-oceansides-beaches", "title": "After 26 Years, Rep. Mike Levin and Army Corps Secure Federal Plan to Bring Sand Back to Oceanside’s Beaches", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "levin.house.gov", "scraper": "levin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000593", "name": "Mike Levin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch Rep. Levin’s Full Remarks Here\n\nOCEANSIDE, CA — Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) today announced a breakthrough in the decades-long fight to restore Oceanside’s eroding coastline: after 26 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a draft plan to bring sand back to the city’s beaches through long-term beach nourishment. He was joined by Mayor Esther Sanchez, Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce, the Army Corps, local business owner Donna Kalez, and environmental advocate Bob Ashton.\n\nThe announcement comes as the Army Corps completes its spring dredge of Oceanside Harbor, placing 320,000 cubic yards of sand on local beaches just in time for summer — the largest replenishment the city has seen in years.\n\nThe Corps’ recommended approach is beach nourishment on a regular renourishment cycle: sand placed directly on Oceanside’s beaches, with no seawalls or hard structures. The Corps identified it as the most technically feasible, most environmentally acceptable, and lowest-cost way to mitigate erosion and restore the shoreline. The plan complements the City of Oceanside’s RE:BEACH initiative, which is designed to keep nourished sand in place longer. The draft is open for public comment through June 30, 2026. The Corps will then complete a Report from the Chief of Engineers to recommend the plan to Congress to authorize and fund for construction.\n\nFor more than 80 years, the harbor at Camp Pendleton — built by the federal government in 1942 — has disrupted the natural flow of sand down the coast and driven chronic erosion in Oceanside. The federal government first acknowledged responsibility in 1953, but the fix stalled for decades. When Rep. Levin entered Congress in 2019, the Army Corps had abandoned the study. He secured a provision in federal law requiring its completion and later secured over $4 million to finish it, clearing the path for the plan announced today.\n\n“For 26 years, Oceanside has been asking the federal government for one thing: a real plan to bring back the sand this harbor took. Today, we finally have it. And the answer is simple — sand, and lots of it,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “When I got to Congress, this effort was dead. I secured the requirement in federal law that the Army Corps study be finished, and I secured the funding to get it done. Now we have the plan, and I won’t let up until that sand is on our beaches for good.”\n\n“This is an incredible point that we now have a project,” said Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez. “That two-year study that took from before 2000 until now finally did happen and finally came up with the best alternative. Thank you, Rep. Levin, for everything you do for our beaches and our harbor.”\n\n“Oceanside is doing things that no other community on our coastline is doing,” said Environmental Advocate Bob Ashton. “Today we celebrated not only the dredge, but the delivery of a project that has been in the works for a very long time.”\n\n“Thank you to Congressman Levin,” said Oceanside Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce. “His years of support for this project are the only reason we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. With steady effort, we got to the point where sand is replenishing our beaches.”\n\n“My family and I are so proud to own a business here in Oceanside called Oceanside Adventures,” said local business owner Donna Kalez. “We take people whale watching every single day, and a harbor that’s dredged on time is essential to keeping our business running.”\n\nIn early April, Rep. Levin announced over $8.2 million in federal funding for Oceanside Harbor maintenance dredging, enabling the Army Corps to dredge the harbor twice in 2026 — first this spring to address an emergency in which rapid shoaling caused two boats to capsize and one vessel to run aground, and again in the fall as the program transitions to a new annual fall dredging cycle. Oceanside Harbor is the only harbor between San Diego and Dana Point and a designated “critical harbor of refuge” for commercial and military vessels, requiring annual dredging to prevent dangerous sediment buildup. The spring dredge was completed on May 9, removing 320,000 cubic yards of sediment and transferring it to local beaches, with demobilization completed on May 13. The replenishment reduces navigation hazards, enhances surge protection for harbor infrastructure, and creates a larger beach for the community to enjoy.\n\nThe plan announced today is the product of years of work by Rep. Levin to revive a study the Army Corps had abandoned. At his request, the Water Resources Development Acts of 2020 and 2024 included a provision requiring expedited completion of the long-delayed Oceanside Special Shoreline Study. Rep. Levin then secured the funding to finish it in two tranches: $1.8 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2022, and an additional $2.27 million in 2025 to complete the study and prepare the environmental documents required to execute the project — together clearing the path for the draft plan released today. During the process, Rep. Levin successfully passed language into law directing the Corps to avoid the construction of hard infrastructure for the project.\n\nRep. Levin has also advanced separate funding to reduce flood risk and add sand in Oceanside. He helped secure $26 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package — alongside Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff — for the San Luis Rey River project, which will repair the river’s levee system and remove sediment from the channel. That sediment can be placed on local beaches, complementing the shoreline restoration effort. Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has secured more than $1 billion in federal funding for the 49th District.\n\n##", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-christian-menefee-announces-winner-of-the-2026-congressional-art-competition", "title": "Congressman Christian Menefee Announces Winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Christian Menefee (TX-18) announced the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, recognizing the artistic talent and creativity of high school students across Texas’ 18th Congressional District.\n\nThis year’s winning artwork, The Threads That Make Me by Nayely Sanchez Marquina, an 11th-grade student at Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, Texas, was selected from submissions representing schools throughout the district. The piece will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol as part of the nationwide Congressional Art Competition exhibition.\n\n“I was deeply moved by Nayely’s beautiful work and the way she captured the cultures, traditions, and experiences that shape her identity as a Salvadoran American. Her piece is a powerful reflection of what it means to be American and a celebration of the diverse stories that strengthen our communities,” said Rep. Menefee. “To all of our brilliant students across TX-18: keep creating, keep pushing boundaries, and never stop sharing your vision with the world.”\n\nThe Congressional Art Competition is an annual nationwide competition sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize and encourage artistic talent among high school students.\n\nThe winning artwork will be featured in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning pieces from congressional districts across the country. Students will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony in June.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405715", "title": "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for June", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of June.\n\nJune 9, 2026\n\nTazewell County (Bluefield): 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nTown of Bluefield Council Chambers\n\n112 Huffard Dr\n\nBluefield, VA 24641\n\nBuchanan County: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm\n\nTown of Grundy Offices\n\n1185 Plaza Dr.\n\nGrundy, VA 24614\n\nJune 10, 2026\n\nScott County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCounty Administrator’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n190 Beech Street\n\nGate City, VA 24251\n\nLee County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nLee County Sheriff’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n33640 Main Street\n\nJonesville, VA 24263\n\nWise County (Big Stone Gap): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nBig Stone Gap Municipal Complex\n\n216 Wood Ave. E\n\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219\n\nJune 11, 2026\n\nGiles County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nTown of Pearisburg Offices\n\nCouncil Chambers\n\n112 Tazewell Street\n\nPearisburg, VA 24134\n\nBland County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nBland County Courthouse\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n612 Main Street\n\nBland, VA 24315\n\nWythe County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nWythe County Sheriff’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n245 South 4th Street\n\nWytheville, VA 24382\n\nRadford: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nRadford Recreation Building\n\n200 George Street\n\nRadford, VA 24141\n\nSmyth County: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm\n\nSmyth County Administrator’s Office\n\nConference Room, Suite 100\n\n121 Bagley Circle\n\nMarion, VA 24354\n\nPulaski County: 2:30 pm – 4:00pm\n\nPulaski County Administration Building\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n143 3rd Street NW\n\nPulaski, VA 24301\n\nJune 16, 2026\n\nCraig County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCraig County Courthouse\n\n108 Court Street\n\nNew Castle, VA 24127\n\nRoanoke County: 11:30am – 1:00pm\n\nSouth County Library\n\nMeeting Room\n\n6303 Merriman Road\n\nRoanoke, VA 24018\n\nJune 17, 2026\n\nCarroll County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCarroll County Administration Building\n\nCounty Administrators Office, Conference Room\n\n605 – 1 Pine Street\n\nHillsville, VA 24343\n\nGalax: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nGalax Municipal Building\n\nConference Room\n\n111 E. Grayson Street\n\nGalax, VA 24333\n\nGrayson County: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nGrayson County Administration Building\n\nBoard of Supervisors Room\n\n129 Davis Street\n\nIndependence, VA 24348\n\nJune 18, 2026\n\nTazewell County (Tazewell): 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nAmerican Legion Building\n\n226 Central Avenue\n\nTazewell, VA 24651\n\nRussell County: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm\n\nTown of Lebanon Government Offices\n\n72 Gibson Street\n\nLebanon, VA 24266\n\nJune 23, 2026\n\nDickenson County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nCenter for Education & Research\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room #155\n\n818 Happy Valley Drive\n\nClintwood, VA 24228\n\nNorton: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nHigh Knob Destination Center\n\nConference Room\n\n1147 Laurel Avenue SW\n\nNorton, VA 24273\n\nWise County (Wise): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nWise County Courthouse\n\nLaw Library, Second Floor\n\n206 E. Main Street\n\nWise, VA 24293\n\nJune 24, 2026\n\nCity of Martinsville: 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nCity Hall, Room 32\n\n55 W. Church St\n\nMartinsville, VA 24112\n\nPatrick County: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nPatrick County Administration Building\n\nConference Room\n\n106 Rucker Street\n\nStuart, VA 24171\n\nFloyd County: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm\n\nTown of Floyd Government Offices\n\nCommunity Room\n\n203 East Oxford St\n\nFloyd, VA 24091\n\nJune 25, 2026\n\nBedford County: 9:00am – 10:30am\n\nTown of Bedford Municipal Building\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n215 E. Main Street\n\nBedford, VA 24523\n\nFranklin County: 12:00pm – 1:30pm\n\nFranklin County Government Center\n\nConference Room B-23\n\n1255 Franklin Street\n\nRocky Mount, VA 24151\n\n** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405716", "title": "Griffith Announces More Than $1.4 Million in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, two research related grants worth $1,404,763. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:\n\n$721,902 to support research related to Cryptococcus. This fungus is found naturally in the environment in soil and bird droppings and can infect the lungs and the brain. Most infections impact individuals with compromised immune systems.\n\n$682,861 to support research related to mental health.\n\nIn response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Relationships between the federal government and research institutions support local communities as well as scientific advances.\n\n“These HHS grants for more than $1.4 million continue the growing federal support of Virginia Tech’s dedicated research community.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397510", "title": "Nadler Leads New York Democrats Fighting To Protect Patients Receiving Gender-Affirming Care", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "domain": "nadler.house.gov", "scraper": "nadler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000002", "name": "Jerrold Nadler", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) led U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) urging NYU Langone to fight against recent subpoenas from the Trump administration that would violate the constitutional right to privacy for minor patients receiving gender affirming care from NYU Langone.\n\nThe letter comes after the Trump administration issued a string of ill-conceived, civil and criminal subpoenas to share confidential information regarding pediatric patients who received gender-affirming medical care between the years 2020 and 2026, and the identities of any medical staff involved in the provision of care.\n\n“The Trump administration is on a cruel crusade to violate the personal dignity and constitutionally guaranteed rights of transgender people in NY-12 and across the nation,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “For my entire career, I have fought for justice and equality for all members of our LGBTQ+ community. Today, alongside my fellow New York lawmakers, I continue this fight to protect trans-youth from the downright illegal and unjustified attacks against NYU Langone and their patients for receiving and providing necessary medical care.”\n\n“As the Trump administration continues its myriad efforts to target, harass, and vilify transgender Americans here in our state and beyond, I’m proud to stand alongside my New York colleagues to denounce this latest attack on the rights and freedoms of the trans community,\" said Congressman Paul Tonko. “Gender-affirming care is essential, lifesaving care, and no American child should be denied access to it because of bigotry — just as no health care provider should be attacked for providing it. My colleagues and I will always continue to fight against cruel actions like this one against NYU Langone and their patients.”\n\nRead the full text of the letter HERE", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2976", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Calls for Airpower Prioritization in NDAA", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) – a U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduate, battle-tested fighter pilot, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, and Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors – has been an outspoken leader for Airpower prioritization in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nEarlier this month, Rep. Pfluger continued his leadership, helping convene a bipartisan roundtable on Airpower with Lieutenant General David Deptula, U.S Air Force (retired), and members of the For Country Caucus to discuss today's readiness challenge and the urgent need to invest in American Airpower. During the roundtable, General Deptula shared his candid insights on rebuilding capacity, modernizing aging aircraft, strengthening readiness, and ensuring the U.S. maintains air superiority for generations to come.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis advocacy builds on Rep. Pfluger's ongoing leadership in advocating for strengthening our Air Force. In April 2026, Rep. Pfluger delivered a forceful call to action before the House Armed Services Committee, urging the committee to make investing in and strengthening the Air Force a top priority in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nIn March 2026, Rep. Pfluger published an op-ed in The Washington Post, highlighting that while our Air Force remains unmatched in capability, it is currently the oldest and smallest it has ever been. He also outlined the urgent need to reverse the decades-long trend of underinvestment to ensure the Air Force is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Read the full op-ed here.\n\nIn June 2025, Rep. Pfluger and Lt. General David Deptula penned an op-ed in The Hill outlining how the spectacular airstrike we witnessed in Iran that successfully destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities should be a wake-up call if we are serious about preparing for sustained conflict with adversaries like China. In the op-ed, they argued that Congress must invest in U.S. Airpower because, to put it simply, we lack the depth to conduct this kind of operation repeatedly, or at scale.\n\nRep. Pfluger also penned an op-ed in Newsweek in June 2025 titled, American Airpower Obliterated Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions—Rightfully So, following the spectacular success of Operation Midnight Hammer. Read the full op-ed here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2978", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Encourages TX-11 Students to Participate in the Second Lady's 2026 Summer Reading Challenge", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Back for its second year, Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance announced the relaunch of her Summer Reading Challenge, and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) is encouraging all K-8 students in Texas's 11th Congressional District to participate. To enter, students must read 12 books, complete the reading log, and submit it to receive a prize. The challenge is open to all students in grades K-8, and participants will be entered into a raffle for a special trip to the Nation's Capital.\n\n\"The Second Lady's Summer Reading Challenge is officially underway for its second year, and I highly encourage every eligible student to get involved! Building strong reading skills is one of the most important investments we can make in our children's futures — and as our nation comes together to celebrate America 250, what better way to honor that milestone than by investing in the next generation of American leaders. TX-11 is home to some of the best and brightest students in the country, and I look forward to seeing names from the district on the leaderboard,\" said Rep. Pfluger.\n\nOver 20,000 children participated in last year's program across all 50 states and multiple U.S. territories. Given its success, this year's expanded challenge features even more partners, prizes, and a new online state-by-state leaderboard.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401995", "title": "Rep. Simpson Secures INL Priorities in Energy and Water Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—The House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement and secured critical funding for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This bill champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security, restores energy dominance, and supports the Trump administration’s policy initiatives.\n\n“America’s one-of-a-kind nuclear energy laboratory is right here at home at Idaho National Laboratory. Enhancing the Lab’s infrastructure and growing research and development are investments in both energy and national security. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been proud to support INL's efforts to advance our nation's nuclear technology. Fighting for these priorities and securing federal funding would not have been possible without the appropriations process. As Idaho’s only appropriator, I will always fight for priorities that serve our state and national interests,” said Rep. Simpson.\n\n“Nuclear energy continues to gain bipartisan momentum across the country, and we are grateful for Congress's sustained commitment to advancing America's nuclear leadership,” said Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner. \"We especially thank Representative Mike Simpson for his continued championship of INL and the broader nuclear enterprise. His leadership ensures the laboratory remains equipped to deliver the research, testing, and demonstration capabilities the nation needs as nuclear deployment accelerates.”\n\nHighlights of the bill include:\n\n$392M for INL infrastructure and operations.\n\n$40M for INL’s Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) project.\n\n$65M for the National Reactor Innovation Center.\n\n$19M for the Center for Used Fuel Research at INL.\n\nFunding for a variety of advanced reactor construction and demonstrations.\n\nFunding for further research and development of advanced Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) and High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) reactor fuel.\n\nThis funding package will now go to the full floor of the House of Representatives for further consideration", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-secures-more-than-300000-for-kent-state-university-airport", "title": "Rep. Sykes Secures More Than $300,000 For Kent State University Airport", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have awarded the Kent State University (KSU) Airport $329,912 for taxiway construction projects.\n\n“Kent State University is doing important work training our next generation of pilots and aerospace and aeronautical engineers. This grant will give the Kent State University Airport the funds it needs to maintain safe runways, giving students the chance to improve upon their education. Keeping our airports safe and operational year-round is critical to Northeast Ohio’s economy and public safety,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\n“At its core, this project is about maintaining a safe, reliable, and forward-looking airport that serves both today’s users and tomorrow’s aviation opportunities. Reconstructing the apron directly improves aircraft safety, reduces the risk of pavement-related incidents, and enhances overall operational reliability for both training and transient activity,” said KSU Airport Manager Dave Poluga.\n\nThe funds awarded in this grant will be used to fund the design needed to rebuild 22,000 yards of existing terminal apron pavement. This construction project will focus on the airport’s main runway, adjoining taxiways, and all connected drainage and lighting infrastructure.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-torres-visits-adelanto-ice-facility-following-reports-of-hunger-strike-and-unsafe-conditions", "title": "Rep. Torres Visits Adelanto ICE Facility Following Reports of Hunger Strike and Unsafe Conditions", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — Today, Representative Norma Torres (CA-35), a longtime advocate for fair and humane conditions at ICE facilities, and for congressional oversight of immigration detention facilities, visited the Adelanto ICE Processing Center following reports that detainees have engaged in a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions, inadequate medical care, and food insecurity.\n\nThe visit comes as immigrant rights advocates and family members raise alarm over conditions inside the facility. While the Department of Homeland Security disputes reports of a hunger strike, detainees and their loved ones continue to describe serious concerns regarding medical treatment, access to care, and living conditions.\n\n\"Whether DHS wants to acknowledge it or not, the concerns being raised by detainees and their families deserve answers,\" said Congresswoman Torres. \"My office received a call last week from a detained individual who said he was on a hunger strike. When people are willing to risk their health to draw attention to conditions inside a detention facility, Congress has a responsibility to listen, investigate, and ensure basic human rights are being respected. During my visit, ICE made us aware that roughly 27 detainees had skipped at least one meal in recent days but none met the hunger strike criteria. To meet the “official” hunger strike criteria a detainee must self identify that they are on a hunger strike, and miss nine consecutive meals within a 72 hour period. Our constituents, who are often constituents detained at Adelanto or family members of those at Adelanto, deserve to know that the law is being followed and people are being treated with dignity.\"\n\nDuring her visit, Torres met with facility officials, toured the facility, and sought information regarding detainee welfare, access to medical care, meal distribution, and protocols for responding to hunger strikes and other health emergencies.\n\n\"No one in federal custody should be denied adequate medical care, nutritious food, or humane treatment,\" Torres continued. \"These are not political issues, they are basic standards of human dignity and the rules that ICE and its contractors have agreed to follow. Every person held in government custody deserves to be treated with respect and have their health and safety protected as their immigration cases move forward. I’ll continue my oversight visits to make sure ICE complies with the law.\"\n\nTorres has repeatedly conducted oversight visits to immigration detention facilities and has been a leading voice in Congress demanding transparency and accountability from ICE and DHS. She is also part of the successful lawsuit to prevent the Trump Administration from denying access to these facilities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3779", "title": "Trahan: Congress Must Act Now on AI", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "trahan.house.gov", "scraper": "trahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000482", "name": "Lori Trahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This weekend, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee penned an op-ed in CommonWealth Beacon making the case that Congress cannot afford to wait for a crisis before establishing guardrails on the most powerful AI systems, drawing a direct line from the manufacturing jobs that vanished from the Merrimack Valley she represents to the disruption AI now threatens to unleash on America’s workers, national security, and cyber infrastructure.\n\n“After decades of offshoring and automation hollowing out American manufacturing, the workers left behind in Haverhill didn’t need a study to tell them what was coming. They needed Congress to act years before they got handed pink slips,” Congresswoman Trahan wrote. “On artificial intelligence, we still have a chance to move before similar damage is done, but that window is closing faster than most people realize.”\n\nTrahan points to Anthropic's Mythos model, which was deemed too dangerous for public release after it proved capable of identifying thousands of vulnerabilities across major operating systems and browsers. Despite warning signs like these, she notes, there is no federal law governing how the most powerful AI systems are built, tested, or deployed, no independent auditing of frontier labs' safety claims, and no federal agency with clear authority to step in to prevent a catastrophic event.\n\nShe goes on to describe what a potential bipartisan federal framework can and should include:\n\nFrontier Accountability: Require the largest AI companies to publish and comply with safety frameworks, submit to third-party audits, and ensure whistleblowers are protected.\n\nIndependent verification: Accredit private auditing organizations to embed within frontier labs and call in enforcers when companies fall short of safety and transparency requirements.\n\nProtections for American Workers: Update WARN Act requirements so employers must disclose when AI drives a mass layoff, enable real-time tracking of AI impacts on the workforce, and prompt Congress to act proactively to support American workers rather than job training after the damage is done.\n\nStrengthened Cyber Defenses: Include funding for open-source maintainers and reauthorize the threat-sharing framework that lets companies flag risks without antitrust exposure.\n\nTrahan also addresses the federalism question head-on, arguing that serious governance concentrates oversight at the frontier and elevates the strongest state provisions into a federal standard focused on model development, while explicitly preserving states' ability to protect residents from AI systems that discriminate, deceive, or endanger.\n\n“I cannot go back to Haverhill, look a worker, a parent, or a recent graduate in the eyes, and tell them that we saw what was coming and decided to wait for a more opportune moment,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. “Congress must act for the workers, the families, and the communities that cannot afford for us to get this wrong. Again.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2042", "title": "Congressman Van Drew Tours Delaney Hall Detention Center", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Newark, N.J. - Today, Congressman Van Drew toured the Delaney Hall Detention Facility to see the conditions, operations, and law enforcement response for himself.\n\n\"I toured Delaney Hall today because I wanted to see the facts with my own eyes,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"What I saw was very different from the political story being pushed by some of my Democrat colleagues. The facility has doctors, nurses, and dentists providing medical care. There is a law library for detainees to study their cases along with a regular library, and large spaces for recreation, including a soccer field and a gym. The food service provides menu options for religious needs, kosher meals, allergies, and other dietary restrictions. I saw good conditions, clean facilities, basic care, and a detention center where ICE and DHS are doing a hard job that keeps our communities safe. Quite frankly, the conditions I saw today are better than what you see in some nursing homes. Let's be honest about who is being held here. These are illegal immigrants with criminal histories involving drug trafficking, weapons charges, assault, fraud, money laundering, cocaine distribution, and other serious offenses. They are exactly the kind of people ICE should be taking off our streets.\n\n\"Americans have every right to peacefully protest, but when you throw objects at officers, assault law enforcement, block federal agents, and riot outside a detention facility, you are breaking the law. Local police must keep working with ICE, DHS, and federal law enforcement to maintain order. ICE and DHS are doing their job, and I will continue to stand with the men and women who protect the American people.\"", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3503", "title": "Wasserman Schultz Shares Broward County Residents’ High-Cost Utility Struggles, Offers Legislative Solutions", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened Broward County residents to share how utility prices continue to squeeze families across South Florida, as electric, water, gas and other bills continue to climb, and she offered a raft of common-sense legislative solutions to bring these costs down.\n\n“Congress can lower utility bills by passing legislation that caps excessive corporate profits and overcharges, and speeds up the deployment of low-cost clean energy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “We live in Florida, where sun, wind and water sources for clean, cheap energy are abundant. We did this kind of work in the Inflation Reduction Act. And we need to revive that, because Trump and this Republican Congress simply do not care about Americans’ monthly utility bills.”\n\nDuring the press conference, Wasserman Schultz discussed her co-sponsorship of the Lowering Utility Bills Act, which cracks down on for-profit utility companies that make consumers pay for wasteful spending, huge profits margins, and unnecessary projects that raise residents’ bills. She also demanded stronger investments into clean energy, like wind and solar, and moving away from oil and gas reliance, priorities Democrats championed in the recent Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nIn recent months, Wasserman Schultz convened from local officials and Broward County residents who know first-hand about the high cost of housing, gas, and healthcare costs, while also proposing solutions to these issues.\n\nWasserman Schultz was joined by Hollywood Commissioner Idelma Quintana, LifeNet4Families CEO Denise Brown, newlywed father of three Philmon Brown, and domestic violence survivor and mother of an adult son with disabilities Joy Seymour.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/06/01/rep-george-whitesides-leads-send-off-ceremony-for-2026-military-service-academy-appointees/", "title": "Rep. George Whitesides Leads Send-Off Ceremony for 2026 Military Service Academy Appointees", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LANCASTER, CA – This weekend, Rep. George Whitesides celebrated the students across California’s 27th District who received appointments to Military Service Academies and Preparatory Schools with a send-off ceremony. The Congressman spoke alongside Colonel Thomas M. Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander at Edwards Air Force Base, and Naval Academy Midshipman Brett Dawson, a current service academy student from California’s 27th District, to highlight the hard work it takes to secure an appointment, and the journey ahead.\n\n“Today, we are thrilled to celebrate some of the best and brightest students who received appointments to our nation’s Service Academies. Getting to this point took hard-work, leadership, and a deep desire to serve our country,” said Rep. Whitesides. “These students have demonstrated not only academic excellence and athletic strength, but courage, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose. We are incredibly proud of the work they have done so far and we will be cheering them on at every step of their journey to come.”\n\n“As you embark on this next chapter to the United States Service Academies, remember that your courage, integrity and commitment will define not only your own path, but also the future of our nation,” said Col. Thomas M. Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander at Edwards Air Force Base. “Embrace every challenge, learn from every experience and carry with you the honor of serving something greater than yourself.”\n\n“Receiving an appointment to a service academy is an incredible achievement, and you should be proud of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that brought you here,” said Naval Academy Midshipman Brett Dawson. “As you begin this journey, remember that you earned your place here. There will be challenges ahead, but there will also be incredible opportunities, lifelong friendships, and experiences that will shape you in ways you can’t yet imagine.”\n\nThe Service Academy nomination process is highly competitive, and each appointee has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving our nation. Upon graduation, they will be commissioned as officers in the U.S. Armed Forces and take on vital roles defending and advancing American interests around the globe.\n\nThere are five official U.S. service academies that offer fully funded, four-year undergraduate degrees followed by active-duty military service commitment:\n\nU.S. Military Academy (West Point)\n\nU.S. Naval Academy\n\nU.S. Air Force Academy\n\nU.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nU.S. Coast Guard Academy\n\nThe following students from California’s 27th District were honored during the event after receiving appointments to one of the prestigious U.S. Service Academies or prep schools:\n\nPenelope Theule (Libertas Preparatory School) – United States Coast Guard Academy\n\nChristine Chung (John F. Kennedy High School) – United States Military Academy\n\nJack Millet (Legacy Christian Academy High School) – United States Military Academy\n\nJulie Dupont (Granada Hills Charter High School) – United States Military Academy\n\nIssaiah Mikah McCorvey (Lancaster High School) – United States Military Academy\n\nAudrey Kim (Hart High School) – United States Military Academy\n\nTrenton Challgren-Hopkins (Notre Dame High School) – United States Military Academy\n\nJordehn Gammage (Canyon High School) – United States Air Force Academy\n\nTatiana Valdez (Lancaster High School) – United States Air Force Academy\n\nPedroangel Castaneda (Castaic High School) – United States Air Force Academy\n\nWilliam Gore (Paraclete High School) – United States Naval Academy\n\nKitira Bravo (Lancaster High School) – United States Naval Academy\n\nKody Venzon (Highland High School) – Air Force Academy Preparatory School\n\nKasey Faulk (Quartz Hill High School) – Air Force Academy Preparatory School\n\nJosh Kim (Valencia High School) – Marion Military Institute\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-min-introduce-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-the-importance-of-reducing-gun-violence-as-america-celebrates-its-250th-anniversary/", "title": "Alsobrooks, Min Introduce Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the Importance of Reducing Gun Violence as America Celebrates its 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "June 1, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Congressman Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), introduced a Concurrent Resolution recognizing the importance of saving lives, reducing gun violence, and strengthening public safety as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. This concurrent resolution honors victims and survivors of gun violence; commends community leaders, law enforcement, public health professionals, community violence intervention practitioners, and advocates working to prevent violence; and supports expanded investment in evidence-informed strategies, victim services, improved crime data, stronger homicide and shooting clearance rates, law enforcement partnerships, and de-escalation training.\n\nSenate cosponsors include Senators Booker (D-N.J.), Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), Padilla (D-Calif.), Schiff (D-Calif.), and Van Hollen (D-Md.).\n\n“Every single person across this nation deserves to live in safe communities and live without the ever-present fear of gun violence. We should be able to go to our churches, grocery stores, malls, and schools without the fear of being shot. That is my dream for the next 250 years of America. It’s what America deserves. I am proud to partner with Congressman Min in that mission and introduce this resolution as a symbol of our resolve and dedication in ending gun violence once and for all,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the kind of country we want to build for future generations. No parent should have to worry about whether their child will come home safely from school, and no community should have to live under the constant threat of gun violence,” said Rep. Min. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Alsobrooks on this resolution to honor victims and survivors, recognize those working to prevent violence, and reaffirm our commitment to make our communities safer. Public safety is not a partisan issue—it’s a fundamental responsibility and we must continue working to save lives.”\n\n“Each year, our nation loses nearly 50,000 Americans to gun violence, and tens of thousands more become gun violence survivors. These tragedies have lasting traumatic and economic impacts on our communities. Fighting this epidemic means passing strong gun laws that save lives,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “As we mark our nation’s 250th year, we cannot forget about the children, parents, and communities across the country who deserve to live safely and free from gun violence. We are thankful to Senator Alsobrooks, Representative Min, and every cosponsor for helping lead the way.”\n\n“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we must renew our commitment to the unfinished work of building a country where every person can live safely and free from the fear of gun violence,” said Senator Booker. “Each year, tens of thousands of lives are taken by this epidemic. Behind every number is a life cut short, a grieving family, and a community forever changed. This resolution honors all those impacted by gun violence and calls on us to continue the urgent work of creating a safer America for every generation.”\n\n“Too many Colorado communities have been devastated by gun violence,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Whether it was passing universal background checks in Colorado or helping pass the first major federal gun safety law in nearly 30 years, we’ve proven that commonsense measures save lives. As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to reducing gun violence and keeping our communities safe.”\n\n“Every day, thousands of Americans go to school, work, or their places of worship with the fear of being shot. As we continue working to enact commonsense gun safety legislation and end our nation’s gun violence epidemic, we must do everything in our power to protect our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As we mark our country’s 250th birthday, this resolution reaffirms the importance of fighting for a future where every person in our country can live free from the fear of gun violence.”\n\n“America has a gun problem. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to advancing commonsense gun safety reforms to ensure Americans don’t have to live in fear of being targets of gun violence at school, work, or their places of worship,” said Senator Padilla.\n\n“Too many lives have been lost and families shattered by gun violence – something that’s become too routine despite the horror and senselessness of these acts. As our nation recognizes its 250th anniversary, Congress can and must act to prevent more tragedies. With this resolution, we honor victims and survivors and recommit ourselves to supporting investments to put an end to this violence,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, it’s important to take stock of the great challenges we face as the Trump Administration works to dismantle the progress we have made in this country over the years. For too long, Republicans have stood in the way of our efforts to take meaningful steps to address gun violence, and this Administration has only made matters worse. The scourge of gun violence continues to plague our communities, taking thousands of American lives every year. That’s why we must continue fighting for common-sense solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\nRead full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/01/bennet-leads-colorado-delegation-in-welcoming-funding-for-the-colorado-small-business-development-center/", "title": "Bennet Leads Colorado Delegation in Welcoming Funding for the Colorado Small Business Development Center", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led members of the Colorado delegation – including U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen, Jason Crow, Jeff Hurd, and Diana DeGette – in welcoming the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) release of more than $1.8 million in spending authority for the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC).\n\nIn March 2026, Bennet led a group of Colorado members to urge SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler to take action over the agency’s failure to provide prompt spending authority for the Colorado SBDC. The Colorado SBDC is the only statewide, nationally accredited business assistance program serving all 64 counties, with 14 local service centers across the state. In Colorado alone, over $81 million in 2024 sales growth is attributed to SBDC programming.\n\n“Colorado small businesses fought hard to secure these funds in order to help stay afloat amid President Trump’s tariffs, rising energy costs, and inflation,” said Bennet. “This spending authority will support critical small business development, which is essential to Colorado’s economy and the success of local and rural communities. Although the Colorado SBDC should have received this authority months ago, the state’s Small Business Development Center will work tirelessly to ensure small business owners and their employees have the resources they need.”\n\n“We fought the Trump administration to release this funding because small businesses are Colorado’s economic engine,” said Hickenlooper. “Colorado’s Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Tariffs and rising costs are squeezing them. This funding lets the SBDC keep Colorado running at full strength.”\n\n“Colorado’s small businesses are struggling with rising costs and the President’s reckless tariffs,” said Crow. “While I am glad to see these federal funds for Colorado’s small businesses released, they should have never been delayed in the first place. I’m grateful to Senator Bennet for leading Colorado’s bipartisan congressional delegation to get this done.”\n\n“Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but under the Trump administration, business owners across our state have watched their monthly bills skyrocket,” said Neguse. “That’s why I was proud to join Senator Bennet and my congressional colleagues in urging the SBA to quickly authorize 2026 funding for the Colorado Small Business Development Center and its vital programs. Our state’s small business owners and families—especially those in our rural and mountain communities—deserve the support they need to not just get by, but to thrive.”\n\n“Colorado’s small businesses are what make our communities strong – creating jobs, supporting families, and driving economic growth,” said Pettersen. “But the Trump administration has continued to withhold critical funding for our entrepreneurs and business owners who have already been struggling under a volatile economic climate because of Trump’s tariff regime. I’m glad this funding is finally being released so the Colorado Small Business Development Center can continue supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and helping businesses grow in every corner of our state.”\n\n“Small businesses drive economic opportunity in communities across Western and Southern Colorado,” said Hurd. “From rural main streets to growing local industries, entrepreneurs rely on organizations like the Colorado Small Business Development Center for practical guidance, technical assistance, and resources to help them succeed. I joined my colleagues in urging for the release of these funds because Colorado businesses deserve timely access to the resources Congress already approved. I’m glad this funding has now been released so the Colorado SBDC can continue supporting small businesses and rural communities.”\n\n“Small businesses in Denver and across Colorado have been uniquely suffering under the crushing weight of Trump’s reckless tariff policy,” said DeGette. “The Colorado Small Business Development Center provides vital support to small businesses across the state, and while this funding was delayed, it will still play a critical role to help small businesses succeed during this time of economic uncertainty.”\n\nThe text of the March 2026 letter is available HERE. Learn more about the Colorado SBDC HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/01/bennet-statement-on-tina-peters-release-from-prison/", "title": "Bennet Statement on Tina Peters’ Release from Prison", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters was released today:\n\n“Tina Peters remains a convicted felon who knowingly violated Colorado law and compromised election security. A Colorado jury found her guilty of four felonies for breaching secure election systems.\n\n“Tina Peters’ release does not change the facts of her case, nor does it change our obligation to defend our democracy. At a time when President Trump continues to attack vote-by-mail, undermine confidence in our elections, and pressure public officials to bend to his political agenda, we must be even more vigilant in protecting the rule of law and the integrity of our electoral system.\n\n“Colorado’s gold standard elections are among the most secure, accessible, and trusted in the nation in part because election workers, county clerks, and public servants follow the law. A jury convicted Tina Peters. An appeals court upheld those convictions. Coloradans should not be forced to subsidize anyone, especially Peters, who knowingly violated election security laws and betrayed the public trust. I will keep fighting to protect our democracy and stop this taxpayer-funded slush fund before a single dollar is paid out.”\n\nBennet has led efforts in the Senate to stop the Trump Administration’s proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which would create a taxpayer-funded slush fund with limited transparency and oversight. He has also fought to protect Colorado’s vote-by-mail system and opposed federal actions that would make it harder for eligible Americans to cast a ballot. Among that work, Bennet is:\n\nPreparing an amendment to prohibit the Trump Administration from using the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund to compensate individuals convicted of crimes related to election interference or violations of election security laws;\n\nDemanding a bipartisan investigation into the Trump Administration’s interference with independent tax enforcement and the creation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund;\n\nCondemning the U.S. Postal Service’s proposed rule implementing President Trump’s executive order targeting mail-in voting, warning it could disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine Colorado’s successful vote-by-mail system; and\n\nContinuing the work to protect election security, defend local election officials, and ensure every eligible American can safely and securely cast a ballot.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-himes-visit-ukraine", "title": "Blumenthal & Himes Visit Ukraine", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, have just returned from a weeklong visit to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and to participate in the Black Sea Security Forum (BSSF) in Odesa.\n\n“This tenth trip to Ukraine felt different than the ones before; again and again, we were hustled down dark stairwells into bunkers as Putin attacked the country with missiles and drones, escalating cruelty that signals his desperation. Ukrainian heroism is turning the tide, with undeniable indelible costs. We saw the bombed and burned-out apartments and malls, still smelling of fire,” Blumenthal said. “We met with rescue workers who rushed into the flames seeking to save helpless civilian victims. We spoke with children kidnapped and held by Russia— among the more than 20,000 taken by force and often compelled to fight for Russia. We met with President Zelenskyy and top members of his team who showed a clear-eyed strategy and unshakable resolve to prevail. We heard soldiers ready to return to the fight despite their injuries. Most impressively, amidst all the pain and grief, we saw a kindness and humanity in Ukrainians reaching out and caring for each other— offering food, shelter, clothing—a moving antithesis to Putin’s bloody aggression.”\n\n“It is impossible to spend time with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people without being overwhelmed by their unwavering resolve. In conversations with government officials, soldiers, and local humanitarian groups, Senator Blumenthal and I heard again and again a unanimous message of resilience, but also an urgent need for additional military and economic assistance,” Himes said. “The Russian military is losing ground on the battlefield and suffering staggering losses along the way. Support from the Russian public is crumbling—they are tired of paying for a dictator’s ambition with the blood of their sons. With Putin on his backheel, now is the time for Congress to renew our support for our Ukrainian allies and to help them finally achieve a just and lasting peace. To do otherwise would put global stability at risk— signaling weakness to our adversaries and betraying the democratic values we hold dear.”\n\nOver two days in Kyiv, Blumenthal and Himes met with military and political leaders, including President Zelenskyy; Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament; and Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov. The members also met with humanitarian groups currently working on the frontlines of the war, and Save Ukraine, an aid group specializing in the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who were kidnapped by Russian soldiers.\n\nBlumenthal and Himes visited Darnytskyi, an urban district of Kyiv, and the site of Russian drone strikes over the last several days that have injured numerous citizens and caused major structural damage. They also met with sanctions experts from the Kyiv School of Economics who stressed the need for additional sanctions on the Russian government and nations who continue to purchase Russian oil and gas products.\n\nWhile in Odesa, Blumenthal participated in a panel discussion at BSSF entitled, “From Pawn to Queen: What Defines a Great Power?” During the forum, Blumenthal and Himes spoke to national security experts and commentators on the nature of political resolve in wartime. The members also visited the Port of Odesa, a critical trade hub, to discuss the impact of recent Russian arial attacks on grain shipments and the impact of those strikes on the global economy. Blumenthal also met with over 500 leaders from Ukraine’s faith communities and commended them on the support and care they provide to thousands of families affected by the war.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=96F3D3F5-3AA2-4613-A6F8-8CA830FC5201", "title": "Mena Native Joins Boozman’s Washington Staff", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "Senator Boozman welcomes Mena High School graduate Travis Thrailkill to his Capitol Hill team.\n\nWASHINGTON—Mena residents may now hear a familiar name when they contact U.S. Senator John Boozman’s Washington, D.C. office. Polk County native Travis Thrailkill recently joined the senator’s team as a staff assistant.\n\n“It is an honor to join Senator Boozman’s team and serve the people of Arkansas,” said Thrailkill. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my home state and contribute to the work being done to support communities across The Natural State.”\n\n“Travis has a strong appreciation for what makes Arkansas special and a desire to serve others that will make him a great addition to our office,” said Boozman. “I’m pleased to welcome him to the team and look forward to helping guide his professional development as he delivers critical support to Arkansans.”\n\nIn the staff assistant role, Thrailkill helps support the office’s longstanding commitment to constituent services. His responsibilities include assisting individuals who contact the senator’s Capitol Hill office with questions related to legislation and Senate activity as well as coordinating tours of Washington, D.C. landmarks and processing requests for flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.\n\nPrior to joining Boozman’s staff, Thrailkill interned for the senator in the nation’s capital during the summer of 2025.\n\nThrailkill is a 2022 graduate of Mena High School and a 2026 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He is the son of Danny and Krystal Thrailkill and supported by his stepfather Mike Ross and stepmother Christy Thrailkill.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-katie-britt-applauds-6-95-million-grant-awarded-to-port-of-chickasaw-for-rehabilitation-project/", "title": "Senator Katie Britt Applauds $6.95 Million Grant Awarded to Port of Chickasaw for Rehabilitation Project", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) is applauding the award of a $6,954,000 Port Infrastructure Development Program grant for the Port of Chickasaw. This funding will rehabilitate docking structures and construct a new bulkhead along both sides of an existing slip at the port.\n\n“The Port of Chickasaw is integral to the operations of the Alabama State Port Authority and the Port of Mobile, which is why I have continued working with the City of Chickasaw to get this accomplished over the past several years,” said Senator Britt. “I’m thrilled this grant has been awarded under Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and I thank him for his leadership in recognizing the importance of this project. Given the Port of Mobile’s rapid growth and critical importance to U.S. commerce, modernizing the Port of Chickasaw’s infrastructure to support the deepest container port in the Gulf of America will greatly benefit the local, regional, and our national economy.”\n\nSenator Britt has advocated for the Port of Chickasaw to receive this grant funding since 2023.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-james-lankford-maggie-hassan-colleagues-reintroduce-legislation-to-end-government-shutdowns-and-hold-congress-accountable/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, James, Lankford, Maggie Hassan, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to End Government Shutdowns and Hold Congress Accountable", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and several of their colleagues reintroduced the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026, which would take government shutdowns off the table and force Congress to stay in town until their work is done.\n\n“Alabamians sent me to the Senate to work on their behalf and deliver results— not participate in the business-as-usual practices that have led to an unsustainable national deficit and even more out-of-control spending. Government shutdowns benefit no one and are often used as a political threat to prevent us from reining in spending, ultimately continuing the same irresponsible policies that created this mess in the first place. We must make Washington work again, and this bill is a step in the right direction,” said Senator Britt.\n\nThe Prevent Government Shutdowns Act requires that if appropriations work is not done on time, all members of Congress must stay in Washington, DC, and work until the spending bills are completed. This will prevent a government-wide shutdown, continue critical services and operations for Americans, and hold federal workers harmless while Congress completes appropriations.\n\n“Americans are tired of worthless government shutdown drama and Congress using federal workers and government services as pawns in political standoffs,” said Senator Lankford. “The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act ends government shutdowns forever with a simple idea: if Congress doesn’t do its job, Congress doesn’t get to go home. We shift the pressure off the American people and onto the people they elected. We came within three votes of passing this before, and it is time to finish the job.”\n\nUpon a lapse in government funding, the bill would implement an automatic continuing resolution (CR) on rolling 14-day periods, based on the most current spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year. This would prevent a shutdown and continue critical services and operations.\n\nDuring the covered period of an automatic CR, the following restrictions are put in place. No taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one flight to return to Washington, DC) for the following individuals; white House OMB staff and leadership, members of the House and Senate, committee and personal staff of the House and Senate. There will be no official funds may be used for CODEL or STAFFDEL travel, no use of campaign funds by congressional offices to supplement official duties or travel expenses, and no motions to recess or adjourn in the House/Senate for a period of more than 23 hours\n\n“Government shutdowns are costly, avoidable, and make people in New Hampshire and across the country pay the price for the failures of Congress,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill incentivizes Congress to fund the government on time and ensures that there is a plan in place to protect families and our economy if Congress cannot come to an agreement.”\n\nIn addition, under the bill, no other votes would be in order in the House and Senate unless they pertain to passage of the appropriations bills or mandatory quorum calls in the Senate. However, after 30 days under the automatic CR, certain expiring authorization bills and executive calendar nominations would be eligible for consideration on the Senate floor, including a nomination for a Justice of the Supreme Court or a Cabinet Secretary, and narrow reauthorization legislation for programs operating under an authorization that has already expired or will expire within the next 30 days. These restrictions can be waived by a two-thirds vote in either chamber, but not for longer than seven days.\n\nSenators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) also cosponsor this legislation.\n\nThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Americans for Prosperity (AFP), International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), Partnership for Public Service (PPS), Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) support the bill. You can read the full text of the bill here.\n\nSenator Britt introduced this legislation last fall. She has also supported legislation to withhold congressional pay during government shutdowns and is a strong advocate for passing the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act. During the first historic full government shutdown of the 119th Congress, Senator Britt voluntarily withheld receiving her paycheck, and also did so during the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-capito-supports-bill-to-cap-monthly-insulin-costs-at-35", "title": "ICYMI: Capito Supports Bill to Cap Monthly Insulin Costs at $35", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced her co-sponsorship of the Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act, legislation that would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans on private and employer-sponsored insurance and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).\n\n“For years, West Virginia has been deeply impacted by diabetes and the rising cost of insulin,” Senator Capito said. “By limiting out-of-pocket insulin costs for individuals with private or employer-sponsored insurance, we can bring immediate financial relief to millions of Americans—including many West Virginians.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe INSULIN Act would directly address issues in the insulin market causing high list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition and broadening access to needed insulin products. Specifically, the INSULIN Act:\n\nLimits out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans must waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.\n\nMandates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100% of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices and help patients in the form of reduced premiums.\n\nPromotes generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs for patients.\n\nCreates a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs to identify uninsured diabetes patients and provide them with insulin at $35 a month.\n\nEstablishes an insulin resource center and hotline for uninsured diabetes patients to connect them with resources about diabetes and programs to help them secure insulin.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-shaheen-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-early-detection-of-type-1-diabetes", "title": "Senators Collins, Shaheen Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, led the reintroduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Strengthening Collective Resources for Encouraging Education Needed (SCREEN) for Type 1 Diabetes Act to improve early detection and screening for Type 1 diabetes. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) and John Joyce (R-PA-13).\n\n“Early detection of Type 1 diabetes can prevent life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis and potentially allow for the use of therapeutics to delay the clinical onset of the condition, helping to improve patients' quality of life and reduce their reliance on insulin,” said Senator Collins. “By encouraging early detection and screenings, this bipartisan bill would empower both health care providers and the public with the knowledge to identify and manage T1D effectively.”\n\n“Because the majority of Type 1 diabetics have no family history, many Americans don’t know they have Type 1 until they need emergency care. That creates serious health risks for children and families that could be prevented by earlier detection and treatment,” said Senator Shaheen. “By raising awareness about the signs and symptoms at a young age, we can better detect, diagnose and treat this life-threatening disease. I’m proud to introduce this commonsense bill to double down on our efforts to ensure patients like my granddaughter can live healthy, happy lives.”\n\nType 1 diabetes can occur in all ages but is the most common type of diabetes in children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rate of new cases of Type 1 diabetes in children younger than 20 years has steadily increased in the United States. Between 2002 and 2018, rates of Type 1 diabetes increased by approximately 2 percent per year among youths. More than 80 percent of Type 1 diabetes diagnoses occur in people with no family history of the disease, making awareness of the signs and symptoms especially important.\n\nSpecifically, the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act would:\n\nConduct a public awareness campaign to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, as well as the importance of early detection and screening;\n\nRequire the CDC to consult with the National Academy of Medicine, health care provider associations, community health worker associations, nonprofits, state, local and tribal health departments, schools and universities to solicit advice on evidence-based information to use in the campaign; and\n\nDirect the CDC to award grants to one or more nonprofit entities with histories of carrying out similar public awareness campaigns.\n\nThe SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act is endorsed by Breakthrough T1D and the American Diabetes Association.\n\n“Breakthrough T1D applauds Senators Shaheen and Collins and Representatives Schrier and Joyce for introducing the SCREEN for Type 1 Act, a bipartisan bill to promote awareness and early detection for type 1 diabetes (T1D),” said Lynn Starr, Chief Global Advocacy Officer of Breakthrough T1D.“Too many people first learn of a T1D diagnosis in the emergency room during a medical crisis. Screening and early detection can change that by reducing the risk of life-threatening complications, giving individuals and families valuable time to prepare, and connecting them to clinical trials and therapies that may delay disease onset. As we continue advancing toward prevention and cures, we must ensure that families across the country can easily access screening and have the tools and information needed to respond.”\n\n“The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Susan Collins, as well as Congresswoman Kim Schrier and Congressman John Joyce for reintroducing the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act. Type 1 diabetes affects nearly two million Americans. Lack of awareness and early detection often leads to life threatening complications before diagnosis. This bill would improve public awareness, screening, and could help early detection of type 1 diabetes. Early detection of type 1 diabetes autoantibodies may result in individuals accessing therapies to delay onset of the disease. The ADA is committed to our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes and we urge all members of Congress to support this legislation,” said Lisa Murdock, Chief Advocacy Officer of the American Diabetes Association.\n\nClick here for the complete text of the bill.\n\nAs co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senators Collins and Shaheen have led efforts in the Senate to advance priorities that will lower the costs of insulin, invest in treatment and detection and prioritize diabetes research. They recently led the introduction of the bipartisan INSULIN Act to cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 and create a pilot program for uninsured patients. The bipartisan proposal enjoys wide and growing support in Congress, with nine Senators from each party now backing the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-goldman-padilla-crow-demand-trump-administration-reimburse-providers-for-legal-services-for-unaccompanied-minors/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Goldman, Padilla, Crow Demand Trump Administration Reimburse Providers for Legal Services for Unaccompanied Minors", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Congressman Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Congressman Jason Crow (D-Colo.) led 70 lawmakers in demanding that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) reimburse providers for work performed under their contract to deliver legal services to unaccompanied children.\n\nORR has not issued reimbursements for services rendered since December 2025, despite Congress passing funding for this purpose. The agency’s ongoing refusal to pay providers for their work goes against Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act requirements, the Congress’s budget, and the federal government’s contractual obligations.\n\n“ORR’s plain breach of contract threatens the viability of the nationwide network of nonprofit legal service providers that serve vulnerable unaccompanied children. These providers deliver critical legal representation, legal screenings, and Know Your Rights presentations to thousands of children across the country,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their work is essential to ensuring that children are protected from trafficking, exploitation, and other harms, and that they appear for and are able to meaningfully participate in their immigration proceedings. Nonprofit providers do not have the reserves necessary to absorb prolonged nonpayment at this scale. As a result, organizations may be forced to lay off staff, stop accepting new cases, or cease operations altogether. These outcomes would jeopardize thousands of children’s access to legal representation mid-case.”\n\nThe lawmakers also expressed concern about reports that ORR is putting conditions on reimbursement, including requiring providers to give the government additional, case-specific information that’s not required under the terms of the contract. These demands end up delaying payment and reportedly include identifying information about child clients that may implicate attorney-client privilege and ethical obligations governing confidentiality.\n\nThe lawmakers are demanding that ORR immediately fulfill all pending invoices, provide an explanation for payment delays, and confirm that ORR will not make new conditions on these payments.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nThe first and only Latina senator, Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada, calling on both the Biden and Trump administrations to protect DACA recipients, TPS holders and other immigrants, as well as leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system. Last year, the Senator introduced the Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act to fix the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program. She introduced the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act to reverse provisions in the Republican tax law (H.R. 1) that harm unaccompanied children who are seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. Cortez Masto has also demanded the Trump Administration take immediate action to ensure Department of Homeland Security stops conducting aggressive, extreme, and dangerous civil enforcement activities within 1,000 feet of school properties.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-denounces-trumps-nearly-2-billion-slush-fund-for-january-6-insurrectionists-and-political-allies", "title": "Durbin Denounces Trump’s Nearly $2 Billion Slush Fund For January 6 Insurrectionists & Political Allies", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today slammed the Trump Administration for its nearly $2 billion U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) slush fund, which will allow January 6 insurrectionists and the President’s corrupt allies to line their pockets with taxpayer dollars. While DOJ announced it will abide by a district court’s injunction and pause the slush fund for now, Senate Democrats will continue to push back on any new efforts to implement this so-called “anti-weaponization” fund.\n\nDurbin began his remarks by noting that this so-called “anti-weaponization” fund is deeply unpopular, even among the President’s closest allies in the Senate. Rather than greenlight the President’s plan, Senate Republicans fled Washington last month to avoid publicly taking a stance through anticipated votes on the fund. As a result, Senate Republicans have blown past their self-imposed deadline to pass a hyper-partisan reconciliation bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).\n\n“Today is June 1, the arbitrary deadline President Trump imposed on congressional Republicans to send their partisan funding bill to his desk for signature. So why aren’t our Republican colleagues heading to the White House today for a flashy bill signing ceremony to fund more abuses by ICE?... Because two weeks ago, Senate Republicans left town after an internal revolt over the President’s so-called ‘anti-weaponization’ fund—a nearly $1.8 billion—that’s more than the ballroom—slush fund for the President’s cronies and allies,” Durbin said.\n\nDurbin denounced the slush fund, underscoring that it would use taxpayer dollars to offer payouts to violent insurrectionists who continue to wreak havoc in their communities. Durbin spoke about Brandon Fellows, an insurrectionist who forcibly broke into the U.S. Capitol and is now seeking $30 million from the Trump slush fund.\n\n“Who would be eligible for any part of the $1.8 billion fund? People like Brandon Fellows… He was pardoned by President Trump, with a full and unconditional presidential pardon, for being one of the January 6 insurrectionists who was convicted and sentenced on felony and misdemeanor charges for climbing an exterior wall of the Capitol, entering the building through a broken window,” Durbin said. “Has he shown any remorse since he was convicted of that crime? No. He still believes President Trump’s Big Lie about the 2020 election and the conspiracy theory that January 6—which he is on video participating in—was a setup.”\n\n“[Brandon] likes to spend his free time dressing up as an ICE agent and encouraging others to do the same to terrorize immigrants. How much is Mr. Fellows seeking from the ‘anti-weaponization’ slush fund? He thinks the ‘inconvenience’ he encountered is worth $30 million,” Durbin continued.\n\nDurbin emphasized that while Americans are struggling to make ends meet, the President’s primary focus is on securing millions for his political allies.\n\n“We can expect droves of other January 6 insurrectionists to also seek these cash rewards, even those who have continued to threaten our communities by committing more crimes…ranging from conspiracy to murder to child sex abuse and exploitation,” Durbin said. “While American families are struggling to afford gas for their cars, put food on their tables, pay their utility bills, thanks to Trump’s tariffs and war of choice in Iran, the President wants to hand lofty payouts to his political buddies and the criminals who attacked our democracy as his request.”\n\nDurbin continued, noting that the President also corruptly leveraged his position in the White House to ensure that the IRS cannot audit his family and their companies.\n\n“I’ll also note that, as part of that settlement, the IRS is permanently barred from auditing past tax returns of President Trump, his family, and related companies,” Durbin said. “President Trump wanted a ‘get out of jail’ card from the federal government [to ensure] that he would never be prosecuted for tax fraud… Is this a Monopoly game? If it is, it’s embarrassing.”\n\nDurbin concluded his speech by reiterating his commitment to fighting back against the President’s corruption and abuses of power.\n\n“Seante Democrats will continue to fight this unprecedented and unacceptable $1.8 billion slush fund for January 6 insurrectionists and Trump loyalists. And we will work to half the flow of taxpayer dollars to Trump’s mass deportation campaign while standing ready to have a serious, bipartisan negotiation about the need for reforms to our immigration system,” Durbin concluded his remarks.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-speaks-out-against-least-qualified-judicial-nominee-of-trumps-second-term", "title": "Durbin Speaks Out Against Least Qualified Judicial Nominee Of Trump’s Second Term", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senate Republicans are pushing forward Katie Lane, who received the American Bar Association’s first ‘Not Qualified’ rating of Trump’s second term\n\nWASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against the nomination of Katie Lane, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana and the first judicial nominee to receive a “Not Qualified” rating from the American Bar Association (ABA) during Trump’s second term.\n\n“There are more than 3,000 licensed attorneys in the state of Montana. You would believe that the White House, in finding a federal judge for a lifetime appointment, would be able to find one among those with experience. Instead, President Trump has selected Ms. Lane. Ms. Lane is not remotely qualified to serve as a district court judge in the federal system. That is not my opinion—that is the official finding by the American Bar Association,” said Durbin.\n\nThe ABA found that Lane had failed to gain “substantial courtroom and trial experience in the less than nine years since she was admitted to the bar,” noting that she “never tried a case as lead counsel, whether civil or criminal” and “never conducted a direct examination, picked a jury, or offered an opening statement or a closing argument.”\n\n“Not only has Ms. Lane’s legal career been extremely brief, but it has also been extremely partisan. Ms. Lane currently works at the Republican National Committee, which President Trump highlighted when he announced her nomination. She may not have courtroom experience, but she has experience at the MAGA think tank… But even before she went to work for the RNC, Ms. Lane repeatedly chose to litigate politically charged issues and worked to limit women’s rights, voting rights, and the rights of LGBTQ Americans,” continued Durbin.\n\n“Ms. Lane is not the person for this job. She’s too ideological and too inexperienced for the role to which she has been nominated. I urge my colleagues oppose her nomination,” concluded Durbin.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-celebrates-june-1st-as-national-mushroom-day/", "title": "Fetterman Celebrates June 1st as National Mushroom Day", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the passage of his resolution in the Senate recognizing National Mushroom Day and the contributions of Chester and Berks Counties to the industry and to healthy diets, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) today celebrates National Mushroom Day. As a member of the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, Senator Fetterman introduced the resolution alongside U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA). U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Dan Meuser (R-PA-09) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“National Mushroom Day recognizes all our farmers, farmworkers, and an industry that fully deserves national support. As the Mushroom Capital of the World™, Pennsylvania has contributed significantly to our country’s mushroom supply and demand, and continues to be a leader thanks to the men and women on the ground. I’m proud to see our resolution agreed to and urge my colleagues to continue supporting these farmers and the industry––not just today, but every day,” said Senator Fetterman.\n\nIn Pennsylvania, mushrooms grow year-round and the industry has become a major source of stable jobs, farm operations, and economic growth in the region. Chester and Berks counties alone produce 60 percent of the mushrooms produced in the United States, making the Commonwealth the largest mushroom producer in the nation. Senator Fetterman has been a steadfast advocate by highlighting the industry in a hearing he led in 2023 and securing their eligibility in USDA specialty crop assistance funding this year.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-grijalva-to-indian-health-service-dont-shut-down-tucsons-tribal-health-office/", "title": "Gallego, Kelly, Grijalva to Indian Health Service: Don’t Shut Down Tucson’s Tribal Health Office", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Arizona lawmakers demand answers – and a pause – before the Trump administration eliminates the only health office serving 28,000 Native patients in Southern Arizona\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Representative Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) sent a letter to the Indian Health Service (IHS) demanding it halt plans to shut down the Tucson Area Office and halt any merger with the Phoenix office until tribal communities have been properly consulted.\n\nThe Tucson Area Office is the primary point of contact for health services serving nearly 28,000 patients from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tohono O’odham Nation. The Trump administration’s plan would fold it into the Phoenix Area Office – leaving patients and staff with a drive of up to two hours to reach the nearest office and putting specialized services like dedicated diabetes care at risk of disappearing entirely.\n\n“We write to express our serious concerns regarding the recently announced proposal to eliminate the Tucson Area Office by merging it with the Phoenix Area as part of the Indian Health Service’s broader realignment initiative,” the lawmakers wrote. “We ask that you immediately suspend implementation of the merger until you have clarified any impact this consolidation will have on the tribal nations in Southern Arizona and have completed meaningful, formal tribal consultation.”\n\nThe lawmakers noted that the Tucson office is the only one being eliminated through this realignment and questioned whether IHS had fully thought through the consequences. “It remains unclear how the Tucson Area Office, the only office that would be consolidated through this initiative, was selected for consolidation and whether the repercussions of this decision have been fully considered,” they wrote.\n\nThe letter echoes concerns raised directly by the Tohono O’odham Nation in a February 2026 tribal consultation response and demands IHS explain by June 15th how it chose Tucson, what consultation it conducted with the affected tribes, and what steps it will take to protect patients’ access to care.\n\nThe lawmakers called on IHS to demonstrate “how your agency plans to ensure continued quality of care, support tribal self-determination and self-governance, and uphold its trust obligations to the tribes of Southern Arizona.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-travels-to-odesa-calls-for-u-s-to-stand-by-ukraine/", "title": "Gallego Travels to Odesa, Calls for U.S. to Stand by Ukraine", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Speaks at Black Sea Security Forum, Tours ADM Grain Facility, Superhumans Prosthetics Center, and Novoodeska Energy Substation\n\nODESA – This weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) traveled to Odesa, Ukraine to attend the Black Sea Security Forum (BSSF) and conduct site visits to critical infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s wartime economy and recovery.\n\nOn Saturday, prior to addressing the forum, Senator Gallego conducted a walking tour of Odesa to view the city’s historic sites and the visible impact of ongoing Russian bombardment.\n\nSenator Gallego delivered the closing remarks at the BSSF reception in the evening. Speaking on the forum’s theme, The End Game, Senator Gallego emphasized the global stakes of the conflict:\n\n“Ukraine is winning this war. Ukraine will win this war, and Ukraine needs to win this war—not just for its people, for its culture, for existence, but for the freedom-loving countries of the world, and for the United States. It’ll be a moral stain upon our country if we are not here at the end of the day when Ukraine can truly say that they’re free and they’re sovereign. Now, more than ever, we know that we are interlinked. We need Ukraine just as much as Ukraine needs us, with everything that they have learned about how to stop brutal countries that violate the rules-based order. We need the fighters of Ukraine to teach the United States how to fight for the next war, and not just try to play catch up.”\n\nOn Sunday, Senator Gallego toured the Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) export facility at the Odesa Seaport alongside ADM Managing Director Oleksii Kosobokov and Terminal Director Andrii Slusarenko. Russian drone attacks have repeatedly struck ADM’s nearby Chornomorsk terminal, most recently in April and May 2026. The Senator discussed what U.S. policy tools could help protect American commercial operations and sustain Ukraine’s ability to generate its own export revenue.\n\nSenator Gallego then visited the Superhumans Center in Odesa, a cutting-edge prosthetics and trauma rehabilitation facility preparing to open its Odesa location on June 22, 2026, alongside its existing Lviv center. Senator Gallego discussed gaps in Ukraine’s long-term rehabilitation capacity and the role of continued U.S. support for war recovery beyond the battlefield.\n\nThe Senator concluded his site visits at the Novoodeska Substation, a high-voltage transmission node serving the Odesa region’s ports, grain export infrastructure, and wartime logistics. Senator Gallego examined the substation’s vulnerabilities and discussed what U.S. assistance could most effectively improve grid resilience ahead of the next wave of Russian attacks.\n\nRead more on the Senator’s work on Ukraine:", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-travels-to-spain-to-strengthen-transatlantic-relationship/", "title": "Gallego Travels to Spain to Strengthen Transatlantic Relationship", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Met with Spanish Government and Business Leaders\n\nSPAIN – This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) traveled to Spain for an official visit to strengthen the transatlantic relationship. He met with Spanish government and business leaders in Bilbao and Madrid to discuss defense industrial cooperation, clean energy, trade, and the NATO alliance.\n\nBilbao\n\nSenator Gallego began the trip in Bilbao, where he met with Imanol Pradales Gil, President of the Basque Government, and Aitor Esteban, President of the Basque Nationalist Party.\n\nWhile in the Basque Country, the Senator also met with Pedro Azagra, CEO of Iberdrola, visited the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center, and interviewed with Radio Euskadi.\n\nMadrid\n\nIn Madrid on Thursday, Senator Gallego participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Spain, which represents more than 270 member companies. The roundtable brought together senior executives from major U.S. and Spanish firms across defense, energy, infrastructure, financial services, and technology.\n\nOn Friday, Senator Gallego participated in an event at the Elcano Royal Institute to discuss key priorities in the U.S.-Spanish relationship.\n\n“Spain has been with us since our revolution, and we talked about 250 years of independence, but it’s actually been 250 years also of a great US-Spanish relationship, and we’re certainly not going to let one person destroy that,” said Senator Gallego at the Elcano Royal Institute. “The fact that again we’re causing more anxiety and more antagonism between friends and allies, it’s really unnecessary.”\n\nSenator Gallego also spoke on the following topics:\n\nOn President Trump’s threat to withdraw U.S. troops from Spain: “It would be the dumbest thing in the world for us to be able to give up access to these bases, because once we do that, we’re never going to get them back.”\n\nOn Spain’s rejection of NATO’s 5% defense spending: “My focus is on true deterrence in terms of being able to deter Russia from moving further into Europe, and Spain being able to contribute to that makes a big difference.”\n\nOn the Iran war driving a multi-year missile defense gap: “It shows you how ill-planned this war was, that they thought that they were going to be able to go to this war with Iran, who we all know has had this capability, who we all have seen sending their Shahed drones to Russia to use in Ukraine, and not be prepared for it.”\n\nOn the Administration’s removal of Maduro: “The failure was the fact that we’re using the US government to topple foreign governments. Maduro was a horrible man, a very corrupt man, and was causing corruption all around the world…. That does not give us license to go and topple these governments, because what stops China from saying the same thing about Taiwan or other nations?”\n\nOn Trump’s potential invasion of Cuba: “Yo creo que los republicanos especialmente de herencia cubana que viven en Florida tienen mucho poder con este presidente. También el secretario de estado, Marco Rubio, tiene una obsesión con esta isla. En mi opinión Cuba no es una amenaza a los Estados Unidos. Es una isla muy pobre.\n\nRead More:\n\nEFE: Senador demócrata defiende derecho de España y de socios de la OTAN a mostrar desacuerdo\n\nEuropa Press: El senador estadounidense Rubén Gallego ve “estúpido” renunciar a las bases en España y aboga por “aceptar diferencias”\n\nEl País: Rubén Gallego, senador demócrata: “Marco Rubio está obsesionado, pero Cuba no es una amenaza para Estados Unidos”\n\nEFE: ‘Marco Rubio tiene obsesión con Cuba’, denuncia el senador demócrata Rubén Gallego\n\nEuropa Press: El senador demócrata Rubén Gallego, sobre Cuba: “EEUU intentará cambiar el Gobierno de una u otra manera”\n\nSenator Gallego later met with Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, Diego Martínez Belío.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/following-gillibrands-push-trump-administration-finally-releases-long-delayed-homelessness-data/", "title": "Following Gillibrand’s Push, Trump Administration Finally Releases Long-Delayed Homelessness Data", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has finally heeded her call to release its long-overdue homelessness data. On Friday, two weeks after Senator Gillibrand grilled HUD Secretary Scott Turner about the missing data, HUD published part 1 of its 2025 Annual Homelessness Assessment report. The report found that homelessness fell by 3% nationwide between January 2024 and January 2025 – the last year of President Joe Biden’s tenure. While both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness fell, there were concerning increases for certain populations, particularly the 6.8% increase among people aged 65 and older.\n\n“The delay of this report is a complete disservice to the American people,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s clear HUD was hiding the ball and not doing their job. This report wasn’t finalized just in the last two weeks. Americans deserve transparency and accountability from their government, not excuses. I will keep pushing for answers from HUD leadership on how their supposed plans to tackle the housing crisis square with their deep cuts to housing programs.”\n\nAt a THUD Subcommittee hearing on May 14th, Senator Gillibrand questioned Secretary Turner about his withholding of the 2025 homelessness report. When the point-in-time estimates were finally published on May 29th, it marked the latest release of this data in over a decade.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-holds-big-techs-feet-to-the-fire-prompts-improved-reporting-on-child-safety-concerns", "title": "Grassley Holds Big Tech’s Feet to the Fire, Prompts Improved Reporting on Child Safety Concerns", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is forcing eight major technology companies to explain to the American public how they intend to improve reporting of online child sexual exploitation.\n\nGrassley today released responses from Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Snapchat, xAI, Roblox, Grindr and Discord following his oversight of the companies’ alleged failure to sufficiently report online child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).\n\n“Keeping kids safe online and protecting parents’ peace of mind are top priorities for me as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In order for families to succeed in the digital era, Big Tech must be held accountable. I appreciate these companies responding to my oversight and I’ll be closely watching to ensure the proper safeguards and reporting requirements are in place to prevent abuse, safeguard children and prosecute suspected predators,” Grassley said.\n\nRead the responses: Meta, TikTok US, TikTok, Amazon, Snapchat, xAI, Roblox and Roblox supplemental, Grindr and Discord. A summary of the responses follows.\n\nMeta\n\nMeta submitted over 2.6 million reports involving suspected child sexual exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline during the last quarter of 2025. Further, Meta identified over 265 million Facebook accounts and over 135 million Instagram accounts that showed potentially suspicious behavior. Meta also removed nearly 135,000 Instagram accounts for leaving sexualized comments or requesting sexual images from minors, as well as an additional 500,000 linked Facebook and Instagram accounts.\n\nTo address NCMEC’s concerns, Meta is making the following updates:\n\nIncluding last-known location coordinates on Instagram reports to assist with victim safety checks and jurisdictional routing.\n\nIncluding network source port numbers alongside IP addresses to improve law enforcement’s ability to locate reported users.\n\nAdding additional technical metadata to reports, including standardized timestamps, audio content and expanded chat context in WhatsApp reports, among others.\n\nTikTok\n\nTikTok submitted over 2.1 million reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline from January 2025 to June 2025.\n\nTo address NCMEC’s concerns, TikTok noted plans to remove “non pertinent” information and include more granular context in its reports, while integrating improved prioritization standards to increase its number of actionable reports. TikTok stated there will be “multiple improvements rolling out over the next 60 days.”\n\nAmazon\n\nAmazon detected and reported over one million instances of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025. After human review, Amazon determined 99.6% of the reports were false positives, and 4,376 were confirmed CSAM.\n\nTo address NCMEC’s concerns, Amazon noted enhancements to its detection pipeline, including additional filtering mechanisms to reduce the false positive rate of its reports.\n\nSnapchat\n\nSnapchat submitted approximately 752,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025 and has submitted over 200,000 reports thus far in 2026.\n\nTo address NCMEC’s concerns, Snapchat is making the following updates:\n\nIncluding evidence regarding the reported user’s knowledge of the victim’s age.\n\nIncluding additional annotations when the report pertains to sextortion, sadistic online exploitation or minor-to-minor interactions.\n\nExpanding the data in reports to include source port information in the majority of cases and information about the reported user’s device, geolocation data and more.\n\nxAI\n\nxAI submitted over 135,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025 and has submitted over 127,000 reports thus far in 2026.\n\nTo address NCMEC’s concerns, xAI is making the following updates:\n\nRebuilding its tooling pipeline to include names, email addresses and phone numbers in reports.\n\nIncluding IP addresses and session data in reports to enable geolocation.\n\nRoblox\n\nPer NCMEC, Roblox submitted over 65,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nTo address NCMEC’s concerns, Roblox is making the following updates:\n\nImplementing NCMEC annotations in reports – specifically tagging instances of sadistic online exploitation – to improve triaging efforts.\n\nIncluding email addresses, verified phone numbers and IP port numbers in reports.\n\nUpdating its reporting threshold to reduce non-actionable reports.\n\nRoblox identified additional areas for enhancement, including clearer victim identification and evidence formatting.\n\nGrindr\n\nPer NCMEC, Grindr submitted over 111,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nTo address NCMEC’s concerns, Grindr is making the following updates:\n\nRevising its process of training and cross-training additional staff to ensure high priority cases are properly prioritized.\n\nIntegrating its reporting process with the NCMEC CyberTipline API to allow for a more automated reporting process.\n\nEnhancing its preservation of location information for users who have been flagged.\n\nGrindr is working to implement additional improvements by the summer of 2026, including updating escalation flags to ensure they are used appropriately, adding port numbers to IP address data, and transmitting photos and media to NCMEC in their original file format.\n\nDiscord\n\nPer NCMEC, Discord submitted nearly 490,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nTo address NCMEC’s concerns, Discord is making the following updates:\n\nUpdating its reporting process to ensure its reviewers are only identifying and reporting attachments that constitute potential CSAM.\n\nConsolidating reports into 12-hour batches to reduce duplicate reports.\n\nStrengthening and expanding its machine learning-powered systems to enhance reporting capabilities and better identify alternate accounts of users banned for child exploitation.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/01/icymi-hagerty-joins-fox-news-sunday-on-fox-news-to-discuss-us-iran-talks-reconciliation-2-0-and-dhs-funding/", "title": "ICYMI—Hagerty Joins FOX News Sunday on Fox News to Discuss US-Iran Talks, Reconciliation 2.0 and DHS Funding", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.hagerty.senate.gov", "scraper": "hagerty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000601", "name": "Bill Hagerty", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined FOX News Sunday on Fox News to discuss the latest in Iran, Reconciliation 2.0 and funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\n\n*Click the photo above or here to watch*\n\nPartial Transcript\n\nHagerty on President Donald Trump’s negotiations with Iran: “[The Trump Administration has] all the time in the world, because they have absolutely devastated the Iranian Navy, the Iranian Air Force [and] have complete control over the skies. They’ve devastated their defense industrial base. The nuclear program is at the bottom of a mountain… There is a tremendous amount of pressure on the regime right now… That’s why it’s taken so long to negotiate anything. But President Trump has been clear he wants this decision to be made by the Iranian people… I’m looking at this with a sense of optimism, knowing that President Trump is a great deal maker […] Whatever the deal may be, it’s going to be a performance-oriented deal with real checkpoints. This isn’t going to be like the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)] where the Obama administration used billions of dollars, tens of millions of dollars of pallets of cash to bribe the Iranians. What this will be is clear performance. [Iran] is going to have to perform to get any sort of relief, and President Trump will make that very clear.”\n\nHagerty on DHS Funding: “[The Senate is] coming back to deal with the most fundamental problem that we’ve got: that the Democrats shut down the Department of Homeland Security. They don’t want any sort of border enforcement. They don’t want law enforcement in America—and we have to get that funded. We need to remember the fundamentals. [Republicans] are going to fund [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)] beyond President Trump’s term so that they stop becoming a political football, and are allowed to do their job to make our nation more safe. With respect to the other items, I think we’re going to be able to navigate that.”\n\nHagerty on Budget Reconciliation 2.0: “There are discussions underway right now between [the Senate Republican Conference] and the White House to get to something that’s going to work. I’m looking forward to seeing the details this coming week. We’re going to get right back onto this reconciliation package. Again, we would not be here were it not for the obstructionism of the Democrat Party. Chuck Schumer and the Democrats seem to want to create chaos at every turn, and it’s our obligation to try to fix that.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/01/icymi-hagerty-joins-varney-co-on-fox-business-to-discuss-us-iran-negotiations-political-violence-and-midterms/", "title": "ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss US-Iran Negotiations, Political Violence and Midterms", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.hagerty.senate.gov", "scraper": "hagerty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000601", "name": "Bill Hagerty", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss US-Iran negotiations, political violence and the upcoming midterm elections.\n\n*Click the photo above or here to watch*\n\nPartial Transcript\n\nHagerty on President Donald Trump’s negotiations with Iran: “I’m certain that whatever deal President Trump puts in place will require performance… President Trump’s been a business person his entire life—a very successful one, I might add… He understands performance is a necessity to get any sort of compensation or recompense. I feel certain that whatever the Iranians do, it’s going to have to be verified. They’re going to have to demonstrate performance before they make any sort of concessions or yields. That’s the type of deal I would expect to see, and I’m looking forward to the details.”\n\nHagerty on political violence, technology and national security: “We have had a president with multiple death threats. In fact, the [Iranian regime] had a fatwah on him. An assassin [entered] the [White House Correspondents Dinner] here recently in Washington D.C. with multiple weapons, in an attempt to assassinate the president, and the cabinet… We’ve deployed sophisticated technologies in places like Iran and Venezuela with incredible results in terms of decapitating regimes, so I think it is a security environment that we ought to be cognizant of. The security situation has changed dramatically, the technology has changed dramatically, and to ignore that would be a folly. The executive branch, particularly this president, is in a much better position to evaluate the security needs of the White House than the judicial branch.”\n\nHagerty on the midterm elections: “[The polls] don’t matter until [voters have] had a chance to put competitors into position and actually define them. When [Americans] see the leadership of the Democrat Party in the face of those like [New York City Mayor] Zohran Mamdani, I think the public will begin to wake up and realize they are not happy with the current situation. If you listen to the mainstream media… you wouldn’t find out about the fact the stock market is at an all-time high… Tax returns are north of $3,400 this year, highest on record… The media is quite different from reality. And as we get closer to [the general election], more definition comes into place with respect to the actual candidates, and the policies they maintain. You’re going to see the Republicans back in the position to say, ‘look, we’re delivering for the American people.’ The only position that the Democrats seem to have is anti-Trump chaos, socialism, democratic socialism—and that’s not the direction America wants to go.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-alsobrooks-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-resolution-denouncing-gun-violence-ahead-of-americas-250th-anniversary/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Alsobrooks, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Resolution Denouncing Gun Violence Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper recently joined his Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution recognizing the importance of reducing gun violence as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.\n\n“Too many Colorado communities have been devastated by gun violence,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Whether it was passing universal background checks in Colorado or helping pass the first major federal gun safety law in nearly 30 years, we’ve proven that commonsense protections save lives. As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to reducing gun violence and keeping our communities safe.”\n\nThe resolution honors victims and survivors of gun violence and commends the Americans working to prevent it. It voices support for expanded investment in evidence-informed strategies, victim services, improved crime data, stronger homicide and shooting clearance rates, law enforcement partnerships, and de-escalation training.\n\n“Every single person across this nation deserves to live in safe communities and live without the ever-present fear of gun violence. We should be able to go to our churches, grocery stores, malls, and schools without the fear of being shot. That is my dream for the next 250 years of America. It’s what America deserves,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we must renew our commitment to the unfinished work of building a country where every person can live safely and free from the fear of gun violence,” said Senator Booker. “Each year, tens of thousands of lives are taken by this epidemic. Behind every number is a life cut short, a grieving family, and a community forever changed. This resolution honors all those impacted by gun violence and calls on us to continue the urgent work of creating a safer America for every generation.”\n\n“Every day, thousands of Americans go to school, work, or their places of worship with the fear of being shot. As we continue working to enact commonsense gun safety legislation and end our nation’s gun violence epidemic, we must do everything in our power to protect our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As we mark our country’s 250th birthday, this resolution reaffirms the importance of fighting for a future where every person in our country can live free from the fear of gun violence.”\n\n“America has a gun problem. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to advancing commonsense gun safety reforms to ensure Americans don’t have to live in fear of being targets of gun violence at school, work, or their places of worship,” said Senator Padilla.\n\n“Too many lives have been lost and families shattered by gun violence – something that’s become too routine despite the horror and senselessness of these acts. As our nation recognizes its 250th anniversary, Congress can and must act to prevent more tragedies. With this resolution, we honor victims and survivors and recommit ourselves to supporting investments to put an end to this violence,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, it’s important to take stock of the great challenges we face as the Trump Administration works to dismantle the progress we have made in this country over the years. For too long, Republicans have stood in the way of our efforts to take meaningful steps to address gun violence, and this Administration has only made matters worse. The scourge of gun violence continues to plague our communities, taking thousands of American lives every year. That’s why we must continue fighting for common-sense solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the kind of country we want to build for future generations. No parent should have to worry about whether their child will come home safely from school, and no community should have to live under the constant threat of gun violence,” said Rep. Min. “Public safety is not a partisan issue—it’s a fundamental responsibility and we must continue working to save lives.”\n\n“Each year, our nation loses nearly 50,000 Americans to gun violence, and tens of thousands more become gun violence survivors. These tragedies have lasting traumatic and economic impacts on our communities. Fighting this epidemic means passing strong gun laws that save lives,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “As we mark our nation’s 250th year, we cannot forget about the children, parents, and communities across the country who deserve to live safely and free from gun violence.”\n\nHickenlooper helped form the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus in the Senate where he is committed to ending the nationwide epidemic of gun violence. Hickenlooper supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which expanded red flag laws, closed the boyfriend loophole, expanded background checks for young gun purchasers, and made historic investments in community-based mental health and violence prevention programs.\n\nHickenlooper is also a co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban, the Background Check Expansion Act, the Equal Access to Justice of Gun Violence Act, and Ethan’s Law. As Governor, Hickenlooper enacted universal background checks and a ban on high-capacity magazines after the 2012 Aurora theater shooting in Colorado.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-applauds-federal-judge-ruling-to-stop-ncar-breakup/", "title": "Hickenlooper Applauds Federal Judge Ruling to Stop NCAR Breakup", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement in support of the federal court ruling halting the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) by forcing the lab to transfer its supercomputing center to the University of Wyoming.\n\n“On a day when Tina Peters’ release has many Coloradans questioning whether the rule of law still matters, this ruling is a welcome reminder that courts can and should check abuses of power and political retaliation,” Hickenlooper wrote on social media. “We have fought these cuts since day one. We held up the Senate floor. We protested in the streets. We will keep fighting these blatantly retaliatory attacks. NCAR’s scientists and researchers do life-saving work that must endure.”\n\nHickenlooper, a former geologist and the only peer-reviewed scientist serving in the Senate, has been at the front of the fight to protect climate and atmospheric science at NCAR in Boulder.\n\nIn December, Senator Hickenlooper blocked a federal appropriations package in the Senate after President Trump announced his plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder. Hickenlooper demanded Republicans add an amendment to the package guaranteeing that all funding for NCAR be fully spent, which Republicans blocked. In addition to his amendment, Hickenlooper led a bipartisan group of 76 lawmakers to demand full funding for NCAR, held the Senate floor, and joined protests across Colorado to stop the breakup.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-colorado-delegation-welcome-funding-for-the-colorado-small-business-development-center/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Colorado Delegation Welcome Funding for the Colorado Small Business Development Center", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen, Jason Crow, and Jeff Hurd, welcomed the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) release of more than $2.25 million in spending authority for the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which the Trump administration previously froze.\n\n“We fought the Trump administration to release this funding because small businesses are Colorado’s economic engine,” said Hickenlooper. “Colorado’s Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Tariffs and rising costs are squeezing them. This funding lets the SBDC keep Colorado running at full strength.”\n\nThe Colorado SBDC is the only statewide, nationally accredited business assistance program serving all 64 counties, with 14 local service centers across the state. In Colorado alone, over $81 million in 2024 sales growth is attributed to SBDC programming.\n\nIn March 2026, Colorado’s Democratic Congressional delegation urged Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler to take action after the agency failed to provide prompt spending authority for the Colorado SBDC.\n\n“Colorado small businesses fought hard to secure these funds in order to help stay afloat amid President Trump’s tariffs, rising energy costs, and inflation,” said Bennet. “This spending authority will support critical small business development, which is essential to Colorado’s economy and the success of local and rural communities. Although the Colorado SBDC should have received this authority months ago, the state’s Small Business Development Center will work tirelessly to ensure small business owners and their employees have the resources they need.”\n\n“Colorado’s small businesses are struggling with rising costs and the President’s reckless tariffs,” said Crow. “While I am glad to see these federal funds for Colorado’s small businesses released, they should have never been delayed in the first place. I’m grateful to Senator Bennet for leading Colorado’s bipartisan congressional delegation to get this done.”\n\n“Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but under the Trump administration, business owners across our state have watched their monthly bills skyrocket,” said Neguse. “That’s why I was proud to join Senator Bennet and my congressional colleagues in urging the SBA to quickly authorize 2026 funding for the Colorado Small Business Development Center and its vital programs. Our state’s small business owners and families—especially those in our rural and mountain communities—deserve the support they need to not just get by, but to thrive.”\n\n“Colorado’s small businesses are what make our communities strong – creating jobs, supporting families, and driving economic growth,” said Pettersen. “But the Trump administration has continued to withhold critical funding for our entrepreneurs and business owners who have already been struggling under a volatile economic climate because of Trump’s tariff regime. I’m glad this funding is finally being released so the Colorado Small Business Development Center can continue supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and helping businesses grow in every corner of our state.”\n\n“Small businesses drive economic opportunity in communities across Western and Southern Colorado,” said Hurd. “From rural main streets to growing local industries, entrepreneurs rely on organizations like the Colorado Small Business Development Center for practical guidance, technical assistance, and resources to help them succeed. I joined my colleagues in urging for the release of these funds because Colorado businesses deserve timely access to the resources Congress already approved. I’m glad this funding has now been released so the Colorado SBDC can continue supporting small businesses and rural communities.”\n\nThe text of the March 2026 letter is available HERE. Learn more about the Colorado SBDC HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-in-ms-now-op-ed-some-people-believe-peters-was-sentenced-too-harshly-and-deserved-clemency-i-couldnt-disagree-more/", "title": "Hickenlooper in MS NOW Op-Ed: “Some people believe Peters was sentenced too harshly and deserved clemency. I couldn’t disagree more.”", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Hickenlooper: “It should not be controversial to say people who attack American democracy should not receive taxpayer-funded payouts.”\n\nPeters walked out of prison this morning, immediately continuedto spread election lies\n\nHickenlooper leads an amendment to block Trump from giving Tina Peters, election criminals handouts from Trump’s $1.8B slush fund\n\nIn case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper penned an op-ed for MS NOW today blasting President Trump’s unprecedented attempt to compensate election criminals like Tina Peters with taxpayer money from the president’s $1.8 billion fund.\n\n“Today, Tina Peters walked out of prison,” wrote Hickenlooper. “Some people believe Peters was sentenced too harshly and deserved clemency. I couldn’t disagree more. But whatever you may think of her commutation, taxpayers should never pay people who subvert our elections.”\n\nRead his op-ed in MS NOW HERE.\n\nToday, Tina Peters walked out of prison in Colorado and joined Steve Bannon to continue spreading her election lies.\n\nHickenlooper continued: “Of course, Peters is not alone. Potential beneficiaries of this fund include hundreds who stormed the Capitol and assaulted police officers on Jan. 6. The leader of the Proud Boys is hoping for a payout of up to $5 million. Another Jan. 6 defendant is planning to seek $30 million. That is your money — money that could be spent on healthcare, childcare or affordable housing.”\n\nTwo weeks ago, Republicans delayed their votes on the $72 billion funding package for Trump’s immigration enforcement to avoid voting on Hickenlooper’s amendment. Specifically, his amendment would block Trump from using his proposed $1.8 billion slush fund for individuals like Tina Peters and January 6th insurrectionists. Hickenlooper will force Republicans to vote on his amendment this week when they try to jam through their reconciliation bill.\n\nRead more in MS NOW or below:\n\nNo Taxpayer Dollars for Election Criminals.\n\nBy Senator John Hickenlooper\n\nToday, Tina Peters walks out of prison.\n\nThe former Colorado county clerk left La Vista Correctional Facility in Pueblo, Colorado, after serving less than a quarter of a sentence. She was incarcerated for her role in a data-breach scheme that stemmed from false claims about the 2020 election, having used her office to help leak data from Mesa County’s voting system. She left unrepentant, still selling a lie that puts our elections and their law-abiding officials at risk.\n\nAnd Peters may soon receive another break.\n\nThe Department of Justice recently announced an unprecedented $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate people who the administration claims were harmed by the justice system. At a May press conference, Vice President JD Vance defended the idea of compensating Peters with this fund.\n\n“Is it reasonable for her to get some compensation for the fact that she was treated unfairly? I think the answer is yes,” he said.\n\nSome people believe Peters was sentenced too harshly and deserved clemency. I couldn’t disagree more. But whatever you may think of her commutation, taxpayers should never pay people who subvert our elections.\n\nOf course, Peters is not alone. Potential beneficiaries of this fund include hundreds who stormed the Capitol and assaulted police officers on Jan. 6. The leader of the Proud Boys is hoping for a payout of up to $5 million. Another Jan. 6 defendant is planning to seek $30 million. That is your money — money that could be spent on healthcare, childcare or affordable housing.\n\nIt should not be controversial to say people who attack American democracy should not receive taxpayer-funded payouts. As hardworking Americans struggle with rising costs, those convicted of undermining elections are the last people the government should subsidize.\n\nOn Friday, a Virginia judge temporarily stopped the DOJ from taking further action to create the fund or disburse money. I’m working to stop it permanently and will introduce an amendment to the Republicans’ upcoming reconciliation bill to prohibit the DOJ from distributing these funds to individuals convicted of election-related crimes.\n\nMy concerns with this fund go beyond just who could profit from the payouts. The fund’s structure raises serious questions about abuse, accountability and transparency. According to the DOJ, the payouts will be determined by a five-member panel, four of whom would be appointed by the administration. While acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has vowed transparency, the terms of the fund do not clearly require the public disclosure of recipients or payouts.\n\nThe administration’s proposal has already drawn some bipartisan ire. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently warned that “your taxpayer dollars and my taxpayer dollars could potentially compensate someone who assaulted a police officer, admitted their guilt, got convicted, got pardoned and now we are going to pay them for that. That’s absurd.”\n\nHe’s right. And soon every single Senator will be forced to go on the record.\n\nAt Peters’ sentencing, State District Court Judge Matthew Barrett did not mincewords, telling Peters, “You’re a charlatan who used and is still using your prior position in office to peddle snake oil that’s been proven to be junk time and time again.”\n\nIf only this were merely about snake oil.\n\nOur nation was founded on the idea that citizens have the right to challenge authority. But the same spirit that created ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ also created a republic built on the rule of law, election integrity, and the peaceful transfer of power. When people who attack those institutional pillars in bad faith are recast as victims and patriots, we dishonor the generations who defended this republic and fail the generations that will inherit it.\n\nAs America marks its 250th anniversary, we should remember Benjamin Franklin’s warning when asked whether the founders had created a republic or a monarchy: “A republic, if you can keep it.”\n\nThat starts with defending free and fair elections and refusing to reward those who attack them with your taxpayer money.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-grijalva-to-indian-health-service-dont-shut-down-tucsons-tribal-health-office/", "title": "Kelly, Gallego, Grijalva to Indian Health Service: Don’t Shut Down Tucson’s Tribal Health Office", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Arizona lawmakers demand answers before the Trump administration eliminates the only health office serving 28,000 Native patients in Southern Arizona\n\nSenators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), alongside Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), sent a letter to the Indian Health Service (IHS) demanding it halt plans to shut down the Tucson Area Office and halt any merger with the Phoenix office until tribal communities have been properly consulted.\n\nThe Tucson Area Office is the primary point of contact for health services serving nearly 28,000 patients from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tohono O’odham Nation. The Trump administration’s plan would fold it into the Phoenix Area Office, leaving patients and staff with a drive of up to two hours to reach the nearest office and putting specialized services like dedicated diabetes care at risk of disappearing entirely.\n\n“We write to express our serious concerns regarding the recently announced proposal to eliminate the Tucson Area Office by merging it with the Phoenix Area as part of the Indian Health Service’s broader realignment initiative,” the lawmakers wrote. “We ask that you immediately suspend implementation of the merger until you have clarified any impact this consolidation will have on the tribal nations in Southern Arizona and have completed meaningful, formal tribal consultation.”\n\nThe lawmakers noted that the Tucson office is the only one being eliminated through this realignment and questioned whether IHS had fully thought through the consequences. “It remains unclear how the Tucson Area Office, the only office that would be consolidated through this initiative, was selected for consolidation and whether the repercussions of this decision have been fully considered,”they wrote.\n\nThe letter echoes concerns raised directly by the Tohono O’odham Nation in a February 2026 tribal consultation response and demands IHS explain by June 15th how it chose Tucson, what consultation it conducted with the affected tribes, and what steps it will take to protect patients’ access to care.\n\nThe lawmakers called on IHS todemonstrate “how your agency plans to ensure continued quality of care, support tribal self-determination and self-governance, and uphold its trust obligations to the tribes of Southern Arizona.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-schiff-slotkin-introduce-bill-to-block-trumps-corrupt-payouts-prevent-future-abuse-of-doj-settlement-fund/", "title": "Kelly, Schiff, Slotkin Introduce Bill to Block Trump’s Corrupt Payouts, Prevent Future Abuse of DOJ Settlement Fund", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Earlier today, the Senators held a press conference to announce the legislation, the livestream can be viewed here.\n\nToday, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced the Drain the Slush Fund Act, new legislation that would shutter President Donald Trump’s so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund and prevent taxpayer dollars from being paid to the President or his allies, including those convicted of crimes or those related to the insurrection on January 6, 2021.\n\n“Americans are struggling to make ends meet and Trump wants to use taxpayer money to pay off his friends and allies. The president’s slush fund is a $1.7 billion theft in broad daylight to benefit people like the criminals who attacked Capitol police officers on January 6th,” said Kelly. “The administration’s corruption is hurting hardworking families, so we’re stopping it in its tracks.”\n\n“Donald Trump’s slush fund is one of the most brazenly corrupt schemes we’ve ever seen from a U.S. President. As Republicans return to Washington to provide further funding for this and other mistaken priorities, we’re going to hold them accountable, and force a vote on this language to shut down the slush fund once and for all. Americans see the cost of this corruption coming out of their own pockets. And as Senators who have actually seen their government weaponized against them, we want to make it clear: we will not allow a single payout from this so-called weaponization fund to be paid,” said Schiff.\n\n“From his ballroom, to his son’s crypto currency, to insider stock trading and selling pardons to the highest bidder — President Trump has used the federal government as a piggybank for himself and his allies. This so-called $1.7 billion anti-weaponization fund is an unprecedented misuse of taxpayer money, and it must be stopped. Our bill does just that. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are crying out for the President to focus on the economy and lowering their costs. My colleagues should join us on this bill to prevent even more corruption, and re-assert themselves as co-equal branch of government,” said Slotkin.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Drain the Slush Fund Act would shut down President Trump’s so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund and block taxpayer dollars from being paid out to the President, his allies, those convicted of crimes, or those involved in the January 6 insurrection.\n\nThe legislation would also prevent presidential future abuse of the Department of Justice’s Settlement Fund by banning any settlements or payments stemming from a claim or lawsuit filed by the President of the United States or the Vice President. This ban would be retroactive to January 20, 2025, and will block any additional corrupt settlements using this fund and prevent future abuse or graft.", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-remembers-1921-tulsa-race-massacre-2/", "title": "Lankford Remembers 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement on the 105th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre that took hundreds of lives and left almost all of North Tulsa in ashes:\n\n“The 31st of May and the 1st of June mark a time of solemn remembrance in our state and nation. One hundred and five years ago, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre left a community in ruins and a nation with a wound that still demands honest reckoning. The residents of Greenwood did not allow that event to define them, and their resilience continues to inspire. North Tulsa, our state, and our nation lost much during those fateful days, but the work of turning tragedy into triumph continues. I remain grateful to the community leaders, churches, and families who press forward every day to restore North Tulsa as a beacon of culture, opportunity, and prosperity. True reconciliation requires that we never stop remembering, never stop listening, and never stop working toward a brighter future together.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-padilla-cantwell-lead-senate-colleagues-in-urging-sec-lutnick-to-halt-implementation-of-trumps-illegal-eo-to-eliminate-vote-by-mail/", "title": "Luján, Padilla, Cantwell Lead Senate Colleagues in Urging Sec. Lutnick to Halt Implementation of Trump’s Illegal EO to Eliminate Vote-by-Mail", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Direct Dept. of Commerce to Explain its Involvement with USPS and Elections and Preserve Documents for Congressional Oversight\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led 13 Senate Democrats in demanding Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick opposing the Department’s involvement in President Trump’s illegal Executive Order (EO) attacking vote-by-mail and interfering with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). They also demanded that the Commerce Department halt implementing the EO and preserve and prepare all records and documents related to Commerce’s involvement in its drafting and implementation for congressional oversight purposes.\n\nThe Senators’ letter to Lutnick follows his prominent public appearance in the Oval Office where he briefed President Trump on the contents of the EO prior to the President’s signing of the order, which requires states to submit voter data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), orders the USPS to refuse to deliver lawful ballots unless states comply, and threatens penalties for election officials and mail carriers. Despite the Department of Commerce lacking any authority over USPS or elections, Section 4 of the EO states that DHS and USPS “shall coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.”\n\n“We were greatly alarmed by your central role in EO 14399, as evidenced by your presence and remarks at the White House when President Trump signed EO 14399,” wrote the Senators. “Despite the Department having no authority over the USPS or role in administering federal elections, EO 14399 directs USPS and several federal agencies to ‘coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.’ In addition, we are aware of nonpublic reports that you and your office had a key role in drafting and internally advancing this illegal and unconstitutional order. It is deeply disturbing for the Secretary of Commerce to attempt to illegally interfere with lawful mail ballots in states that do not cooperate with President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to ‘take over the voting.’”\n\nThe Senators also emphasized that tens of millions of Americans rely on USPS and vote-by-mail as a safe and trustworthy method to vote in federal and state elections. Nearly 1 in 3 American voters voted by mail in the 2024 general election cycle, and USPS securely delivered more than 99 million ballots to and from voters – including free mail delivery to rural and remote communities. The Senators flagged that Trump’s vote-by-mail EO would severely restrict the use of absentee and mail-in voting among American voters, and any actions from the Department of Commerce to implement the EO would be an unlawful attempt “to interfere with lawfully cast ballots in federal elections.” President Trump himself has voted by mail at least three times in recent elections, including in 2026.\n\n“We demand that the Department follow the law and cease any effort to ‘coordinate’ or ‘implement’ this EO,” the Senators continued. “We also formally request that you and all Department employees involved in the drafting, legal analysis, or other preparation or consideration of EO 14399, or any other assertion of Department control over the USPS, take immediate steps to preserve and retain all Department records and documents related to those topics. In addition, we request that the Department begin organizing these materials to facilitate Congressional oversight into the extent of the Secretary’s and Department’s involvement in this attempt to interfere with mail and absentee ballots in the 2026 general election.”\n\nIn their letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Senators also noted that the Secretary failed to respond to a previous Senate letter pushing back against Trump’s plans to privatize USPS services and any efforts to move USPS functions to the Department of Commerce.\n\nIn addition to Luján, Padilla, and Cantwell, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).\n\nIn April, Luján joined Padilla and 35 Senate colleagues in urging USPS to uphold federal law over President Trump’s illegal executive order to restrict vote by mail. Luján also joined Padilla in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, legislation to block President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots and protect the right to vote by mail. Last year, Luján and Padilla led six Senators in a letter to Lutnick expressing serious concerns about the harmful impacts to American voters of the Trump Administration’s plans to privatize USPS and move it under the control of the Department of Commerce.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick:\n\nWe write to demand you follow the law and refrain from taking any action to coordinate or implement President Trump’s Executive Order 14399 (EO 14399) “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” issued on March 31, 2026. We also formally request that the Department of Commerce (Department) retain and preserve all records and documents related to EO 14399 and organize these materials in preparation for congressional oversight.\n\nOn April 21, 2025, 8 U.S. Senators contacted you with strong opposition to any action to bring the United States Postal Service (USPS) under the control of the Department and potentially privatize its services. Any attempt by the Department to seize control over USPS would be illegal, and there are many serious policy concerns as well. Political interference in USPS would harm Americans and businesses who rely on the USPS for services, including the tens of millions of citizens who vote by mail or absentee ballots in U.S. elections. To date, the Department has failed to respond to that letter.\n\nWe were greatly alarmed by your central role in EO 14399, as evidenced by your presence and remarks at the White House when President Trump signed EO 14399. Despite the Department having no authority over the USPS or role in administering federal elections, EO 14399 directs USPS and several federal agencies to “coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.” In addition, we are aware of nonpublic reports that you and your office had a key role in drafting and internally advancing this illegal and unconstitutional order. It is deeply disturbing for the Secretary of Commerce to attempt to illegally interfere with lawful mail ballots in states that do not cooperate with President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to “take over the voting.”\n\nPresident Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to “ban” mail voting, and he signed EO 14399 in pursuit of that goal, despite the fact that nearly 1 in 3 American voters—roughly 48 million citizens—voted by mail in the 2024 general election. Vote-by-mail is safe, secure, and convenient, and it has been used successfully across the political spectrum over many election cycles. It is particularly popular in Florida, where President Trump himself recently voted by mail in a March 24, 2026, special election, casting a mail ballot for at least the third time in recent years.\n\nFor tens of millions of other American voters, however, EO 14399 would severely restrict their use of absentee and mail-in voting. It attempts to require the USPS to refuse to deliver mail-in or absentee ballots unless the recipient is on a new federally approved list, a directive without any basis in law or the Constitution. The process by which USPS and federal agencies “shall coordinate” with the Secretary of Commerce “in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation” of this EO has not been publicly explained, but the implications are grave for the future of free and fair elections. Given your past statements regarding USPS, the text of the order, your role at the EO signing, and reports about your involvement in drafting the order, there is a clear danger that you will abuse your position to try to interfere with lawful mail ballots in upcoming federal elections.\n\nAs a result, we demand that the Department follow the law and cease any effort to “coordinate” or “implement” this EO. We also formally request that you and all Department employees involved in the drafting, legal analysis, or other preparation or consideration of EO 14399, or any other assertion of Department control over the USPS, take immediate steps to preserve and retain all Department records and documents related to those topics. In addition, we request that the Department begin organizing these materials to facilitate Congressional oversight into the extent of the Secretary’s and Department’s involvement in this attempt to interfere with mail and absentee ballots in the 2026 general election.\n\nTo better understand the extent of the Department’s involvement in this EO, we request an initial response to this letter no later than June 15, 2026. That response should confirm that the Department will adhere to the record preservation request and has begun to organize the relevant materials in anticipation of future requests. To better inform future requests, the initial response should include:\n\nA full explanation of the extent of the Secretary’s and the Department’s involvement in drafting and implementation of EO 14399;\n\nA full explanation of the Department of Commerce’s legal authority to “coordinate” USPS and federal agency implementation of EO 14399;\n\nA list of the Department of Commerce political appointees involved in the consideration, drafting, and implementation of the EO 14399;\n\nA list of all steps that the Department has taken to implement EO 14399 to date, including any meetings or communications between the Secretary or other Department political appointees with USPS or federal agencies regarding implementation of EO 14399.\n\nWe urge you to be mindful that no EO can grant the Secretary of Commerce any authority to “coordinate” the “implementation” of an illegal and unconstitutional attempt to interfere with lawfully cast ballots in federal elections. You and the Department are also bound by the Federal Records Act and other federal records laws, which require notification of violations and carry potential criminal penalties for violations involving the willful removal or destruction of documents. We look forward to your response no later than June 15, 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-invites-kansas-veterans-to-preserve-their-stories-in-the-library-of-congress/", "title": "Senator Marshall Invites Kansas Veterans to Preserve Their Stories in the Library of Congress", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Abilene – This D-Day, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project is partnering with Senator Roger Marshall and the Eisenhower Presidential Library to recognize Kansas veterans by preserving their stories for history in the Library of Congress archives.\n\nAny U.S. veteran, regardless of where they served or if they saw combat, is welcome to share their story by participating in an oral history interview and/or bringing photographs, letters, journals, or diaries from their service for preservation. These firsthand accounts will be added to the archives at the Library of Congress, preserving the stories of service and sacrifice for future generations of Americans.\n\n“This year marks 250 years of the greatest country on earth — a country that wouldn’t exist without the brave men and women who have defended it with their lives,” said Senator Marshall. “Remembering the stories of the veterans who have protected America’s freedom and sovereignty is more important now than ever, and I applaud this effort to preserve those stories permanently in the Library of Congress.”\n\nWhere: Eisenhower Presidential Library (200 S E 4th St., Abilene, KS 67410)\n\nWhen: Saturday, June 6th, 2026,\n\nTime: 9:30 AM – 5 PM\n\nFor more information, see the veteran signup link here or reach out to Andrew Huber: (202) 707-1819, ahub@loc.gov.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-as-hurricane-season-begins-senator-moody-urges-floridians-to-be-prepared/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: As Hurricane Season Begins, Senator Moody Urges Floridians to Be Prepared", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—As Hurricane Season begins today, Senator Ashley Moody is urging Floridians to be prepared. Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service project a total of eight-to-14 named storms, with three-to-six of those becoming hurricanes this year. While experts predict a below-normal season, just one storm can leave lasting damage. Senator Moody teamed up with Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel to issue a public service announcement reminding Floridians that the best time to prepare for a storm is before there is one in the forecast.\n\n“Whether it’s your first hurricane season as a new Floridian or your 50th, it’s vital to be ready for any potential storm strike. Just one storm can cause a great deal of damage to counties and communities. Preparing now can help you stay safe all season long,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.\n\nSenator Moody added a webpage on her site for Floridians looking for resources and tips for getting prepared for storms—visitMoody.Senate.gov/Storm-Preparation to learn more.\n\nSenator Moody recently visited Bartow to tout the more than $1.5 billion secured for Florida in FEMA public assistance funding. Senator Moody worked to secure these funds to reimburse more than 500 projects around the state from hurricanes and other disasters dating back several years.\n\nSenator Moody introduced the TRACK Act (Transparency in Recovery Assistance & Claims Knowledge Act) to bring more transparency to the FEMA disaster aid process and has now passed into law. The TRACK Act mandates a status tracker on the FEMA website, so victims of a disaster have easily available knowledge and insight of their claim’s progress.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-klobuchar-raise-concerns-about-food-safety-and-inspection-service-reorganization/", "title": "Murray, Klobuchar Raise Concerns About Food Safety and Inspection Service Reorganization", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: In Letter, Murray, Klobuchar Raise Concerns about Food and Nutrition Service Reorganization\n\nICYMI: Murray, Klobuchar Raise Concerns about the USDA Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area Reorganization\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and 18 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Valden raising strong concerns about the plan to reorganize the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\n\n“We write with serious concern regarding the announced reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS),” wrote the Senators. “Rather than strengthening the agency’s effectiveness, this reorganization poses a risk to FSIS’s core mission of protecting public health and ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply.”\n\n“Losses in staff and institutional expertise as a result of this relocation could delay the identification and containment of outbreaks involving pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, allowing contaminated products to remain in commerce longer and increasing illnesses nationwide,” the Senators continued. “Reduced coordination amongst FSIS and other food safety and public health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, and state partners could also slow traceback investigations and public communication during multistate outbreaks, when rapid response is critical to prevent additional illnesses. Instead of moving its employees across the country, FSIS should be focused on maintaining food safety. Overall, this reorganization threatens to undermine FSIS’s effectiveness and weakens an agency that American consumers rely on every day.”\n\nAlong with Murray and Klobuchar, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Deputy Secretary Vaden:\n\nWe write with serious concern regarding the announced reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Rather than strengthening the agency’s effectiveness, this reorganization poses a risk to FSIS’s core mission of protecting public health and ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply.\n\nFSIS plays a key role in safeguarding American consumers. Not only does FSIS provide critical frontline inspection of meat, poultry, egg, and some fish products, but the agency also plays an important role in informing the public through outreach and education and coordinating with the many international, federal, state, and local agencies that play a part in food safety. When outbreaks inevitably happen, FSIS provides a rapid response to contain illness before it spreads widely.\n\nThe Deferred Resignation Program implemented last year has already resulted in a loss of more than 500 FSIS employees, straining a key agency that operates under significant pressure. Now the Administration is asking two-thirds of the FSIS staff in the Washington, D.C. area to relocate to Iowa, Georgia, or Colorado within months, which could weaken interagency coordination and rapid response efforts during foodborne illness outbreaks, creating a greater risk to consumers and our food supply. Since FSIS was not explicitly included in the July 2025 Secretarial Memorandum on USDA’s proposed reorganization, FSIS stakeholders, employees, consumer advocates, and industry partners have not been able to provide meaningful comments on changes that could have significant implications for the nation’s food safety system.\n\nLosses in staff and institutional expertise as a result of this relocation could delay the identification and containment of outbreaks involving pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, allowing contaminated products to remain in commerce longer and increasing illnesses nationwide. Reduced coordination amongst FSIS and other food safety and public health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, and state partners could also slow traceback investigations and public communication during multistate outbreaks, when rapid response is critical to prevent additional illnesses. Instead of moving its employees across the country, FSIS should be focused on maintaining food safety. Overall, this reorganization threatens to undermine FSIS’s effectiveness and weakens an agency that American consumers rely on every day.\n\nWe ask that you provide a detailed description of how you will ensure that FSIS will maintain full operational capacity during and after this transition. Specifically, we ask that you provide further details on what communication USDA has had with impacted FSIS employees, how the USDA will mitigate anticipated workforce losses, preserve critical expertise, and ensure that outbreak response, interagency coordination, and rulemaking activities are not compromised.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to receiving your response within 30 days.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-announces-federal-funding-opportunity-for-georgia-rural-hospitals/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Announces Federal Funding Opportunity for Georgia Rural Hospitals", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff today announced a new Federal funding opportunity for Georgia’s rural hospitals.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Ossoff helped pass into law funding for a new Federal grant program to support rural hospitals as part of the bipartisan government funding bill that became law on February 3.\n\nThe new Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program (RHPAP) offers Federal funding to rural hospitals for the maintenance of health care providers with the goal of maintaining essential health care services and preventing closures.\n\nAccording to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), over a dozen rural hospitals across Georgia are eligible for the new Federal program.\n\nSen. Ossoff is encouraging Georgia’s rural hospitals to submit applications for the competitive grant program and to reach out to his office for any assistance.\n\nApplications must be submitted by July 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET and must be submitted online here.\n\n“Georgia’s rural hospitals have been under strain for years, made worse by recent cuts to Medicaid. Bringing Republicans and Democrats in Congress together, I helped pass into law this new Federal funding to help strengthen Georgia’s rural hospitals,” Sen. Ossoff said. “I encourage eligible Georgia rural hospitals to contact me and my office with any questions about this grant opportunity.”\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to expand and improve health care for rural Georgians.\n\nThis year, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver healthcare upgrades for Southwest Georgia communities, including Federal funding to upgrade hospital infrastructure in Crisp County, deliver a new MRI machine to Irwin County, fund a new CT Scanner, mammogram machine, and ambulance in Clinch County, and purchase new medical equipment for maternal and neonatal care in Valdosta.\n\nSen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to expand health care services for families in metro Atlanta and across North Georgia, including expanding health care transportation services in Rome, delivering a new Cardiac CT Scanner for a rural hospital in Union County, and delivering new equipment in Calhoun.\n\nIn 2024, Sen. Ossoff delivered Federal resources to Crisp Regional Hospital to help construct a new health clinic facility in Warwick, Georgia.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-cortez-masto-goldman-crow-denounce-trump-administrations-nonpayment-for-legal-services-for-unaccompanied-minors-demand-payment/", "title": "Padilla, Cortez Masto, Goldman, Crow Denounce Trump Administration’s Nonpayment for Legal Services for Unaccompanied Minors, Demand Payment", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legal Services Providers Have Not Received Payment Owed Since 2025\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) along with U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.-10), Jason Crow (D-Colo.-06), and 70 lawmakers demanded that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) reimburse providers for work performed under their contract to furnish legal services to unaccompanied children. ORR has not issued reimbursements for services rendered since December 2025, despite Congress having appropriated funds for this purpose. The agency’s ongoing refusal to issue payments contravenes the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) requirements, appropriations directives, and the federal government’s contractual obligations.\n\n“ORR’s plain breach of contract threatens the viability of the nationwide network of nonprofit legal service providers that serve vulnerable unaccompanied children. These providers deliver critical legal representation, legal screenings, and Know Your Rights presentations to thousands of children across the country,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their work is essential to ensuring that children are protected from trafficking, exploitation, and other harms, and that they appear for and are able to meaningfully participate in their immigration proceedings. Nonprofit providers do not have the reserves necessary to absorb prolonged nonpayment at this scale. As a result, organizations may be forced to lay off staff, stop accepting new cases, or cease operations altogether. These outcomes would jeopardize thousands of children’s access to legal representation mid-case.”\n\nIn their letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the lawmakers also expressed concern about reports that ORR is conditioning reimbursement on the provision of additional, case-specific information not required under the terms of the contract. These demands are an administrative stall tactic and reportedly include identifying information about child clients that may implicate attorney- client privilege and ethical obligations governing confidentiality.\n\nThe lawmakers demanded that ORR immediately fulfill all pending invoices; provide an explanation of the basis for the payment delays; and confirm that ORR will not condition payment on the provision of information not required under the contract.\n\nPadilla is a leading voice in Congress opposing President Trump’s anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric. Last year, after a whistleblower disclosure alleged that the Trump Administration concealed information about the safety of dozens of unaccompanied Guatemalan children they tried to deport to danger without process, Padilla requested an oversight hearing on ORR’s mass child deportation efforts. Padilla also led seven Senators in sounding the alarm on troubling reports that ORR unlawfully granted expanded access to sensitive data on unaccompanied children and their sponsors to DHS’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Senators raised serious concerns that ICE could misuse this confidential information to enact mass deportations and detain noncitizen families and demanded former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and HHS Secretary Kennedy immediately cease this misguided practice. In March of last year, Padilla blasted the Trump Administration’s stop work order to organizations that provide legal services for unaccompanied children and demanded restoration of Congressionally mandated legal representation for children in the immigration system.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here or below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe write with urgent concern regarding the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) failure to reimburse providers for work performed under its contract to furnish legal services to unaccompanied children. Based on available information, ORR has not issued reimbursements for services rendered since December 2025, despite Congress having appropriated—and ORR having obligated—funds for this purpose. These non-payments violate numerous laws and imminently threaten the continued provision of essential legal services to vulnerable children.\n\nAs you know, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that unaccompanied children have access to legal representation “to the greatest extent practicable.” For nearly two decades, ORR has fulfilled this mandate through a contract it administers that presently provides funding to nearly 100 legal services providers throughout the country. Successful implementation of that contract depends on timely reimbursement for services rendered. Indeed, bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations measures mandate that ORR fund services performed under the contract. The agency’s ongoing refusal to issue payments contravenes the TVPRA, appropriations directives, and the federal government’s contractual obligations.\n\nORR’s plain breach of contract threatens the viability of the nationwide network of nonprofit legal service providers that serve vulnerable unaccompanied children. These providers deliver critical legal representation, legal screenings, and Know Your Rights presentations to thousands of children across the country. Their work is essential to ensuring that children are protected from trafficking, exploitation, and other harms, and that they appear for and are able to meaningfully participate in their immigration proceedings. Nonprofit providers do not have the reserves necessary to absorb prolonged nonpayment at this scale. As a result, organizations may be forced to lay off staff, stop accepting new cases, or cease operations altogether. These outcomes would jeopardize thousands of children’s access to legal representation mid-case.\n\nWe are particularly troubled by reports that ORR is conditioning reimbursement on the provision of additional, case-specific information not required under the terms of the contract. The additional demands appear to be an administrative stall tactic that is wholly unjustified and unacceptable. Moreover, these new demands reportedly include identifying information about child clients that may implicate attorney- client privilege and ethical obligations governing confidentiality. Such requirements are inconsistent with longstanding legal ethics rules and raise serious additional concerns, particularly given existing information-sharing arrangements between HHS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which serves as opposing counsel in immigration proceedings. Legal services providers cannot—and must not—\n\nbe compelled to violate ethical obligations to their clients as a condition of receiving payment. Conditioning reimbursement on such disclosures would represent a unilateral and improper modification of the contract.\n\nUltimately, we are concerned that these payment delays may be an attempt to circumvent requirements that ORR continue funding legal services for unaccompanied children. However, the federal government must meet its obligations under the law. Accordingly, we request the following:\n\nImmediately fulfill all pending invoices for legal services performed under the ORR contract;\n\nConfirm that ORR will not condition payment on the provision of information not required under the contract, not least where such requirements would implicate attorney-client privilege or ethical obligations;\n\nProvide a detailed explanation of the basis for the payment delays, including any internal directives or policy changes that led to this situation; and\n\nOutline the steps HHS will take to ensure timely reimbursement going forward, consistent with contractual and statutory requirements.\n\nGiven the urgency of this matter and its impact on vulnerable children and nonprofit providers nationwide, we request a response no later than June 5th, 2026. We appreciate your prompt attention to this issue and look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-leads-senate-colleagues-in-urging-sec-lutnick-to-halt-implementation-of-trumps-illegal-eo-to-eliminate-vote-by-mail/", "title": "Padilla Leads Senate Colleagues in Urging Sec. Lutnick to Halt Implementation of Trump’s Illegal EO to Eliminate Vote-by-Mail", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Direct Dept. of Commerce to Explain its Involvement with USPS and Elections and Preserve Documents for Congressional Oversight\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, along with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), led 13 Senate Democrats in demanding Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick opposing the Department’s involvement in President Trump’s illegal Executive Order (EO) attacking vote-by-mail and interfering with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). They also demanded that the Commerce Department halt implementing the EO and preserve and prepare all records and documents related to Commerce’s involvement in its drafting and implementation for congressional oversight purposes.\n\nThe Senators’ letter to Lutnick follows his prominent public appearance in the Oval Office where he briefed President Trump on the contents of the EO prior to the President’s signing of the order, which requires states to submit voter data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), orders the USPS to refuse to deliver lawful ballots unless states comply, and threatens penalties for election officials and mail carriers. Despite the Department of Commerce lacking any authority over USPS or elections, Section 4 of the EO states that DHS and USPS “shall coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.”\n\n“We were greatly alarmed by your central role in EO 14399, as evidenced by your presence and remarks at the White House when President Trump signed EO 14399,” wrote the Senators. “Despite the Department having no authority over the USPS or role in administering federal elections, EO 14399 directs USPS and several federal agencies to ‘coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.’ In addition, we are aware of nonpublic reports that you and your office had a key role in drafting and internally advancing this illegal and unconstitutional order. It is deeply disturbing for the Secretary of Commerce to attempt to illegally interfere with lawful mail ballots in states that do not cooperate with President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to ‘take over the voting.’”\n\nThe Senators also emphasized that tens of millions of Americans rely on USPS and vote-by-mail as a safe and trustworthy method to vote in federal and state elections. Nearly 1 in 3 American voters voted by mail in the 2024 general election cycle, and USPS securely delivered more than 99 million ballots to and from voters – including free mail delivery to rural and remote communities. The Senators flagged that Trump’s vote-by-mail EO would severely restrict the use of absentee and mail-in voting among American voters, and any actions from the Department of Commerce to implement the EO would be an unlawful attempt “to interfere with lawfully cast ballots in federal elections.” President Trump himself has voted by mail at least three times in recent elections, including in 2026.\n\n“We demand that the Department follow the law and cease any effort to ‘coordinate’ or ‘implement’ this EO,” the Senators continued. “We also formally request that you and all Department employees involved in the drafting, legal analysis, or other preparation or consideration of EO 14399, or any other assertion of Department control over the USPS, take immediate steps to preserve and retain all Department records and documents related to those topics. In addition, we request that the Department begin organizing these materials to facilitate Congressional oversight into the extent of the Secretary’s and Department’s involvement in this attempt to interfere with mail and absentee ballots in the 2026 general election.”\n\nIn their letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Senators also noted that the Secretary failed to respond to a previous Senate letter pushing back against Trump’s plans to privatize USPS services and any efforts to move USPS functions to the Department of Commerce.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Cantwell, and Luján, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, Padilla has led the charge in challenging Trump’s illegal attacks on Americans’ right to vote, especially through vote-by-mail. In response to Trump’s unlawful EO, Padilla introduced Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, which would nullify Trump’s EO and place restrictions on the administration’s attempts to implement any unlawful voter restrictions. Padilla also took to the Senate floor four times as a leader in the Democratic opposition to the anti-voter SAVE Act. Last year, Padilla and Luján led six Senators in a letter to Lutnick expressing serious concerns about the harmful impacts to American voters of the Trump Administration’s plans to privatize USPS and move it under the control of the Department of Commerce.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick:\n\nWe write to demand you follow the law and refrain from taking any action to coordinate or implement President Trump’s Executive Order 14399 (EO 14399) “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” issued on March 31, 2026. We also formally request that the Department of Commerce (Department) retain and preserve all records and documents related to EO 14399 and organize these materials in preparation for congressional oversight.\n\nOn April 21, 2025, 8 U.S. Senators contacted you with strong opposition to any action to bring the United States Postal Service (USPS) under the control of the Department and potentially privatize its services. Any attempt by the Department to seize control over USPS would be illegal, and there are many serious policy concerns as well. Political interference in USPS would harm Americans and businesses who rely on the USPS for services, including the tens of millions of citizens who vote by mail or absentee ballots in U.S. elections. To date, the Department has failed to respond to that letter.\n\nWe were greatly alarmed by your central role in EO 14399, as evidenced by your presence and remarks at the White House when President Trump signed EO 14399. Despite the Department having no authority over the USPS or role in administering federal elections, EO 14399 directs USPS and several federal agencies to “coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.” In addition, we are aware of nonpublic reports that you and your office had a key role in drafting and internally advancing this illegal and unconstitutional order. It is deeply disturbing for the Secretary of Commerce to attempt to illegally interfere with lawful mail ballots in states that do not cooperate with President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to “take over the voting.”\n\nPresident Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to “ban” mail voting, and he signed EO 14399 in pursuit of that goal, despite the fact that nearly 1 in 3 American voters—roughly 48 million citizens—voted by mail in the 2024 general election. Vote-by-mail is safe, secure, and convenient, and it has been used successfully across the political spectrum over many election cycles. It is particularly popular in Florida, where President Trump himself recently voted by mail in a March 24, 2026, special election, casting a mail ballot for at least the third time in recent years.\n\nFor tens of millions of other American voters, however, EO 14399 would severely restrict their use of absentee and mail-in voting. It attempts to require the USPS to refuse to deliver mail-in or absentee ballots unless the recipient is on a new federally approved list, a directive without any basis in law or the Constitution. The process by which USPS and federal agencies “shall coordinate” with the Secretary of Commerce “in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation” of this EO has not been publicly explained, but the implications are grave for the future of free and fair elections. Given your past statements regarding USPS, the text of the order, your role at the EO signing, and reports about your involvement in drafting the order, there is a clear danger that you will abuse your position to try to interfere with lawful mail ballots in upcoming federal elections.\n\nAs a result, we demand that the Department follow the law and cease any effort to “coordinate” or “implement” this EO. We also formally request that you and all Department employees involved in the drafting, legal analysis, or other preparation or consideration of EO 14399, or any other assertion of Department control over the USPS, take immediate steps to preserve and retain all Department records and documents related to those topics. In addition, we request that the Department begin organizing these materials to facilitate Congressional oversight into the extent of the Secretary’s and Department’s involvement in this attempt to interfere with mail and absentee ballots in the 2026 general election.\n\nTo better understand the extent of the Department’s involvement in this EO, we request an initial response to this letter no later than June 15, 2026. That response should confirm that the Department will adhere to the record preservation request and has begun to organize the relevant materials in anticipation of future requests. To better inform future requests, the initial response should include:\n\nA full explanation of the extent of the Secretary’s and the Department’s involvement in drafting and implementation of EO 14399;\n\nA full explanation of the Department of Commerce’s legal authority to “coordinate” USPS and federal agency implementation of EO 14399;\n\nA list of the Department of Commerce political appointees involved in the consideration, drafting, and implementation of the EO 14399;\n\nA list of all steps that the Department has taken to implement EO 14399 to date, including any meetings or communications between the Secretary or other Department political appointees with USPS or federal agencies regarding implementation of EO 14399.\n\nWe urge you to be mindful that no EO can grant the Secretary of Commerce any authority to “coordinate” the “implementation” of an illegal and unconstitutional attempt to interfere with lawfully cast ballots in federal elections. You and the Department are also bound by the Federal Records Act and other federal records laws, which require notification of violations and carry potential criminal penalties for violations involving the willful removal or destruction of documents. We look forward to your response no later than June 15, 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-welch-senate-judiciary-colleagues-demand-urgent-and-thorough-investigation-into-trumps-1-8-billion-doj-slush-fund/", "title": "Padilla, Welch, Senate Judiciary Colleagues Demand Urgent and Thorough Investigation into Trump’s $1.8 billion DOJ Slush Fund", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Demand to DOJ IG Comes After Republicans Blocked Padilla’s Bill to Stop Taxpayer-funded Rewards for January 6th Rioters\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in demanding that the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General (IG) launch an immediate, thorough, and quick investigation into President Trump’s creation of the nearly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”\n\nIn their letter to DOJ Acting IG William Blier, the Senators emphasized how President Trump’s slush fund, created from a settlement agreement in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), represents waste, fraud, and abuse of an unprecedented magnitude and must be subjected to independent scrutiny. The Senators slammed President Trump’s slush fund for drawing almost $1.8 billion from the Judgment Fund—a permanent, indefinite appropriation funded by American tax dollars to pay legitimate settlements and court judgments against the United States.\n\n“Now these tax dollars are set to go to whomever President Trump pleases; there are no limitations on individuals affiliated with the President receiving payments from the Fund,” wrote the Senators. “Not only is the baseless partisan nature of the Fund egregious in and of itself, but the Fund has no limits on payouts to individuals convicted of violent crimes, including, for instance, the President’s supporters who were convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers on January 6th, 2021, at least one of whom has gone on to commit further horrendous crimes empowered by his belief in future monetary restitution from the Trump Administration.”\n\nThe Senators also highlighted how Trump and his appointees have virtually complete discretion over the slush fund’s structure and who gets payouts.\n\n“According to DOJ, the Fund’s rules and procedures may be shielded from the public at the discretion of the Fund’s commissioners,” continued the Senators. “The only person who will receive information about who has received a payout is the Attorney General—provided in a confidential report that is shielded from public scrutiny. As part of this settlement, the President was also granted immunity from pending and future tax liability. This blanket immunity wipes away the potential for a $100 million tax penalty.”\n\nThe Senators further outlined how the Trump v. IRS settlement agreement, and its addendum, were signed by DOJ officials with clear conflicts of interest. They also demanded accountability and a full investigation from the Office of the Inspector General.\n\n“Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who signed the addendum, served as President Trump’s lead criminal defense attorney in multiple matters prior to his current role,” wrote the Senators. “He was reportedly advised to recuse himself from any personal matters involving the President shortly after he was confirmed as Deputy Attorney General. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, who signed the agreement, represented January 6th defendants and allies of the President in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith.”\n\n“This settlement agreement and the fund it creates demand accountability,” concluded the Senators. “Congress mandated that inspectors general be established as ‘independent and objective units’ that ‘prevent and detect fraud and abuse.’ The Fund’s structure, secrecy, and lack of payout criteria, and general arbitrariness, fall well within your authority. We request that the Office of the Inspector General launch an immediate, thorough, and quick investigation. We also request that any matters deemed to fall outside of OIG’s jurisdiction be promptly referred to the Office of Professional Responsibility for appropriate review. Please also notify our offices by June 2, 2026, of your decision.”\n\nIn addition to Padilla and Welch, the letter was signed by Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Cory Booker (N.J.).\n\nLast month, Padilla slammed the Administration’s $1.8 billion slush fund and highlighted that the slush fund could be used to compensate or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists. Last month, Padilla asked for unanimous consent to pass his No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act — introduced with Whitehouse on January 6 of this year, the fifth anniversary of the attack — which would prohibit federal funds from being used to compensate or refund January 6 insurrectionists. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) objected.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Blier:\n\nWe write to request that you immediately initiate an investigation into the creation of the nearly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” announced by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 18, 2026, from a settlement agreement in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This slush fund represents waste, fraud, and abuse of an unprecedented magnitude and must be subjected to independent scrutiny.\n\nThe dispute in Trump v. IRS involved questionably adverse parties—the President sued his own Administration, naming the personnel he directs as defendants. Reflecting this very concern, the judge presiding over the case scheduled a hearing for May 27, 2026, to consider whether there was sufficient adverseness between the parties involved for the case to proceed.\n\nThe Fund will draw almost $1.8 billion from the Judgment Fund, a permanent, indefinite appropriation funded by American tax dollars to pay legitimate settlements and court judgments against the United States. Now these tax dollars are set to go to whomever President Trump pleases; there are no limitations on individuals affiliated with the President receiving payments from the Fund. Not only is the baseless partisan nature of the Fund egregious in and of itself, but the Fund has no limits on payouts to individuals convicted of violent crimes, including, for instance, the President’s supporters who were convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers on January 6, 2021, at least one of whom has gone on to commit further horrendous crimes empowered by his belief in future monetary restitution from the Trump Administration.\n\nPresident Trump and his appointees have virtually complete discretion over the Fund’s structure and who gets payouts. According to DOJ, the Fund’s rules and procedures may be shielded from the public at the discretion of the Fund’s commissioners. The only person who will receive information about who has received a payout is the Attorney General—provided in a confidential report that is shielded from public scrutiny.\n\nAs part of this settlement, the President was also granted immunity from pending and future tax liability. This blanket immunity wipes away the potential for a $100 million tax penalty.\n\nThe settlement agreement, and its addendum, were signed by DOJ officials with clear conflicts of interest. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who signed the addendum, served as President Trump’s lead criminal defense attorney in multiple matters prior to his current role. He was reportedly advised to recuse himself from any personal matters involving the President shortly after he was confirmed as Deputy Attorney General. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, who signed the agreement, represented January 6th defendants and allies of the President in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith.\n\nThis settlement agreement and the fund it creates demand accountability.\n\nCongress mandated that inspectors general be established as “independent and objective units” that “prevent and detect fraud and abuse.” The Fund’s structure, secrecy, and lack of payout criteria, and general arbitrariness, fall well within your authority.\n\nWe request that the Office of the Inspector General launch an immediate, thorough, and quick investigation. We also request that any matters deemed to fall outside of OIG’s jurisdiction be promptly referred to the Office of Professional Responsibility for appropriate review. Please also notify our offices by June 2, 2026 of your decision.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-vows-to-flush-trumps-18b-maga-grievance-slush-fund", "title": "Reed Vows to Flush Trump’s $1.8B ‘MAGA Grievance Slush Fund’", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed is joining with Senate Democratic leaders in vowing to block President Trump’s proposed $1.8 billion ‘MAGA grievance slush fund’ and any similar self-dealing slush fund before any U.S. taxpayer money goes out the door.\n\nSenate Democrats are united in opposing this corruption and are planning to use reconciliation, appropriations, floor action, and oversight to block any such taxpayer-funded, non-transparent Trump payoffs and force Republicans on the record: stand with taxpayers, or stand with Trump’s brazenly corrupt slush fund.\n\nThe controversial slush fund was announced last month as part of an illegitimate settlement of Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an agency the president controls through his appointees. Trump sued the IRS because during his first term, an IRS-contractor that his own Administration hired, leaked the tax returns of several wealthy individuals, including President Trump, showing that they paid little to no federal taxes from 2015 through 2020. The induvial who improperly accessed and released these tax returns was prosecuted and sentenced to jail. No other persons who had their tax information leaked received any such monetary damages from the federal government.\n\nToday, Senator Reed stated:\n\n“What President Trump is attempting to do here is abuse his power, create a corrupt partisan slush fund, and use it to further undermine the rule of law. This stunningly corrupt extrajudicial scheme must be halted. President Trump and his lawyers who thought they could pull an end run on the judicial system must now reckon with the U.S. Senate. Democrats are united and will do everything we can to protect tax payers and flush the Trump slush fund.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/06/01/rosen-announces-package-of-bills-to-redirect-trump-slush-fund-money-to-lower-costs-support-law-enforcement/", "title": "Rosen Announces Package of Bills to Redirect Trump Slush Fund Money to Lower Costs, Support Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she will be introducing a package of three bills to redirect the funding from Trump’s slush fund to lower costs and support law enforcement. The Trump Administration recently announced that it was creating a $1.8 billion slush fund to pay Trump allies and supporters who felt ‘victimized’ by the government, including January 6 rioters who assaulted and injured police officers. Senator Rosen’s bill package would repurpose the $1.8 billion to fund SNAP, Medicaid, and critical public safety programs, such as the COPS Hiring Program and the Public Safety Officers Benefits Program.\n\n“At a time when hardworking families are struggling with rising costs, Donald Trump is trying to give himself a $1.8 billion slush fund to pay out his political allies and January 6 rioters who beat up police officers. These are taxpayer dollars that should be used to help lower costs for hardworking families and keep them safe,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’ll be introducing three bills to put Washington Republicans on the record and redirect this funding to Medicaid, SNAP, and law enforcement programs instead of Trump’s slush fund.”\n\nSenator Rosen has been fighting to protect Nevada’s taxpayer dollars from Trump’s reckless spending and vanity projects. Earlier this year, the Senator announced she would file amendments to redirect the proposed $1 billion that Republicans wanted to waste on Trump’s ballroom toward crucial law enforcement and public safety programs. Senator Rosen also released a report on how the $1 billion could be better used to address the housing crisis, fund Medicare and SNAP, and support child care in Nevada. Last year, Senator Rosen attempted to pass a resolution condemning President Trump’s plan to pay himself $230 million in taxpayer dollars. The resolution was then blocked by Senate Republicans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-pushes-to-level-playing-field-for-californias-farmers-in-senate-farm-bill-with-six-new-agriculture-bills/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Pushes to Level Playing Field for California’s Farmers in Senate Farm Bill with Six New Agriculture Bills", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff is introducing a new legislative package aimed at providing new market opportunities and improving federal assistance for California’s specialty crop growers\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff is introducing six new pieces of legislation aimed at expanding support and market access for specialty crop farmers and leveling the playing field for California growers in the upcoming Farm Bill.\n\nSenator Schiff is the first Senator from California to serve on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in over 30 years. These bills are inspired by trips Schiff made to farms across California over the past 18 months, where he heard about struggles related to tariffs and trade wars, input costs, and lack of parity in federal support compared to other states’ agricultural industries.\n\nSchiff is introducing the legislative package ahead of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s consideration of the Farm Bill, expected to be released in the coming weeks.\n\n“California continues to lead the way in specialty crops, growing nearly half of the nation’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts. As California’s first senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in over 30 years, I’m fighting to address the needs of specialty crop farmers, which are very different than those of the commodity crops of the Midwest and the South. I’m proud to introduce these bills to expand federal funding and bolster programs to better serve farmers in the Golden State. These proposals were formed based on ongoing feedback I’ve gathered during my visits to farms up and down the state, speaking with farmers, farmworkers and other producers. I will continue to push for these policies as the Senate considers the Farm Bill,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nSenator Schiff’s legislative package includes:\n\nThe Economic Relief for Specialty Crops Act would provide $5 billion in economic assistance for specialty crop producers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent distribution of disaster and economic relief for specialty crop farmers has been deeply disappointing and inadequate. Amidst natural disasters and the administration’s trade policy, high input costs, and the war in Iran, these growers need meaningful and timely relief. The bill text can be viewed here.\n\nThe Improving Pest and Disease Preparedness for Specialty Crops Act would enhance USDA’s pest and disease management. Specifically, the bill would boost funding for USDA’s Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program, ensure that USDA provides adequate resources for pest prevention in high-risk states, and increase funding for the National Clean Plant Network, which diagnoses and eliminates pathogens from specialty crop plants. From glassy-winged sharpshooter and red blotch in grapevines to citrus greening, the federal government must enhance California producers’ ability to prevent and fight pests and disease. The bill text can be viewed here.\n\nThe Increasing Insurance Access for Specialty Crops Act would establish a first-time ever Specialty Crop Advisory Committee for Crop Insurance at USDA. This Committee would improve existing policies available to specialty crops, conduct outreach, and facilitate the development of new insurance policies for specialty crops. The majority of U.S. specialty crop growers operate without crop insurance or any other form of a federal safety net. Specialty crop farmers deserve an affordable and effective safety net. This bill is co-led by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) The bill text can be viewed here.\n\nThe Advancing Automation Research and Development in Agriculture Act would allocate $30 million per year from USDA research funding for the research and development of specialty crop mechanization and automation. Agricultural labor is an ongoing challenge for farmers, and this bill would improve their ability to grow, harvest, and handle what they grow while upskilling farmworkers in their ability to use such technology. The bill text can be viewed here.\n\nThe Ensuring Disaster Recovery and Resilience for Specialty Crops Act would establish a permanent disaster program tailored to specialty crops. USDA and Congress have repeatedly had to provide disaster relief to growers on an ad hoc basis. A permanent program would allow growers to receive relief on a timely and reliable basis. Farmers and ranchers across the country have long had access to a plethora of disaster programs; specialty crop farmers deserve a dedicated program that works well for them, as well. This bill is co-led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) The bill text can be viewed here.\n\nThe Expanding Market Access Act would enhance American producers’ access to foreign markets to help meet international demand for California and U.S. products. Specifically, the bill would provide technical assistance for infrastructure in foreign markets for U.S. commodities, mandate a report on the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops, and increase funding for the Market Access Program, which funds overseas marketing and promotional activities of U.S. agricultural products. California farmers feed not just the state and the nation, but the world. We must invest in resources to ensure they can keep doing so. The bill text can be viewed here.\n\nBackground:\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Schiff outlined his priorities for the next Farm Bill and his plans to push for a bill that reflects economic opportunity, health, sustainability, national security, and prosperity. During the first year and a half of the Senator’s term on the Senate Agriculture Committee, he has visited farms across the entirety of California, learning about the Golden State’s countless agricultural industries, including strawberries, almonds, broccoli, celery, and leafy greens.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-kelly-slotkin-introduce-drain-the-slush-fund-act-to-block-trumps-corrupt-payouts-prevent-future-abuse-of-doj-settlement-fund/", "title": "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Kelly, Slotkin Introduce Drain the Slush Fund Act to Block Trump’s Corrupt Payouts, Prevent Future Abuse of DOJ Settlement Fund", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced the Drain the Slush Fund Act, new legislation that would shutter President Donald Trump’s so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund and prevent taxpayer dollars from being paid to the President or his allies including those convicted of crimes or those related to the insurrection on January 6, 2021.\n\nEarlier today, the Senators held a press conference to announce the legislation, the livestream can be viewed here.\n\n“Donald Trump’s slush fund is one of the most brazenly corrupt schemes we’ve ever seen from a U.S. President. As Republicans return to Washington to provide further funding for this and other mistaken priorities, we’re going to hold them accountable, and force a vote on this language to shut down the slush fund once and for all. Americans see the cost of this corruption coming out of their own pockets. And as Senators who have actually seen their government weaponized against them, we want to make it clear: we will not allow a single payout from this so-called weaponization fund to be paid,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“Americans are struggling to make ends meet and Trump wants to use taxpayer money to pay off his friends and allies. The president’s slush fund is a $1.7 billion theft in broad daylight to benefit people like the criminals who attacked Capitol police officers on January 6th,” said Senator Kelly. “The administration’s corruption is hurting hardworking families, so we’re stopping it in its tracks.”\n\n“From his ballroom, to his son’s crypto currency, to insider stock trading and selling pardons to the highest bidder — President Trump has used the federal government as a piggybank for himself and his allies. This so-called $1.7 billion anti-weaponization fund is an unprecedented misuse of taxpayer money, and it must be stopped. Our bill does just that. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are crying out for the President to focus on the economy and lowering their costs. My colleagues should join us on this bill to prevent even more corruption, and re-assert themselves as co-equal branch of government,” said Senator Slotkin.\n\nThe Drain the Slush Fund Act would also prevent presidential future abuse of the Department of Justice’s Settlement Fund by banning any settlements or payments stemming from a claim or lawsuit filed by the President of the United States or the Vice President. This ban would be retroactive to January 20, 2025, and will block any additional corrupt settlements using this fund and prevent future abuse or graft.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-at-reedley-college-sen-schiff-attends-fame-apprenticeship-program-signing-day-highlights-delivering-over-2-million-in-federal-funding/", "title": "PHOTOS: At Reedley College, Sen. Schiff Attends FAME Apprenticeship Program Signing Day, Highlights Delivering Over $2 Million in Federal Funding", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Reedley, CA – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) attended a Signing Day ceremony for the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program at Reedley College, where he met students participating in the program — a 2-year advanced-training initiative first established at Reedley in 2025.\n\nIn addition to the ceremony, Schiff toured Reedley College’s manufacturing department. Schiff recently secured over $2.3 million in federal funding to modernize the manufacturing equipment.\n\nSchiff also visited a Reedley College classroom, where he met students from across the College’s programs, including firefighting and aviation students. As Senator for the state with the highest public school enrollment and the largest community college system in the nation, Schiff has been visiting community colleges across California. Most recently, he visited Long Beach City College, Barstow Community College, and San Bernardino Valley College.\n\n“In our great state of California, manufacturing contributes so much including hundreds of billions of dollars of value to the state’s economy,” said Senator Adam Schiff. “This is not something we can take for granted. We have to make sure that we are intentional and working hard to attract manufacturing and make it easy again to manufacture things in California. That’s why I’m proud to bring back $2.3 million to help support programs to make sure that we have the workforce needed to bring manufacturing back to the United States.”\n\n“This investment represents a significant step forward for workforce development in the Central Valley. The FAME program is helping connect students with meaningful, high-demand careers while providing manufacturers with the skilled talent they need to grow,” said Genelle Taylor Kumpe, CEO, San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance & Fresno Business Council. “We are grateful to Senator Schiff for recognizing the importance of employer-driven workforce solutions and for supporting a model that is creating real opportunities for both students and industry.”\n\n“We appreciate Senator Schiff’s support of this important work and its long-term impact on our region. The FAME program exemplifies what is possible when education and industry work together to prepare students for high-quality careers,” said Dr. Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor, State Center Community College District. “This investment will allow us to expand opportunities for learners, strengthen partnerships with employers, and continue building a workforce that meets the evolving needs of advanced manufacturing in the Central Valley.”\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-tours-caltechs-quantum-research-laboratories/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Tours Caltech’s Quantum Research Laboratories", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pasadena, CA – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) toured California Institute of Technology’s quantum research laboratories, a center aimed at supporting the development of quantum computers and related technologies.\n\nDuring the tour, Schiff learned how Caltech plans to tackle one of the biggest challenges in building quantum computers: how to scale them to be much larger. The Senator also heard from faculty on their ongoing efforts to tackle the hardest questions in quantum computing today.\n\nView a video of Senator Schiff interviewing Caltech’s quantum experts here and photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-a-tactical-retreat-sen-schiff-casts-doubt-on-claim-that-trump-is-abandoning-slush-fund-on-cnn/", "title": "WATCH: “A Tactical Retreat;” Sen. Schiff Casts Doubt on Claim That Trump is Abandoning Slush Fund on CNN", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined CNN’s OutFront with Erin Burnett to cast doubt on reports that President Trump and his administration are abandoning their $1.776 billion politically-directed slush fund, cautioning that the retreat was only ‘tactical’ and ‘temporary’.\n\nSchiff also called out Senate Republicans for waiting until election season to seek more independence from President Trump, recognizing that their own voters and the American people are struggling under the president’s economy.\n\nEarlier today, Schiff and Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced legislation that would shutter President Donald Trump’s so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund and prevent taxpayer dollars from being paid to the President or his allies, including those convicted of crimes or those related to the insurrection on January 6, 2021.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn the Trump Admin’s claim that slush fund is over:\n\n[…] I think this is a tactical retreat. He wanted this to be part of the reconciliation bill that we’re taking up this week, which is really supposed to be focused from the Republican point of view on more billions for ICE and CBP, but it was weighted down first by a billion for the ballroom and then by 1.8 billion for a slush fund. So, I think this is just Trump saying, ‘okay, I’m not going to include in this bill, but I’m not giving up on this idea.’ I think the courts also helped force his hand, at least temporarily. The courts putting a pause on this. But this is the most brazen act of self-dealing corruption we have seen yet. At a time when, as your last clip demonstrated, the economy is really struggling, people are struggling, the cost of living is way too high, and they want, the American people want the president, Congress to be focused on that, not enriching himself and his cronies.\n\nOn Republicans’ willingness to stand up to President Trump:\n\nI do think as we get closer to the midterms and as Republicans start to fear their own voters more than they fear the president, you will see more independence. But I don’t think we’re seeing a seismic shift. I also wouldn’t overstate Speaker Johnson’s role in at least temporarily putting a pause on the slush fund. Johnson has been nothing but a rubber stamp for Donald Trump. I think hearing Senate Republicans speak out, and not just privately, which we’ve heard many times in the past, but publicly, and talk about what a shameful and stupid political exercise this is. I think that was far more responsible for this tactical retreat. I would like to think Republicans are at a sea change, but we have been disappointed so many times in the past. So, we’ll see. The time will tell.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-2026-service-academy-nomination-applications-open/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott: 2026 Service Academy Nomination Applications Open", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Office of U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is accepting U.S. service academy nomination applications for the class of 2031.\n\nSen. Scott is able to nominate a limited number of students in South Carolina for attendance at the following U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination).\n\n“The United States service academies shape the next generation of leaders dedicated to serving our great nation. I am honored to nominate these exceptional young men and women from South Carolina each year as they answer the call to service and take the next step in pursuing academic excellence and leadership.” said Sen. Scott.\n\nStudents who are interested in applying for a nomination should apply by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 16, 2026. For more information, visit: www.scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/service-academy-nominations/\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/06/01/today-slotkin-schiff-and-kelly-introduce-drain-the-slush-fund-act-to-block-president-trump-from-weaponizing-doj-settlements/", "title": "TODAY: Slotkin, Schiff and Kelly Introduce Drain the Slush Fund Act to Block President Trump from Weaponizing DOJ Settlements", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Drain the Slush Fund Act, legislation aimed at dismantling President Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund and barring the use of taxpayer money for payments to the President, his associates, individuals convicted of crimes, or those involved in the January 6, 2021 insurrection.\n\n“From his ballroom to his son’s cryptocurrency, to insider stock trading and selling pardons to the highest bidder — President Trump has used the federal government as a piggybank for himself and his allies,” said Senator Slotkin. “This so-called $1.7 billion anti-weaponization fund is an unprecedented misuse of taxpayer money, and it must be stopped. Our bill does just that. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are crying out for the President to focus on the economy and lowering their costs. My colleagues should join us on this bill to prevent even more corruption, and re-assert themselves as co-equal branch of government.”\n\n“Donald Trump’s slush fund is one of the most brazenly corrupt schemes we’ve ever seen from a U.S. President,” said Senator Schiff. “As Republicans return to Washington to provide further funding for this and other mistaken priorities, we’re going to hold them accountable, and force a vote on this language to shut down the slush fund once and for all. Americans see the cost of this corruption coming out of their own pockets. And as Senators who have actually seen their government weaponized against them, we want to make it clear: we will not allow a single payout from this so-called weaponization fund to be paid.”\n\n“Americans are struggling to make ends meet and Trump wants to use taxpayer money to pay off his friends and allies. The president’s slush fund is a $1.7 billion theft in broad daylight to benefit people like the criminals who attacked Capitol police officers on January 6th,” said Senator Kelly. “The administration’s corruption is hurting hardworking families, so we’re stopping it in its tracks.”\n\nThe bill would also place new restrictions on the Department of Justice’s Settlement Fund, prohibiting any settlements or payments arising from claims or lawsuits brought by a sitting President or Vice President. The restriction would be retroactive to January 20, 2025, cutting off any pending settlements and closing the door on future misuse of the fund.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2115A147-837A-4432-B254-0F84CAC38F2F", "title": "Thune to Democrats: Enforcing the Law Isn’t A Choice", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, enforcing our nation’s laws is not optional.\n\n“Securing our borders isn’t optional.\n\n“And supporting the men and women who do this important work – funding law enforcement – isn’t optional either.\n\n“That should go without saying.\n\n“But unfortunately, Mr. President, members of the Democrat Party have made it very clear that they disagree.\n\n“Incredibly, Democrats have refused to provide a single penny for border security and immigration law enforcement for fiscal year 2026.\n\n“That’s zero dollars for a physical presence at our nation’s border.\n\n“Zero dollars to deport criminals who have made their way into our country illegally.\n\n“If Democrats had their way, illegal immigrants would be allowed to flood across our nation’s southern border entirely unchecked.\n\n“And I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised, Mr. President.\n\n“After all, this is hardly the first time Democrats have demonstrated that border security and immigration enforcement are at the very bottom of their priority list.\n\n“For decades now, Democrat-led cities and states have implemented sanctuary policies that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.\n\n“These policies have had deadly consequences, yet Democrats have defended them and continue to uphold them across the country.\n\n“Then there was the crisis at the southern border.\n\n“Four – four – straight years of record-breaking illegal immigration at our southern border under Democrats and President Biden.\n\n“As the New York Times reported, and I quote: ‘After Mr. Biden became president, migrant encounters at the southern border quickly doubled, then kept rising. New arrivals overwhelmed border stations, then border towns, and eventually major cities like New York and Denver.’\n\n“That from the New York Times, Mr. President.\n\n“Now, contrast that with today.\n\n“Illegal crossings have plummeted to a trickle.\n\n“And as of the end of April, not a single illegal immigrant has been released at the border and into our country for an entire year.\n\n“But, Mr. President, Democrats are apparently determined to bring back unchecked illegal immigration.\n\n“And to do that, they are embracing the far-left ideologies of ‘defund law enforcement’ and ‘abolish ICE.’\n\n“These were once considered fringe positions among Democrats.\n\n“Today, they’re basically the official position of the Democrat Party.\n\n“The junior senator from California said in January, and I quote, ‘I’m not giving ICE or Border Patrol another dime.’\n\n“The junior senator from Massachusetts told a crowd in February, and I quote, ‘We know that we must defund and abolish ICE.’\n\n“And one Democrat Senate candidate has even said, and I quote, ‘Dismantling ICE is the moderate position.’\n\n“Mr. President, this is today’s Democrat Party – a party in thrall to its far-left base.\n\n“And a party that has completely abandoned its national security responsibilities when it comes to enforcing immigration law and securing our borders.\n\n“Mr. President, needless to say, as long as Republicans are in charge, we are not going to let Democrats defund border security and immigration law enforcement.\n\n“So we’re moving forward with a bill to fund these important responsibilities for the remainder of the Trump administration, so that Democrats cannot again put our nation’s security and Americans’ safety in jeopardy.\n\n“Mr. President, I don’t know who Democrats think benefits from blocking funding for Border Patrol and ICE.\n\n“The American people certainly don’t benefit from there being no law enforcement at the border.\n\n“They don’t benefit from human traffickers and drug smugglers being able to enter our country unchecked.\n\n“Or from rapists, murderers, and other criminals being allowed to live freely in our country.\n\n“And Democrats’ position puts illegal immigrants in danger as well.\n\n“Border Patrol agents are the ones pulling illegal immigrants out of the Rio Grande and rescuing dehydrated migrants in the desert.\n\n“But Democrats don’t support these agents’ work.\n\n“If Democrats’ position helps anyone, it helps the cartels, the coyotes, and other criminals who prefer to act without risk of detection and apprehension.\n\n“And I suspect that’s why we haven’t heard much from Democrats in recent weeks about the core of this legislation.\n\n“Democrats haven’t exactly demonstrated an eagerness to come to the floor and defend open borders – and I strongly suspect that’s because at some level they know that their position is completely indefensible.\n\n“Mr. President, President Trump and Republicans have cleaned up Democrats’ mess at the border.\n\n“We’ve secured the southern border and put criminals on notice that they will no longer be living freely in our country.\n\n“And we plan to keep it that way.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-banks-call-for-stronger-guardrails-for-american-automakers/", "title": "Tuberville, Banks Call for Stronger Guardrails for American Automakers", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) in sending a letter urging Ambassador Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), to prioritize stronger protections against China’s efforts to undermine U.S. automakers as discussions surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) continue.\n\nIn April, Sen. Tuberville and his colleagues sent another letter to USTR Rep. Greer supporting the USMCA ahead of the joint review happening this summer.\n\n“As the Trump Administration continues to negotiate an extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement with Mexican and Canadian officials, we urge you to prioritize strengthened guardrails that protect American automakers from China’s efforts to gain market share within the North American auto industry. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has launched a multi-pronged campaign to weaponize supply chains, flood U.S., Mexican, and Canadian markets with subsidized autos, and displace American workers in the process. A strong auto manufacturing sector is the beating heart of America’s industrial base, and it depends on a North American trading block that is free from market manipulation by foreign adversaries,” wrote the Senators.\n\nSens. Tuberville and Banks were joined by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Rick Scott (R-FL) in signing the letter.\n\nRead full text of the letter below or here.\n\n“Dear Ambassador Greer:\n\nAs the Trump Administration continues to negotiate an extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with Mexican and Canadian officials, we urge you to prioritize strengthened guardrails that protect American automakers from China’s efforts to gain market share within the North American auto industry. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has launched a multi-pronged campaign to weaponize supply chains, flood U.S., Mexican, and Canadian markets with subsidized autos, and displace American workers in the process. A strong auto manufacturing sector is the beating heart of America’s industrial base, and it depends on a North American trading block that is free from market manipulation by foreign adversaries. We are encouraged by your comments reaffirming the Administration’s strong commitment to American automakers, and we urge you to deploy strong leverage in USMCA negotiations to strengthen this trade deal’s guardrails and ensure Mexico and Canada adopt strong protections to prevent side doors for Chinese vehicles into the U.S. and malign greenfield investment by Chinese automakers.\n\nThe CCP’s ‘Made in China 2025’ strategy makes clear its intention to dominate global auto manufacturing. The CCP has made strides toward achieving its goal since this strategy was first announced in 2015. China is now the largest global exporter of automobiles—both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The country’s vehicle exports have surged from just over 700,000 autos in 2019 to more than 7 million last year.\n\nThis dramatic export spike did not occur in a vacuum—it is the direct result of the CCP’s long record of anti-competitive practices. The ascendence of Chinese automakers has been built on sizeable state subsidies, routine trade violations, preferential financing and tax breaks, slave labor, rampant intellectual property theft, and preferential market access policies.\n\nPresident Trump is singularly responsible for stopping the tide of Chinese state-sponsored autos from crossing the shores of the United States so far. He perceived the dire threat of heavily subsidized Chinese vehicles early, and he wisely imposed tariffs on Chinese vehicles in 2018. These tariffs, which have since been increased and strengthened, have built a strong protective wall against imports of vehicles directly from China to the United States, and they have stopped China from gaining any share of the U.S. auto market to date. Information and Communication Technologies and Services rulemaking barring the sale and import of vehicles with Chinese hardware and software has added an additional vital layer of protection.\n\nBut Chinese automakers are now attempting end-route around President Trump’s tariffs by building Chinese auto factories in countries that have favorable trade deals with the United States or negotiating direct shipments of Chinese autos to those countries. Mexico and Canada lie at the heart of this strategy.\n\nThe CCP has made alarming progress breaking into the Mexican auto market through direct investment. One in five cars sold in Mexico is now a Chinese auto. Chinese carmakers have built at least 12 new manufacturing facilities in Mexico since 2019, and even more auto component facilities. China’s direct investment in Mexico—largely concentrated on the country’s auto industry—doubled between 2021 and 2024, and it has grown further since. As you and other Administration officials negotiate with President Sheinbaum, adjusting USMCA’s rules of origin to exclude vehicles with significant Chinese-origin content and securing a commitment from Mexico to adopt investment screening processes that block new Chinese auto investments should be top priorities.\n\nAs President Trump’s America First Investment Policy Memorandum outlines ‘certain foreign adversaries, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), systematically direct and facilitate investment in United States companies and assets to obtain cutting-edge technologies, intellectual property, and leverage in strategic industries.’ This same logic applies to the North American trading block, especially as it pertains to the American auto industry, and it is vital that America lead the way in blocking China from manipulating North America’s industrial base through malign direct investment\n\nAcross America’s northern border, the CCP has employed a different strategy. While Canada retains notable guardrails to block malicious direct investment from foreign adversaries, China has held hostage Canadian agriculture interests to negotiate direct shipments of Chinese EVs into Canada at lower tariffs, which were previously aligned with the U.S.. As announced by Prime Minister Carney in January 2026, the country now intends to allow 49,000 Chinese EVs to be imported into Canada each year at a heavily discounted tariff rate. This represents more than one quarter of annual EV sales in Canada and it will greatly damage American automakers’ market share in the country, harming their prospects to grow and invest in new technologies. Securing a commitment from Prime Minister Carney to restore Canada’s high trade protection against Chinese EVs should be a top priority.\n\nFor more than a century, a thriving auto manufacturing sector has fueled America’s dominance in both commercial and defense industrial endeavors. American automakers do not just deliver indispensable products to our families, they build and preserve ecosystems of technology innovation and a skilled manufacturing workforce that strengthens our nation and has cascading benefits through many corners of the U.S. economy. As the U.S. continues to negotiate improvements to USMCA with the Mexican and Canadian governments, we applaud you for prioritizing strong reforms that preserve the might of America’s auto industrial base and protect the North American trading block from malign Chinese investment during your April meeting with President Sheinbaum. We urge you to continue prioritizing such measures during the first official round of bilateral USMCA negotiations next week.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,”\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville, Hagerty Reintroduce Legislation to Punish Foreign Governments that Violate American Trade Agreements\n\nICYMI: Tuberville in the Washington Times: USTR’s Last-Minute Effort to Neuter Trump’s USMCA\n\nTuberville, Hagerty Introduce Legislation to Protect American Assets\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-investigates-foreign-imported-radioactive-shrimp/", "title": "Tuberville Investigates Foreign-Imported Radioactive Shrimp", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in raising concerns about the negative health impacts of importing foreign shrimp that often contains dangerous radioactive substances. The Senators sent letters to the Global Seafood Alliance, Marine Stewardship Council, and Aquaculture Stewardship Council raising concerns about the issue.\n\nAmerica’s increasing reliance on foreign imported food, specifically seafood, poses serious risks to American families’ health. Between August and October 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued eight safety alerts related to imported shrimp potentially contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive substance that can cause serious health harms like cancer.\n\n“We have experienced a serious increase in food safety incidents as a result of imported food products, specifically with regards to imported seafood,” wrote the Senators. “Ensuring that American families have access to safe, quality food is essential to empower consumers to live healthier lives and support local American businesses.”\n\nRead the letter to the Global Seafood Alliance here.\n\nRead the letter to the Marine Stewardship Council here.\n\nRead the letter to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council here.\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville, Hyde-Smith Introduce Bill to Require Clear Seafood Labeling\n\nTuberville Introduces Bill to Put American Farmers and Producers First\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-championed-legislation-that-extends-tax-deadline-for-south-georgia-wildfire-victims/", "title": "Warnock Championed Legislation that Extends Tax Deadline for South Georgia Wildfire Victims", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Warnock, along with Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act back in April 2025, to help disaster victims receive their tax refund by extending the deadline to claim a credit or refund\n\nSenator Warnock’s legislation was signed into law in December of 2025\n\nThe Internal Revenue Service announced last week that households that reside or have business in Clinch, Echols, and Brantley counties qualify for tax relief\n\nSenator Warnock: “I’m proud my bill was signed into law and already in action supporting Georgia wildfire victims.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Legislation championed by U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), alongside Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), is providing some tax relief to those impacted by the South Georgia wildfires that have been ongoing since April 2026.\n\n“Families who’ve just lost everything in a fire have a lot on their minds; the IRS shouldn’t be one of those things. That’s why I introduced bipartisan legislation to give victims of natural disasters some much-needed relief. I’m proud my bill was signed into law and already in action supporting Georgia wildfire victims,” said Senator Warnock. “I will continue to advocate for Georgians impacted by the South Georgia wildfires, Hurricane Helene, and other natural disasters.”\n\nThe Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that individuals and businesses in parts of Georgia impacted by wildfires and straight-line winds that began on April 18, 2026, now have until August 20, 2026 to file various federal individual and business tax returns, as well as make tax payments. Individuals and households that reside or have a business in Clinch, Echols and Brantley counties qualify for tax relief, with the same relief extended to any counties that are added later to the disaster area.\n\nTaxpayers usually have three years to file a claim for credit or refund of any overpayments of tax. However, until this year, the three-year “lookback period” for paying refunds was not increased even if filing deadlines were postponed following a natural disaster. As a result, some taxpayers who take advantage of a postponed filing deadline will not be able to obtain a refund. Separately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is required to demand payment within 60 days of an assessment, even if the payment deadline is postponed. Therefore, the IRS may send letters demanding payments that have been postponed. This creates unnecessary confusion and stress for disaster victims.\n\nTo ensure that taxpayers impacted by disasters are treated like every other taxpayer when claiming their refunds, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act:\n\nExtends the three-year period for receiving a refund or credit when the IRS extends a filing deadline due to a natural disaster, ensuring that a deadline extension does not give disaster impacted taxpayers a shorter lookback period for claiming a refund;\n\nEnsures that the automatic IRS payment deadline is extended to match any disaster-based filing deadline extension.\n\nThe legislation was signed into law on December 26, 2025. Since the South Georgia wildfires began in April, Senator Warnock has been in constant contact with state and local officials for information about containment and best way to assist those impacted. On April 28, 2026, Senator Warnock joined first responders in Brantley County, where he prayed with firefighters from around Georgia and met with first responders, elected officials, and volunteers. Senator Warnock has continued to secure millions of dollars in federal funding for outstanding payments owed to Georgia counties and entities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. In May, Senator Warnock announced nearly $90 million in new federal funding for outstanding Helene payments to Georgia.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-response-to-warren-king-and-wyden-request-government-watchdog-launches-probe-into-ineffective-free-file-tax-program", "title": "In Response to Warren, King, and Wyden Request, Government Watchdog Launches Probe Into Ineffective “Free File” Tax Program", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In Response to Warren, King, and Wyden Request, Government Watchdog Launches Probe Into Ineffective “Free File” Tax Program\n\nText of GAO Response (PDF)\n\nWashington, DC - In response to a recent request from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Angus King (I-Maine), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirmed it is launching a new probe into the Free File program, an IRS partnership with private tax prep companies. The lawmakers’ request followed the Trump administration’s decision to end the Direct File program — instead touting its failed Free File program, which has a nearly two-decade-long record of underperformance.\n\n“GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority. We anticipate that staff with the required skills will be available shortly to initiate an engagement,” wrote GAO.\n\nIn April 2022, GAO released a report entitled “IRS Should Develop Additional Options for Taxpayers to File for Free,” highlighting the need for the government to develop new ways for low- and middle-income Americans to file their taxes for free. In response, the Biden administration created the Direct File program, which allowed Americans to file their tax returns online, for free, and directly with the IRS.\n\nLast October, the Trump administration killed the Direct File program, asserting that the Free File program, which is operated by for-profit tax preparation firms and has a lengthy track record of underperformance, could meet taxpayers’ needs.\n\nIn addition to GAO’s earlier report, numerous reports by Congressional committees, nonpartisan watchdogs, and media outlets have identified serious problems with Free File. Free File partners have deliberately misled taxpayers into paying for assistance when they are eligible to file for free. Investigations by Senator Warren and others found that Free File partners have leaked sensitive taxpayer data to private tech companies, putting taxpayers’ most sensitive information at risk.\n\nThe new GAO investigation will help evaluate the program’s user experience, accessibility, accuracy, and costs, and address broader concerns surrounding Free File’s underperformance and the difficulties that low- and middle- income Americans encounter when trying to truly file their taxes for free.\n\nSenator Warren is a leading voice in advocating for taxpayers and for improved IRS resources:\n\nIn April 2026, Senator Warren introduced the Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (Stop CHEATERS) Act, a bill to restore and revitalize the IRS with additional funding for tax enforcement, technology operations support, systems modernization, and taxpayer services like free taxpayer assistance.\n\nIn April 2026, Senator Warren took to the Senate floor to seek unanimous consent to pass the Direct File Act. The bill would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program—which allowed Americans to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government—and make the program permanent.\n\nIn February 2026, Senator Warren led over 150 lawmakers in introducing the Direct File Act, new legislation that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.\n\nIn February 2026, Senator Warren led her colleagues in pressing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief of Taxpayer Services Ken Corbin on the Treasury Department’s decision to end Direct File and instead promote Free File.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/what-they-are-saying-rural-hospitals-across-america-welcome-senate-passage-of-welch-supported-legislation-to-extend-rural-hospital-program/", "title": "What They Are Saying: Rural Hospitals Across America Welcome Senate Passage of Welch-Supported Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) provides lifeline to rural communities\n\nBURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, shared that over a dozen rural hospital leaders from Vermont and across the United States are praising the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation supported by Senator Welch and led by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) for five years.\n\nRCHD provides a lifeline to rural hospitals by allowing them to test innovative hospital payment models under Medicare that boost financial sustainability to maintain and improve health care access in rural communities across the country. Vermont’s Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is one of the thirty hospitals across the country chosen for this demonstration program.\n\n“America’s rural hospitals are essential to ensuring that every community can access lifesaving care close to home. But rural hospitals in Vermont and across the country are operating on razor thin margins—workforce shortages and rising costs only scratch the surface of the challenges they face,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the Senate’s unanimous support of this legislation which is so essential to ensuring to our hospitals can continue to provide vital care to rural patients in Vermont and across the country.”\n\nThe most recent performance data found participating RCHD hospitals significantly improved their Medicare margins and had higher capital investments, resulting in stronger financial conditions and helping with staff retention. Participating hospitals are mostly paid using a reasonable cost-based methodology instead of the inpatient prospective payment system.\n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act provides a lifeline to rural hospitals by allowing hospitals to continue testing innovative hospital payment models under Medicare that boost financial sustainability and improve rural access to care. In addition to Vermont, twelve other states have hospitals in the program: Colorado, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming.\n\nVermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (Michael Del Trecco, President and CEO): “Rural community hospitals are the backbone of healthcare access in many regions, and in Vermont our families, friends, and neighbors depend on having care close to home. This Senate and House bill recognizes the importance of sustaining these essential institutions so patients can continue to receive high-quality care in the communities where they live.”\n\nAmerican Hospital Association (Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Political Affairs): “The American Hospital Association applauds the Senate passing the Rural Community Hospital (RCH) Demonstration Reauthorization Act, which allows hospitals to continue providing essential care in their communities by supporting the financial stability of participating rural hospitals. Hospitals with 50 beds or less are some of the most vulnerable to closure, and the RCH demo offers an important model to maintain access in rural communities around the country. This bipartisan legislation gives more certainty for America’s rural hospitals.”\n\nAlaska Hospital & Healthcare Association (Jared C. Kosin, President and CEO): “AHHA supports the straightforward, five-year extension of the RCH Demonstration program and is grateful for its passage in the Senate. The financial stability the program provides has been vital to Alaska’s participating hospitals in bolstering their ability to maintain local access to healthcare and emergency services across their communities and regions.”\n\nIowa Hospital Association (Chris Mitchell, President and CEO): “The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration has been critical in supporting financial viability for participating Iowa hospitals, as well as preserving access to care for patients in communities with few, or no, nearby care options. The program’s structure provides stability hospitals need to plan effectively for the future and continue to serve Medicare patients close to home. Extending the program for another five years will build upon a proven model that benefits rural patients, providers as well as the Medicare program. I’m glad the U.S. Senate recognizes the importance of this program and passed legislation swiftly to extend it.”\n\nKansas Hospital Association (Chad Austin, President and CEO): “Access to care in rural Kansas depends on maintaining stable and sustainable financing pathways for community hospitals. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has helped participating hospitals continue delivering essential services close to home while supporting the health and economic vitality of their communities. Kansas hospitals appreciate the U.S. Senate’s passage of legislation to renew this long-standing program for an additional five years. This extension will help provide continued stability for participating hospitals in Kansas and beyond and the patients and communities they serve for years to come.”\n\nLakes Regional Healthcare (Jason Harrington, President and CEO): “The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program has been critically important to the sustainability of Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Through participation in the RCHD, Lakes Regional Healthcare has been able to maintain financial stability, reinvest in our facility, recruit and retain essential staff, and continue offering high-quality care close to home. The hospital serves as both a critical health care provider and a key economic anchor. Reauthorization of the RCHD is essential to ensuring that hospitals like Lakes Regional Healthcare can continue to meet the growing needs of our Medicare population and the communities we serve. I’m grateful to see the U.S. Senate quickly pass the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act to extend this critical program and I thank Senator Grassley for his leadership on this legislation.”\n\nMaine Hospital Association (Jeffrey Austin, President): “Maine is one of the oldest and most rural states in the nation. Access to care is a challenge and getting more difficult as the growth in costs exceed the growth in revenues. Maine hospitals need creative solutions to this issue. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program has helped stabilize the finances for participating Maine hospitals. We wholeheartedly support its reauthorization and its continued support for rural Maine.”\n\nNebraska Hospital Association (Jeremy Nordquist, President and CEO): “The goal of keeping our rural hospitals and the critical services they provide open and accessible demands collaboration from lawmakers, providers, and local communities. It also requires the utilization of innovative models to sustain rural health care services. That is why the Nebraska Hospital Association is grateful to the Senate for supporting the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program. The loss of this program would threaten hospital stability, leading to service line cuts or closures. Participation in the RCHD keeps certain rural hospitals from falling through the cracks, helping them remain open to serve rural beneficiaries.”\n\nIn addition to Senators Welch, Grassley, and Bennet, the legislation is cosponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).\n\nU.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE-01), and Janelle Bynum (D-OR-05) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nRead and download the full text of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-visits-122nd-fighter-wing-in-fort-wayne/", "title": "Young Visits 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne", "date": "2026-06-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "INDIANAPOLIS – On Friday, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) visited the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne for an update and base tour.\n\n“I am always impressed by the professionalism of the Blacksnakes and their contributions to our national security,” said Senator Young. “The 122nd Fighter Wing is a staple of the Fort Wayne community and continues to excel in ongoing missions around the world.”\n\nPhotos of the visit are below:", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/06/02/reps-aguilar-chu-and-gomez-visit-hunger-strikers-at-adelanto-ice-detention-center-renew-calls-for-facility-closure/", "title": "Reps. Aguilar, Chu and Gomez Visit Hunger Strikers at Adelanto ICE Detention Center, Renew Calls for Facility Closure", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nReps. Aguilar, Chu and Gomez Visit Hunger Strikers at Adelanto ICE Detention Center, Renew Calls for Facility Closure\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) visited the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County, California, to meet with detainees participating in an ongoing hunger strike and assess conditions inside one of the nation’s most troubled immigration detention facilities.\n\nThe Members met with detainees who launched a hunger strike on May 19, 2026, to protest unsafe and inhumane living conditions inside Adelanto’s Desert View Annex. Hunger strikers have demanded the removal of mold, access to clean drinking water, adequate food, and timely medical care for individuals with chronic health conditions. Detainees have also reported being forced to rely on expensive commissary purchases to supplement inadequate food provided by the facility and have organized an economic boycott in response.\n\nRep. Chu has conducted oversight of the Adelanto facility for more than a decade and has repeatedly called for its closure due to documented concerns regarding medical neglect, unsafe conditions, and detainee deaths.\n\n“For more than a decade, I have called for the closure of Adelanto, and today’s visit made clear why that call is as urgent as ever,” said Rep. Chu. “The detainees we met with described horrific, unacceptable living conditions that no human being should ever have to endure. The problems at Adelanto are not new, and they are not isolated. They are the result of years of neglect that have continued despite repeated warnings, congressional oversight, and detainee deaths. Adelanto has had countless opportunities to change and has failed time and again. It is time to shut down this facility once and for all.”\n\n“The Trump administration has tried to block congressional oversight and hide the inhumane conditions at immigrant detention facilities like the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, but Democrats have fought for transparency to bring attention to what’s happening behind closed doors,” said Rep. Aguilar. “We heard the truth today from detainees about the dangerous, unsanitary and unlivable conditions at this facility, and what they’ve been subjected to is nothing short of cruel. House Democrats will keep fighting for accountability and we won’t give ICE and Border Patrol another cent until their chaos and brutality are reined in and real reforms are in place.”\n\n“Today, I heard directly from detainees who say they have exhausted every other avenue to raise concerns about the conditions they face inside this facility,” said Rep. Gomez. “Members of Congress have a responsibility to investigate these allegations and ensure the American people know what is happening inside. When people are willing to put their own health on the line just to be heard, that’s a sign that something is deeply wrong. No one should have to starve themselves to get basic dignity, medical care, or have their concerns taken seriously.”\n\nSince the start of President Trump’s second term, five people have died while in Adelanto custody or shortly after being transferred from the facility. In total, at least 13 people have died in connection with Adelanto since it opened, making it one of the deadliest ICE detention centers in the country. Over the years, detainees, advocates, medical professionals, and oversight officials have documented serious concerns at the facility, including delayed medical treatment, unsanitary conditions, inadequate access to hygiene products, and barriers to communicating with attorneys and family members.\n\nThe Adelanto facility is operated by GEO Group, a private prison contractor that receives millions of taxpayer dollars to detain immigrants. Similar protests have recently emerged at other GEO-operated detention centers, including Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, where detainees have also engaged in hunger strikes over conditions and treatment.\n\nThe Members reiterated their commitment to conducting congressional oversight of immigration detention facilities and ensuring that all individuals in federal custody are treated with dignity and afforded adequate medical care, nutrition, sanitation, and access to legal representation.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2897", "title": "Bacon, Pappas, Blumenthal Introduce New Comprehensive Legislation to Crack Down on Claim Sharks Scamming Veterans", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bacon.house.gov", "scraper": "bacon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001298", "name": "Don Bacon", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (CT) announced their new comprehensive legislation to hold claims sharks and other predatory actors accountable for exploiting veterans and survivors’ earned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.\n\nThe lawmakers’ Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would make explicit that only VA-accredited individuals can assist veterans with VA benefit claims and reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While current law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties.\n\n“In recent years, numerous complaints have been raised about benefit‑assistance companies that target veterans with aggressive marketing practices, charge unauthorized or excessive fees, and provide misleading information about VA benefits. No veteran should be taken advantage of while trying to access the benefits they earned serving our country,” said Congressman Bacon. “These concerns underscore the urgent need for stronger protections and real accountability for bad actors. Predatory claim sharks undermine trust in the VA process and can leave veterans paying unauthorized fees for help they should be able to receive from accredited representatives. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Pappas on the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to strengthen consumer protections, restore real consequences for bad actors, and make sure veterans know where to turn for trusted help.”\n\n“Veterans seeking to access their benefits should not face another battle to do so. Unaccredited, for-profit companies are scamming veterans of their earned benefits under the guise of helping them and they must be stopped,” said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation is about transparency for veterans so they know the resources and help available to them when they apply for benefits, and accountability for for-profit claim sharks that are breaking the law and exploiting legal loopholes to defraud them. I’m glad to be working with Senator Blumenthal, veterans, veterans’ service organizations, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this issue. I won’t stop fighting to reinstate criminal penalties on these illegal business practices and safeguard the benefits veterans have earned.”\n\n“Veterans need protection against claims sharks and other predatory scammers who are stealing millions in hard-earned benefits,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our legislation will close loopholes and impose strict criminal penalties— deterring as well as punishing bad actors. There should be zero tolerance for exploitive tactics robbing veterans of funds they well deserve and need to live. I hope this measure will have bipartisan backing.”\n\nThe SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would:\n\nReestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans;\n\nProhibit VA accreditation of any person found guilty of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims;\n\nClose loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims;\n\nProhibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information;\n\nRequire VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and\n\nIncrease warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents.\n\n\"Our veterans sacrificed so much to defend us and our freedoms – the least we can do is protect the benefits they earned and deserve,\" said Congresswoman Bynum. “I am proud to introduce the bipartisan SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to crack down on claim sharks preying on veterans and taking their benefits. Let's pass this bill and ensure our heroes in need of assistance can access it without the risk of being scammed.”\n\n“We must reinstate strong criminal penalties for bad actors who illegally charge veterans for VA claims, while requiring accredited or supervised representation, strengthening enforcement, and expanding outreach so veterans can access free, trusted assistance. Veterans who served our country should never be charged unauthorized fees or misled by companies seeking to profit off the benefits they earned,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\nThe lawmakers’ legislation builds on bipartisan efforts to hold unaccredited entities accountable and a NPR investigation that revealed private companies continue to make millions by extorting veterans, despite knowing their actions are likely illegal. It also comes on the heels of a U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina summary judgement ruling that unaccredited companies are considered agents and are subject to the federal ban on charging veterans for assistance with preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits. Some states have passed legislation authorizing the practice of charging for assistance with VA claims. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act includes state laws preemption regarding recognition, fee agreements, or authority to charge for assistance with the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of VA benefit claims.\n\nIn the House, Bacon was joined by Reps. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Bill Keating (MA-08), Dina Titus (NV-03), Vindman (VA-08), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). In the Senate, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe legislation is also supported by National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and The American Legion.\n\n“NACVSO supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 and its efforts to restore integrity within the VA claims process,” said NACVSO President Andrew Tangen. “VA-accredited representatives operate under federal oversight, training requirements, and ethical standards designed to protect veterans, while unaccredited claims agents have increasingly exploited enforcement gaps while profiting from veteran injuries and illnesses. This legislation takes bad profit incentives away from unscrupulous claims agents by restoring criminal penalties for unauthorized assistance, improving transparency, modernizing accreditation oversight, and increasing awareness of predatory practices. No veteran should ever have to pay for initial claim services and those who have illegally profited must be held accountable.”\n\n“For too long, unaccredited claims consultants have exploited veterans and survivors by charging excessive, unlawful fees for assistance they are not authorized to provide. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act restores accountability, strengthens protections for veterans navigating the VA claims process, and reinforces the critical role of accredited veterans service organizations, attorneys, and claims agents who are held to rigorous standards,\" said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). \"MOAA applauds lawmakers for introducing this important legislation to preserve the integrity of the VA benefits system and ensure veterans are not targeted by predatory actors seeking to profit off of service-earned benefits.”\n\n“DAV strongly supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to help combat a serious and ongoing threat: unethical individuals who prey on veterans navigating the complex VA claims process and charge fees for help that should be free and accredited. By reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited claims assistance, streamlining the accreditation process, and making public those who have been barred from VA accreditation, this bill puts teeth back into protections that veterans need, deserve, and have earned. Passage of this legislation would demonstrate our nation’s unwavering commitment to honor and protect all who have served because every veteran deserves strong, honest advocacy when seeking earned benefits—not opportunists seeking to profit,” said DAV National Service Director Scott Hope.\n\nBackground\n\nUnaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://barragan.house.gov/2026/06/02/random-lengths-news-barragan-leads-push-to-restore-1-1-billion-for-home-care/", "title": "Random Lengths News: Barragán Leads Push to Restore $1.1 Billion for Home Care", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barragan.house.gov/news", "domain": "barragan.house.gov", "scraper": "barragan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001300", "name": "Nanette Diaz Barragán", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Reporters Desk – June 2, 2026\n\nWashington D.C. — Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), along with California Democratic Congressional Delegation Chair Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Representatives Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Derek Tran (CA-45), led members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in urging Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or CMS administrator Mehmet Oz to reverse a decision to defer $1.1 billion in federal funding for California’s In-Home Supportive Services or IHSS program. As a longtime advocate for vulnerable communities, Rep. Barragán is spearheading this effort to protect Medicaid’s essential home- and community-based services that allow seniors and people with disabilities, including children, to receive care in their homes rather than in institutional settings.\n\nIn the letter, Rep. Barragán and her colleagues emphasize that IHSS serves more than 900,000 Californians and provides critical daily supports, including personal care, meal preparation, and medical assistance. The members raise serious concerns that CMS’s justification—allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse—lacks sufficient evidence and instead results in broad, indiscriminate funding delays that harm beneficiaries and caregivers alike. They underscore that California’s increased IHSS expenditures reflect deliberate investments to meet growing needs.\n\n“In addition, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration are harming patients through $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and undermining actual efforts to fight fraud, including the Administration’s decision to fire at least 17 inspectors general, including the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services,” the Members point out in the letter.\n\nMembers of the delegation warn that defunding IHSS could force individuals into more costly institutional care or homelessness, ultimately increasing federal spending and destabilizing care systems. The letter calls on HHS to immediately restore the funding in order to protect access to essential Medicaid services.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://baumgartner.house.gov/2026/06/02/baumgartner-ambassador-ryan-crocker-call-for-a-reinvigorated-american-diplomatic-corps/", "title": "Baumgartner, Amb. Ryan Crocker Call for a Reinvigorated American Diplomatic Corps", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "baumgartner.house.gov", "scraper": "baumgartner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001322", "name": "Michael Baumgartner", "party": "Republican", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPOKANE, WA — Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) and Spokane native Ambassador Ryan Crocker today published a joint op-ed calling for a reinvigorated American diplomatic corps capable of operating effectively in difficult environments and responding rapidly to emerging crises.\n\n“To practice diplomacy, you need diplomats,” Baumgartner and Crocker write. “While America’s ability to surge military power remains unmatched, our ability to surge diplomatic capability and political understanding must keep pace.”\n\n“Ambassador Crocker is one of the most distinguished diplomats our country has ever produced, and Eastern Washington should be proud that his remarkable career began here in Spokane,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “I saw firsthand during the Iraq Surge that military power must be matched by experienced diplomats who can operate in hard places, understand the political terrain, and build the relationships needed to advance American interests. The State Department needs an expeditionary capability and a deep bench of diplomats prepared to serve when the stakes are highest.”\n\nThe op-ed highlights proposals under consideration by the House Foreign Affairs Committee to strengthen expeditionary diplomacy and establish a pilot Diplomatic Reserve Corps based on bipartisan legislation that Congressman Baumgartner is co-leading. A reserve capability would give the State Department greater flexibility to surge trained personnel and specialized expertise into foreign-affairs contingencies without creating a new permanent bureaucracy.\n\nRead the Op-Ed here.\n\nRead more about bi-partisan legislation on expeditionary diplomacy here and diplomatic reserve corps here.\n\nMore about the authors:\n\nAmbassador Crocker served as the United States Ambassador to six countries: Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was sent to Kabul in 2002 to reopen the U.S. Embassy following the fall of the Taliban and was later recalled from retirement to serve another tour as Ambassador to Afghanistan. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2009.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9132", "title": "AI Caucus Co-Chair Beyer Response to Trump’s Latest AI Executive Order", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, today issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive order asking artificial intelligence companies to provide the federal government with early access to models on a voluntary basis:\n\n“The risks posed by frontier AI models and their advanced cyber capabilities are real and demand serious attention, but this executive order falls short of providing a credible framework to manage those risks. As it is written, this order continues to allow companies to release powerful models to the public without undergoing meaningful evaluation or review. This largely voluntary and classified approach is simply not sufficient.\n\n“Equally concerning is absence of clear guidance on how identified threats would be addressed. While this order creates channels to surface potential risks, it fails to define procedures for responding to them once identified. It also opens the door to redirecting existing federal grant funding toward AI vulnerability efforts without clear safeguards or accountability.\n\n“This is underwhelming policy that mirrors the Trump Administration’s broader pattern of creating a wild west environment for AI development, rather than ensuring safe and responsible governance to protect the American public.”\n\nRep. Don Beyer (D-VA) serves as co-Chair of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus. He was one of a handful of members selected to serve on the bipartisan Task Force On Artificial Intelligence, convened by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Mike Johnson. He is the author of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and a lead cosponsor of the CREATE AI Act, the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act, and the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/06/02/buchanan-thompson-lead-landmark-bill-to-transform-u-s-cycling-industry/", "title": "Buchanan, Thompson Lead Landmark Bill to Transform U.S. Cycling Industry", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The America Bikes Act Bolsters Safety, Increases Access to Bikes, Onshores Bike Manufacturing\n\nWASHINGTON — Co-Chairs of the Congressional Bike Caucus Congressmen Vern Buchanan and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) announced the introduction of the America Bikes Act (H.R. 9041), comprehensive bipartisan legislation that will bolster cyclist safety, increase access to bikes and bring bike manufacturing back to the United States.\n\n“Investing in safe, reliable transportation is essential for families, workers and seniors across Florida’s 16th District and communities nationwide,” said Buchanan. “That is why, as co-chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, I joined Rep. Mike Thompson to introduce the bipartisan America Bikes Act. This legislation delivers stronger investments in bicycle infrastructure and expands access to safer transportation networks. From neighborhood streets to daily commutes, bicycles remain a simple and effective way for Americans to get around, and this bill will support practical improvements that reduce congestion, improve mobility and keep cyclists safe.”\n\n“Cycling is good for people and good for our planet. It just makes sense that we’d invest in expanding bike access and road safety so more Americans can benefit from cycling,” said Thompson. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus and an avid cyclist myself, I know that these sensible measures will improve and expand access to safe, healthy transportation for decades to come. I’m honored to work with Rep. Vern Buchanan on this landmark legislation.”\n\nThe America Bikes Act is landmark legislation designed to support and expand cycling across the nation by tackling safety, access and manufacturing challenges all in one bill. This bill includes cycling provisions previously introduced by Reps. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.).\n\nBuchanan and Thompson’s legislation improves cyclist safety by expanding access to federal funding for local governments to improve roadway safety for bicyclists and pedestrians; helping local, regional and Tribal governments fund safety action plans and infrastructure projects aimed at preventing roadway fatalities and serious injuries; and making bike safety education a standard part of youth learning nationwide and expanding access to funding for on-bicycle education to elementary and secondary school students.\n\nThe bill also encourages more people to bike by improving access to programs that help kids safely bike and walk to school, expanding biking and walking infrastructure on federal lands, and reauthorizing federal funding for communities to plan, design and build walking and biking infrastructure. It expands incentives so more Americans switch to bicycle commuting and creates a grant program to connect biking and transit stations, including supporting bike parking at transit stations and expansion of bikeshare programs.\n\nFurthermore, it creates incentives to manufacture bikes in the United States, supporting American manufacturing and creating jobs. Earlier this congress, Buchanan and Thompson introduced the U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act (H.R. 3904) to provide a temporary suspension of tariffs on imported bicycle components if those components are used to assemble bikes in the U.S.\n\nThe America Bikes Act is endorsed by leading cyclist and road safety organizations, including The League of American Bicyclists, California Bicycle Coalition, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, PeopleForBikes, Safe Routes Partnership, National Bicycle Dealers Association and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.\n\n“With the America Bikes Act, Congressional Bike Caucus Chairs Mike Thompson and Vern Buchanan are celebrating the freedom bicycling brings to people and communities. The League believes life is better for everyone when more people can ride bikes and this bill represents a number of common sense initiatives to ensure our transportation system is safe and accessible to everyone,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists.\n\n“Every child deserves the freedom to safely walk, bike, and roll to school and around their community. We applaud the Congressional Bike Caucus for introducing the bipartisan America Bikes Act, which includes language to restore statewide Safe Routes to School coordinators, a proven investment that helps communities make it easier, safer, and more joyful for kids to get where they need to go,” said Marisa Jones, Executive Director, Safe Routes Partnership.\n\n“This bipartisan bill combines effective safety measures and critical reforms to funding programs that together will deliver the safe and practical bicycling routes that Americans demand and need for both daily transportation and healthy recreation,” said Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.\n\n“The America Bikes Act is a major step forward for the bike industry and the millions of Americans who want safer, better places to ride. By investing in connected bike infrastructure and supporting domestic bicycle manufacturing, this legislation will help more people ride bikes more often, strengthen the U.S. bike economy, create American jobs, and improve the health and safety of communities across the country. We thank Congressman Thompson and Congressman Buchanan for their leadership and commitment to expanding access to bicycling nationwide,” said Jenn Dice, President and CEO, PeopleForBikes.\n\n“This bill is a game-changer for America’s bicycle retailers and the industry as a whole. The reinstatement of the employer-provided bicycle commuting benefit means more Americans will have a real financial incentive to commute by bike, and that translates directly into more customers walking through the doors of local bicycle shops. The suspension of duties on bicycle assembly parts lowers costs for domestic manufacturers, strengthens our supply chain, and helps American businesses compete. When paired with the $500 million annual investment in active transportation infrastructure and the Bicycle Transit Integration Grant Program, this package creates the conditions for a true cycling renaissance in the United States. The NBDA stands fully behind this bill and urges its swift passage,” said Heather Mason, Executive Director, National Bicycle Dealers Association.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415675", "title": "Reps. Smith, Suozzi introduce the Tibet Atrocities Determination Act", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Tibet Atrocities Determination Act (HR 9085), legislation to require the U.S. Secretary of State to compile and submit a comprehensive report to Congress on whether the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has committed acts of genocide and/or crimes against humanity against Tibetans in Tibet.\n\nHR 9085 is the House companion legislation to S. 4432, introduced by Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the Senate chamber earlier this Congress.\n\nThe bicameral, bipartisan legislation specifically mandates the Secretary of State to investigate whether the PRC has subjected the Tibetan people to arbitrary killings, serious bodily or psychological harms, inhumane living conditions, forced displacement and mass detentions, coercive sterilizations and abortions, and the involuntary removal of Tibetan children from their families and communities.\n\nThe report, which the Secretary of State must submit to the appropriate congressional committees no later than one year after the enactment of the law, requires:\n\nAn evidentiary basis for the determination, including documentation of specific acts and policies;\n\nA review of actions and statements by the PRC government intended to sinicize Tibetan Buddhism or repress Tibetan language and culture that contribute to policies resulting in genocide or crimes against humanity against the Tibetan people;\n\nFindings from Department of State reports and credible third-party analyses; and\n\nRecommendations for United States policy responses, including, but not limited to, potential sanctions, visa restrictions and diplomatic actions.\n\nRep. Chris Smith, Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), said: “For far too long, and with complete impunity, the Chinese Communist Party has been committing clear atrocities in Tibet against the Tibetan people. To marshal the clear and concrete actions needed to confront these crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable, we must disclose them by name, plainly and officially. The United States must stand alongside them as they fight to stop the erasure of their religion, language, culture, and identity. They deserve the support of every nation committed to freedom and democracy.”\n\nRep. Tom Suozzi said: “The Chinese Communist Party’s brutal transnational repression campaign, which targets Tibetans and other ethnic minority groups, is a threat to democracy everywhere. I continue to stand with the Tibetans who are demanding independence and the freedom simply to be Tibetan - to speak their language, to practice their religion, and to live freely in their own country. Whether it's Tibetan Buddhists, Uyghur Muslims, or democracy advocates in Hong Kong, we need to stand up to China for its failure to promote basic human rights. We must call out oppression and religious persecution around the world.”\n\nSen. Rick Scott said: “Communist China is an evil, despicable regime, and the world can’t ignore the genocide happening right now in Tibet. General Secretary Xi and his thugs are complicit in systematic killings, torture, forced sterilization, forced displacement, government sanctioned kidnapping, and a myriad of other crimes against humanity in its oppression of the Tibetan people. We shouldn’t be surprised that the same regime that locks up political prisoners, like my friend Jimmy Lai, and wages a genocide against the Uyghurs, continues to commit existential human rights violations. I’m glad to have Rep. Smith and Rep. Suozzi join me in holding the CCP accountable for their senseless bloodshed.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-reintroduces-historic-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-boost-menopause-research-expand-training-and-awareness-around-menopause/", "title": "CLARKE REINTRODUCES HISTORIC BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION TO BOOST MENOPAUSE RESEARCH, EXPAND TRAINING AND AWARENESS AROUND MENOPAUSE", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "domain": "clarke.house.gov", "scraper": "clarke", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001067", "name": "Yvette D. Clarke", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nJune 2, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) reintroduced comprehensive bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would be the most expansive effort so far to boost federal research on menopause and would—for the first time—coordinate the federal government’s existing programs related to menopause and mid-life women’s health. The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act, authorized at $275 million over five years, would better address menopause and mid-life women’s health issues by strengthening and expanding federal research, health care workforce training, awareness and education efforts, and public health promotion and prevention activities.\n\n75 million women are in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause right now in the U.S.—with 6,000 more women reaching menopause each day. But despite the fact that half the population in the U.S. will eventually experience menopause, menopause research has long been underinvested in and overlooked. To date, there are few federally funded clinical trials on menopause and menopausal hormone therapy and very little menopause education for doctors—only 30 percent of U.S. residency programs offer a formal menopause curriculum, and 80 percent of OB-GYN residents admit to being ill-prepared to discuss menopause.\n\n“Menopause is a natural experience that no woman is exempt from, and yet, those going through this already difficult and often challenging stage of life remain subject to needless neglect, ridicule, and stigmatization. Let’s be clear: a woman’s value does not begin and end with her fertility. In mid-life and beyond, she will always have more to offer, more to feel, and more to give,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “I am proud to introduce legislation that provides the resources and support women need to face their new normal head on, counters the ongoing tide of attacks against their bodies and autonomy, and enables them to enjoy all that their next chapters have in store for them.”\n\n“For too long, menopause has been something women are expected to deal with by themselves and like many areas of women’s health, it hasn’t received the attention or investment it deserves—that needs to change,” said Senator Murray. “This legislation takes important steps by increasing funding for menopause research and providing federal agencies with additional tools to better study and support mid-life women’s health. While this administration continues to dismantle programs and research that support women’s health, I’ll keep fighting to make sure we make it a federal priority.”\n\n“Menopause is something half of the global population will experience, and it is imperative that we better understand it—as women, as healthcare professionals, as partners and support systems,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation makes it possible to invest time and energy into doing just that. I am honored to join this bipartisan group of determined women and strong leaders to advocate for women’s health.”\n\n“ACOG is pleased to endorse the Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act. As ob-gyns, we see firsthand the urgent need for improved public health awareness and access to trusted, evidence-based information on menopause and mid-life women’s health—especially at a time when health misinformation is rapidly increasing,” said Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, President of the American College of OB-GYNs (ACOG). “We’re encouraged that this bill would expand long overdue investments in federal research into menopause and evidence-based approaches to better support patients through the menopausal transition. We thank Senator Patty Murray and Senator Lisa Murkowski for their continued leadership and dedication to advancing menopause care.”\n\n“The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is pleased to endorse the Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act once again, and we thank Senator Murray and Senator Murkowski for reintroducing the bill,” said Kathryn Schubert, President & CEO of the Society for Women’s Health Research. “By boosting research, strengthening clinician training, and raising awareness, this legislation will transform how our health system serves women in midlife and menopause — a population that has for too long been overlooked.”\n\n“Menopause is not just a moment in time — it marks a major inflection point in a woman’s life and long-term health,” said Halle Berry, Academy-Award winning actor, advocate, and founder of women’s health company Respin. “I found out I was in menopause at 54 and spent years being misdiagnosed and in search of answers. The Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act is a profound step toward addressing the harmful gaps in research, education, and healthcare and I’m excited to see this bill reintroduced. Thank you to Senators Murray and Murkowski, and to all the fierce Members of Congress who have supported and continue to support this effort.”\n\nThe Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act would:\n\nExpand federal research on menopause and mid-life women’s health:\n\nAuthorize $25 million per year over five fiscal years for NIH to award grants to support biomedical, public health, clinical, and translational research and innovation related to menopause and mid-life women’s health.\n\nEstablish new Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) categories for chronic or debilitating conditions among women related to perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause, and mid-life women’s health.\n\nStrengthen coordination within the NIH and across HHS to expand federal research into menopause and mid-life women’s health, including new pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments, and prevent adverse health outcomes among women experiencing menopausal symptoms.\n\nSupport translational research activities to speed the translation and implementation of federal research to support evidence-based health care delivery of perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause care, and related women’s health services.\n\nRequire HHS to expand public health research, health care quality research, data collection and reporting, and occupational health research related to menopause and mid-life women’s health.\n\nSupport public health promotion activities to address chronic conditions affecting mid-life women’s health, strengthen early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of menopausal symptoms; improve health care delivery; and support the development of recommendations and best practices to expand access to mental health and substance use services for women experiencing perimenopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal symptoms. Authorized at $10 million per year over five fiscal years.\n\nEstablish a national public health awareness, education, and outreach program on menopause and mid-life women’s health. Authorized at $10 million per year over five fiscal years.\n\nImprove professional training resources for health care providers on menopause and mid-life women’s health through a new grant program. Authorized at $10 million per year over five fiscal years.\n\nDirect the designation of Centers of Excellence in Menopause and Mid-Life Women’s Health, and authorize grants to support the improvement of professional training resources for health care providers on menopause and mid-life women’s health.\n\nRequire HHS to report to Congress on federal research activities related to menopauseand mid-life women’s health, related barriers to care for patients in rural and underserved areas; barriers to training for health care providers, and recommendations to expand access to care and increase public awareness.­­\n\nSupport coordination between HHS and other federal departments and agencies—including Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD)—related to menopausal symptoms, mid-life women’s health, aging, and public health promotion activities.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American Urogynecologic Society, Endocrine Society, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, Society for Reproductive Investigation, Society for Women’s Health Research, and Women’s First Research Coalition.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://davidson.house.gov/2026/6/davidson-introduces-bill-to-require-warrants-to-access-americans-emails-and-other-electronic-communications", "title": "Davidson Introduces Bill to Require Warrants to Access Americans' Emails and Other Electronic Communications", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davidson.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "davidson.house.gov", "scraper": "davidson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000626", "name": "Warren Davidson", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, June 2nd, 2026, U.S. Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) along with Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the bipartisan Email Privacy Act to update federal privacy law to reflect modern technology and communications.\n\nThe legislation closes outdated loopholes that allow government agencies to obtain stored electronic communications that are older than 180 days without a warrant and establishes uniform protections for Americans’ digital data regardless of how long it has been stored. The bill also ensures Americans receive stronger transparency by permitting service providers to notify customers when government entities seek access to their information, unless prohibited by court order.\n\n\"The Fourth Amendment is clear: the government must get a warrant before searching an individual's private property, including written communications. As today's world has grown increasingly digital, that principle should apply just as strongly to an email inbox as it does to a desk drawer or file cabinet,\" said Davidson. \"That's exactly why I'm proud to cosponsor the Email Privacy Act—to ensure our freedoms carry into the digital world and that all communications are protected as the Founders intended. Congress must pass this commonsense legislation so Americans' rights are fully respected in the 21st century.\"\n\n“The current law governing online privacy standards is egregiously out of date, leaving millions of Americans’ private communications and data vulnerable,” said DelBene. “Our laws must reflect the capabilities of modern technology rather than being stuck in the past. Personal email communications and physical documents should be protected with the same level of security. This bill makes critical changes that will update email privacy standards and modernize Americans’ civil liberties.”\n\n“Americans should not lose their Fourth Amendment protections simply because their private communications are stored with a third-party provider. By eliminating the outdated 180-day rule and requiring the government to obtain a warrant for the contents of emails and other electronic communications, this legislation brings ECPA into line with the realities of the 21st century,” said Lee.\n\n\"Right now the only thing standing between the government and warrantless access to all of the old emails in your inbox is a federal appeals court decision. That's not good enough when it comes to Fourth Amendment protections for one of the fundamental forms of communication right now. I'm proud to partner with a bipartisan coalition to put clear protections for Americans' rights into black-letter law.\" said Wyden\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by Americans for Prosperity, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ACT | The App Association, Americans for Tax Reform, Center for Democracy & Technology, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Project on Government Oversight, Consumer Technology Association, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Engine, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Institute for Policy Innovation, Internet Infrastructure Coalition, Net Choice, R Street Institute, Software & Information Industry Association, TechFreedom, Demand Progress, Restore the Fourth, Fight for the Future, Consumer Choice Center, Due Process Institute.\n\nRead the full text of the bill HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6940", "title": "Dingell Raises Concerns Over Administration’s Decision to Allow Chinese-Owned Connected Vehicles in U.S.", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) raised concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to permit Chinese connected vehicles to enter the United States, warning that allowing this poses a serious threat to American national security, driver privacy, and the competitiveness of the domestic auto industry.\n\nIn January 2025, the previous administration finalized rules ‌effectively barring nearly all Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market, as part of a crackdown on vehicle software and hardware from China. Congresswoman Dingell helped spearhead a bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort alongside Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, to put these rules into law. The duo introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, legislation that would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick:\n\nThis letter is to express concern regarding the recent decision by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS) to authorize a foreign automaker with significant ties to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to continue importing, selling, and producing connected vehicles in the United States despite the administration’s connected vehicle security restrictions.\n\nThe Department of Commerce finalized these rules because connected vehicle technologies present clear national security risks. Modern connected vehicles are capable of collecting and transmitting enormous amounts of sensitive information, including geolocation data, driving patterns, infrastructure mapping, operational diagnostics, and personal consumer information. These systems can enable remote access to vehicle functions. As the Department itself recognized, these technologies are vulnerable to exploitation by our adversaries and could be leveraged for surveillance, intelligence gathering, or disruption of critical infrastructure.\n\nThis authorization appears to create a pathway for entities with substantial ownership, operational, or governance ties to the PRC to continue accessing our market despite the intent of the underlying connected vehicle rule. Congress and multiple administrations have recognized that Chinese companies operate under laws that can compel cooperation with the PRC and their intelligence services. These concerns cannot be mitigated simply through corporate restructuring, branding distinctions, or supply chain adjustments.\n\nThe decision also raises broader concerns about whether existing authorization and waiver processes may inadvertently create loopholes that undermine the effectiveness of the rule. If entities tied to the PRC are permitted to continue operating in our market through exemptions or special authorizations, it risks weakening the very protections the rule was designed to establish.\n\nThese concerns extend beyond national security. China’s automotive sector benefits from extensive state support, industrial overcapacity, unfair trade and labor practices, and distorted market conditions that threaten the long-term competitiveness of the American auto industry and our workers, suppliers, and communities that depend on it. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that allowed critical manufacturing sectors to be hollowed out through unfair competition and foreign subsidization.\n\nCongress has increasingly recognized the seriousness of these threats. Bipartisan, bicameral legislation that has been introduced would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to foreign adversaries, including entities subject to the control or direction of the PRC. These proposals reflect growing bipartisan concern that current authorities may not be sufficient to fully address evolving national security and economic risks.\n\nAccordingly, I request a briefing on the basis for this authorization decision and the broader implications for implementation and enforcement of the connected vehicle rule. Given the significant national security, economic, and supply chain concerns involved, I would welcome either a classified or unclassified briefing, in whichever setting the Department believes is most appropriate to provide a full understanding of the decision, the safeguards in place, and the potential implications for future authorizations. I also request answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat criteria did OICTS use to determine that this authorization would not pose a national security risk?\n\nWhat safeguards, mitigation measures, or ongoing compliance requirements were imposed as conditions of the authorization?\n\nHow does the Department evaluate ownership structures, governance relationships, board representation, operational control, and technology development ties when assessing whether an entity is subject to the direction or jurisdiction of a foreign adversary of concern?\n\nHow does the Department intend to prevent the authorization process from creating broader loopholes that may be used by additional foreign adversary-linked entities seeking entry into the U.S. market?\n\nWhat coordination occurred between the Department, the intelligence community, and other national security agencies prior to approving this authorization?\n\nDoes the Department anticipate granting similar authorizations to additional entities tied to foreign adversaries of concern?\n\nHow will the Department ensure that future connected vehicle restrictions are fully enforceable and not circumvented through corporate affiliations, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, or other indirect ownership structures?", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-data-highlights-everyday-americans-winning-big-from-gop-s-working-families-tax-cuts", "title": "New Data Highlights Everyday Americans Winning Big from GOP’s Working Families Tax Cuts", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "emmer.house.gov", "scraper": "emmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000294", "name": "Tom Emmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released the following statement after new data was released by the U.S. Department of Treasury showing how the Working Families Tax Cuts delivered historic tax relief for everyday, hardworking Americans. Notably, the data reports that 96% of filers receiving a tax cut this year earned less than $200,000, making clear Republicans’ signature tax bill is having a positive impact on working families.\n\n“This tax season, American workers and their families claimed $82 billion in individual relief directly from the Working Families Tax Cuts,” said Congressman Emmer. “This legislation is the single-greatest victory for working families in history! Thanks to House Republicans and President Trump, everyday Americans are keeping more of their hard-earned money. It’s a shame that Tim Walz and the DFL blocked many of these game-changing provisions from helping Minnesotans.”\n\n2026 tax season facts and figures, courtesy of the Treasury Department:\n\nNearly 70% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $100,000\n\nOver 7.5 million filers claimed the No Tax on Tips provision\n\nOver 29 million filers claimed the No Tax on Overtime provision\n\nOver 35 million seniors claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors\n\nOver 1.4 million filers claimed the No Tax on Car Loan Interest provision\n\nNearly 40 million families claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit\n\nBackground:\n\nOn July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law, securing no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, no taxes on Social Security, and no taxes on American-made car loans, among other provisions.\n\nBefore this legislation was passed, taxes were set to increase by $5 trillion. Thanks to its passage, 97% of filers received a tax cut this year.\n\nEarlier this year, Tim Walz and Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party officials, sick with Trump Derangement Syndrome, blocked key provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts from going into effect - including no tax on tips and no tax on overtime provisions - for hardworking Minnesota families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/06/02/finstad-announces-2026-congressional-app-challenge/", "title": "Finstad Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ROCHESTER, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) invited middle and high school students from Minnesota’s First Congressional District to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge.\n\nOfficially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, the competition is a nationwide event intended to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by inviting them to create and exhibit their software application (also known as an “app”) for web, PC, tablet, mobile, or other platform of their choice. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four, as long as two of the teammates attend schools within the First District.\n\n“The Congressional App Challenge is a valuable opportunity for middle and high school students to explore computer science while turning their ideas into real-world applications,” said Rep. Finstad. “Southern Minnesota is home to some of the brightest young minds, many of whom will become our nation’s next generation of innovators. I look forward to seeing the creativity and ingenuity they create this year.”\n\nFirst-place winners from each Congressional district are invited to demonstrate their apps to Members of Congress at the #HouseofCode event held each spring. Last year’s winning app for Minnesota’s First Congressional District was “DermaSight” submitted by Simon Wilke of Century High School in Rochester. His app helps users detect early signs of skin cancer directly from their phones.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1915", "title": "Franklin, Cammack, Scott, Moody Introduce Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act To Support Florida Growers", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "franklin.house.gov", "scraper": "franklin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000472", "name": "Scott Franklin", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today introduced their bipartisan Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act, which would provide $3.5 billion in disaster assistance to help Florida’s agricultural producers recover after the devastating freeze in January 2026. Franklin and Cammack were joined by a majority of the Florida Congressional Delegation. Senators Scott (R-FL) and Moody (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\n“Florida agriculture operates differently than much of the country, and our disaster response policies need to reflect that reality,” said Congressman Scott Franklin, Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “When a severe freeze hits Florida, many specialty crops and multi-year commodities face years of production losses, replanting costs and long-term financial impacts. Too often, growers are forced into a slow, one size fits all federal process that fails to reflect the realities of Florida agriculture. My legislation is an America First farm policy that ensures our growers stay in business, strengthening our domestic food supply and reducing dependence on foreign producers.”\n\n\"Food security is national security. Right now, Florida's farmers need us to deliver,\" said Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03). \"As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I've seen up close what this freeze did to our growers. Whole crops gone. Families who don't know if they can plant again. In March, I led our delegation in urging Secretary Rollins to grant Commissioner Simpson's disaster declaration request, and we got it done. This bill puts Florida in charge of its own recovery instead of waiting on Washington. I'm proud to work with Congressman Franklin to deliver the relief our farmers need.\"\n\n“Florida farmers and ranchers produce the best food in the world, but this freeze has been tough for them, and the entire agriculture industry,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Our state feeds families and creates jobs across the country. Put simply, everyone needs relief here, and that’s why I’m proud to lead this bill in the Senate alongside my fellow Floridians in the House. Our farmers and ranchers are resilient; they will bounce back. It’s time to provide them with the assistance they need to do that.”\n\n“While lots of Floridians experienced the historic freeze earlier this year, our farmers were especially hard hit with significant damage to many of their crops,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “I’m glad to see this important legislation that provides emergency funding to deliver disaster assistance through State-administered block grants. I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers have what they need to succeed when it comes to feeding Florida and the rest of the nation.”\n\n“I want to thank Florida’s congressional delegation for advancing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act and its much-needed relief for Florida’s farmers and growers, who are still recovering from some of the most devastating freezes our state has ever experienced,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I am also grateful to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their unprecedented support for America’s farmers, especially in times of crisis. This funding will provide critical assistance to help impacted producers recover, replant, and continue doing what they do best — feeding families across the state, the nation, and around the world. Understanding that Food security is national security, we stand ready to administer these federal block grant funds and ensure assistance reaches Florida producers as quickly as possible.”\n\n\"Florida's farmers and ranchers were hit by a devastating freeze earlier this year that caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across our state,\" said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. \"This legislation is a critical step toward delivering timely, flexible relief to the producers who feed our communities and keep our rural economies strong. We appreciate Congressman Franklin and Congresswoman Cammack's leadership in advancing a block grant approach that will allow Florida to respond quickly and efficiently to the unique needs of our growers. We urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure our farmers have the support they need to recover and continue producing.\"\n\n“Florida’s strawberry growers experienced catastrophic losses from this year’s historic freeze during the peak of our production season,” said Kenneth Parker, Executive Director, Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “Many family farms suffered extensive crop damage, lost revenue, and increased recovery costs that threaten the long-term viability of their operations. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association strongly supports Congressman Scott Franklin and Congresswoman Kat Cammack’s efforts to provide critical freeze disaster assistance to Florida agriculture. This legislation will help ensure growers can recover, continue feeding America, and preserve the economic strength of our state’s vital specialty crop industry.”\n\n“Florida’s growers were hit hard by the historic freeze events earlier this year, and timely relief is critical to help them recover, replant, and keep feeding families across our state and the country,” said Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. “The Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act is an important step toward delivering that support. While disaster assistance can never fully make up for the losses growers suffer when a crop is destroyed, it can provide the resources they need to move forward and produce again. We appreciate Reps. Scott Franklin and Kat Cammack for their leadership in standing with Florida agriculture and advancing a solution to help growers recover and plan for the season ahead.”\n\n“Florida’s citrus industry was among many of the state’s commodities impacted by freezing temperatures earlier this year, and we appreciate the leadership of Representatives Scott Franklin, Kat Cammack and Senator Rick Scott in introducing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act,” said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “This legislation supports the urgent needs of the nation’s agricultural producers by creating a clear pathway to expedite disaster assistance through state block grants and strengthening the resilience of our nation’s food supply.”\n\nSpecifically, the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act would:\n\nProvide $3.5 billion in emergency supplemental funding to the USDA to deliver aid through state-administered block grants\n\nHelp compensate producers for losses of revenue, quality and production caused by freeze and cold weather events\n\nCover prevented planting and damage to trees, bushes and vines & explicitly includes compensation for multi-year crop losses\n\nDirect assistance to counties that received USDA freeze disaster designations issued on March 4, 2026\n\nRequire states to request assistance funding through USDA\n\nEarlier this year, Florida experienced statewide sub-freezing temperatures for multiple nights during the state’s winter growing season. This impacted a wide range of commodities, including citrus, strawberries, blueberries, sugarcane and other specialty crops, many of which can experience catastrophic damage after just a few hours of freezing temperatures. Florida agriculture has experienced catastrophic production losses, significant quality reductions and damage to trees and plants that will affect future growing seasons, and Florida’s overall economy. According to preliminary estimates from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), losses exceeded $3.2 billion.\n\nFranklin is actively engaged with growers, commodity groups and federal agencies in the aftermath of this year’s freeze. This bill is part of his broader efforts to make longer-term reforms to disaster response and USDA risk management tools for Florida producers. Earlier this Congress, Franklin introduced the TEMP Act to develop a temperature index policy producers can buy to help them recover from freeze and cold weather events. This bill passed the House as part of the 2026 House Farm Bill and was included in the FY27 House Ag Appropriations bill, which is due for floor consideration this week.\n\nOriginal cosponsors include: Rep. Jimmy Patronis (FL-01); Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02); Rep. John Rutherford (FL-05); Rep. Randy Fine (FL-06); Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07); Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-08); Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09); Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL-10); Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11); Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12); Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13); Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14); Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15); Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16); Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19); Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22); Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23); Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-24); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25); Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27); and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (FL-28).\n\nSupporting Organizations include: Florida Farm Bureau; Florida Citrus Mutual; Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Florida Strawberry Growers Association; Florida Sugar Cane League; Florida Tomato Exchange\n\nRead the full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://fulcher.house.gov/2026/06/02/house-passes-fulchers-bill-to-bolster-geothermal-energy-production/", "title": "House Passes Fulcher’s Bill to Bolster Geothermal Energy Production", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "fulcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fulcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000469", "name": "Russ Fulcher", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher’s bill, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act, H.R. 1687, passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent. The legislation now heads to the Senate.\n\nCongressman Fulcher released the following statement after the vote.\n\n“Geothermal is a clean, abundant, and dependable energy resource that can help meet America’s rapidly rising power demands,” said Congressman Fulcher. “However, the lack of consistent geothermal lease sales and the slow federal permitting process result in timelines longer than many other energy projects. The bipartisan CLEAN Act will address these barriers and unlock opportunities to explore and develop this renewable energy source. I’m grateful to see my bill pass the House and urge the Senate’s swift consideration of this commonsense measure.”\n\nAccording to the Department of Energy, the United States leads the world in geothermal electricity-generating capacity—just over four gigawatts. That’s enough to power the equivalent of about three million U.S. homes.\n\nBackground\n\nIdaho plays a leading role in geothermal energy production. The City of Boise is home to the nation’s first geothermal district heating system, established in 1892. The system supplies naturally heated water through over 20 miles of pipeline, heating more than six million square feet of building space, including the Idaho State Capitol—the only geothermally heated capitol building in the U.S.\n\nTo begin developing geothermal on federally controlled lands—where approximately 90 percent of viable geothermal resources are located—projects must first obtain a lease, making consistent lease sales crucial to the expansion of this energy source.\n\nThe CLEAN Act amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to:\n\nRequire yearly lease sales for geothermal energy;\n\nRequire the Secretary to hold replacement lease sales for any sales that are missed in a given calendar year.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6092", "title": "Rep. Jimmy Gomez Sounds Alarm Over Trump's Appointment of Bill Pulte as Director of National Intelligence", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, released the following statement regarding President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence:\n\n“As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I take seriously the responsibility of overseeing the agencies charged with keeping our country safe.\n\n“At a time when the United States faces serious threats around the world and is engaged in an active war with Iran, I am deeply concerned by President Trump's decision to appoint Bill Pulte, someone with zero experience in intelligence or national security, as Acting Director of National Intelligence.\n\n“The Director of National Intelligence coordinates the work of 18 intelligence agencies, oversees some of our nation's most sensitive intelligence operations, and is supposed to help inform decisions that can determine whether America goes to war. This is one of the most important positions in our government.\n\n“Bill Pulte's background is in housing, not intelligence or national security, and the American people deserve confidence that the nation's top intelligence official was selected because they are qualified for the job. Instead, President Trump has once again chosen loyalty over competence, placing a political ally in a position that he has no right to be in. At a moment when the stakes couldn’t be higher, loyalty to the President shouldn’t be the qualifying factor for a position responsible for keeping our families and the entire nation safe.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2EC5B91E-33D5-411E-BD6D-A131BCD57157", "title": "Gooden Seeks Transparency in Kaufman County Housing Policies", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gooden.house.gov", "scraper": "gooden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000589", "name": "Lance Gooden", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FORNEY, TX – Today, Congressman Lance Gooden sent a letter to the Dallas Housing Authority requesting answers and greater transparency regarding housing placement trends and neighborhood concentration concerns in Kaufman County.\n\nThe letter responds to concerns raised by homeowners in the Gateway Parks subdivision in Forney about Housing Choice Vouchers and federal housing policies contributing to increased institutional investor ownership and neighborhood instability.\n\n“Families in Kaufman County deserve transparency and confidence that federal housing policies are being implemented responsibly,”said Rep. Gooden. “Housing programs should support both homeowners and renters while preserving the values that make our rural communities great places to live, raise a family, and build a future.”\n\nAn excerpt from the letter:\n\n“Gateway Parks is a rapidly growing suburban community where significant institutional investor ownership, increasing HOA financial strain, and concerns regarding long-term neighborhood stability have become serious issues for homeowners. Per Gateway homeowners, fourteen of the twenty homes currently being built on a single street will be eligible as Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) voucher rental properties. As Kaufman County continues experiencing substantial residential growth, my office is seeking greater transparency regarding how federal housing placement policies are being implemented within suburban receiving communities and how those policies may intersect with broader housing concentration trends.”\n\nGooden copied the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on the letter.\n\nRead the full letter here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-goodlander-joins-the-legal-fight-to-stop-trumps-400-million-ballroom-vanity-project/", "title": "Congresswoman Goodlander Joins the Legal Fight to Stop Trump’s $400 Million Ballroom Vanity Project", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire joined fellow lawmakers in filing a legal brief Thursday in federal court to stop President Trump’s unlawful demolition and reconstruction of the White House East Wing and his proposal to build a massive ballroom in its place — a project with an estimated price tag of up to $400 million.\n\n“The White House belongs to the American people — no President gets to bulldoze it on a whim,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “The Constitution is clear: it takes an act of Congress to tear down a federal building. This President skipped that step entirely — and he’s asking us to believe he can spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on a personal vanity project that Congress never authorized and never funded. I will use every tool available, including the courts, to defend our Constitution and our system of checks and balances.”\n\nThe lawmakers filed the legal brief in National Trust for Historic Preservation v. National Park Service, currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Oral arguments are scheduled for June 5 following the district court’s preliminary injunction blocking the project.\n\nThe brief, signed by dozens of Members of Congress, lays out the constitutional case in stark terms. The Constitution clearly establishes “Congress’s primacy over federal property, spending, and the District of Columbia” — and therefore over any decision to demolish or reconstruct the White House. The brief notes that the White House “was built only after Congress passed legislation authorizing its construction and appropriating funds to cover that expense” and has been maintained that way for more than two centuries.\n\n“Appellants have no authority to demolish the White House’s East Wing and to build a massive ballroom in its stead,” the brief reads. Congress, the lawmakers argue, “neither authorized nor appropriated funds for the President to demolish the East Wing” — and the statutes the administration cites to defend its actions cover only “maintenance and upkeep of extant White House property,” not the demolition of an entire wing.\n\nThe brief also exposes a glaring fiscal reality: the entire amount Congress actually appropriated for White House maintenance — even if devoted solely to this project — would cover less than one percent of the ballroom’s estimated $400 million cost. As the brief puts it, “Maintaining a building is flatly incompatible with demolishing it.”\n\nThe brief squarely rejects the Trump administration’s argument that Congress can only intervene after the fact if a White House renovation “goes too far.” That approach, the lawmakers write, is “precisely backward”: the constitutional default is not unlimited executive authority. As the Supreme Court established in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, the President’s power is at its “lowest ebb” when he acts against the will of Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/joint-statement-democrats-secure-release-of-high-school-student-from-delaney-hall-facility", "title": "JOINT STATEMENT: DEMOCRATS SECURE RELEASE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FROM DELANEY HALL FACILITY", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. LaMonica McIver, and Reps. Rob Menendez and Josh Gottheimer released the following statement: Yesterday, after months of advocacy, an 18-year-old high school senior finally returned to her Orange, New Jersey home after her months-long detainment at the Delaney Hall facility. On Sunday, we had the opportunity to speak with Ariadna, who, even after being subjected to detention for months, remains singularly focused on resuming her high school studies, with an intent to pursue a career in law. Ariadna is a remarkable young woman and a true leader who, among other things, provided translation assistance between detainees, detention facility guards and visitors.\n\nDonald Trump claimed his immigration enforcement would be targeted at violent felons who are in this country unlawfully. Instead, stories like Ariadna’s are far too common throughout his mass deportation scheme.\n\nFor months, Rep. McIver and Members of the New Jersey delegation have visited Ariadna — a DREAMer never accused of any violent crimes — and lifted up her story. The Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end her detention is a recognition that she was unnecessarily detained. House Democrats will continue to advocate for decency and humanity in our immigration enforcement system.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-visits-the-metropolitan-cathedral-of-st-john-the-theologian-taste-of-greece-festival-in-tenafly", "title": "PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian “Taste of Greece” Festival in Tenafly", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Gottheimer at The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian with volunteers and members of the community.\n\nTENAFLY, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined the North Jersey community to celebrate Greek culture and heritage at the “Taste of Greece Festival”, held at The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian.\n\nThe festival featured popular and traditional Greek foods, including souvlaki sandwiches, kebabs, Frappé, and more. Gottheimer was joined by volunteers and members of the congregation.\n\n“The Taste of Greece Festival is exactly the kind of celebration that makes North Jersey so special — great food, warm people, and amazing traditions all in one place,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I’m grateful to The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John The Theologian for welcoming me and for bringing our community together to honor the rich culture and heritage of Greek Americans across our great state.”\n\nBelow: Gottheimer visits with cathedral volunteers and members of the community.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/statement-gottheimer-statement-on-white-house-ai-executive-order", "title": "STATEMENT: Gottheimer Statement on White House AI Executive Order", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, June 2, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the House Commission on AI, and Ranking Member of the National Security Agency & Cyber Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement:\n\n“While today’s White House Executive Order represents a step in the right direction toward protecting America from national security risks, its purely voluntary nature lacks real teeth.\n\nPowerful AI frontier models that exhibit dangerous capabilities, including cybersecurity risks and the potential to create novel bioweapons, must be shared with the government and relevant critical infrastructure entities before they are released to the public. While this process can’t be bureaucratic, it shouldn’t be optional.\n\nA purely voluntary framework means allowing AI to remain the Wild West. After Anthropic’s Mythos announcement, we saw that good actors will proactively and expeditiously collaborate with the government to ensure that vulnerable organizations are safe from catastrophic cyber risk. But, we cannot trust that that will always be the norm. There are bad actors out there.\n\nAI is too important — and the stakes of inadequate guardrails too grave — to settle for anything less than comprehensive action.\n\nWe can beat China, while protecting Americans and our critical infrastructure from serious risks. I’m working with my colleagues to develop commonsense policies and legislation in Congress to protect Americans, address national security risks, and boost American AI innovation.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-grijalva-hosts-press-conference-on-proposed-closure-of-tucson-indian-health-service-area-office", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Grijalva Hosts Press Conference on Proposed Closure of Tucson Indian Health Service Area Office", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch the full press conference here.\n\nTucson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva hosted a press conference on Monday alongside Tribal leaders, local elected officials, and community advocates to raise concerns about the proposed elimination of the Tucson Area Office of the Indian Health Service (IHS), its potential impact on Tribal communities across Southern Arizona, and the lack of meaningful Tribal consultation surrounding the proposal. Following the press conference, she sent a letter alongside Senators Kelly and Gallego to the Department of Health and Human Services requesting answers regarding the proposed closure.\n\n“The federal government has a permanent, binding legal obligation to provide healthcare to Native Americans. This is derived from treaties, federal statutes, and Supreme Court precedent. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act mandates that HHS and IHS actions must improve, not diminish, the delivery of these services. By eliminating a distinct regional office, your agencies are actively retreating from this trust responsibility,” said Rep. Grijalva.\n\n“Our healthcare staff and members will have to travel over two hours to reach the closest area office. We will have less access to specific support services currently provided. The proposed closure will have a negative impact for our Tribal members,” said Verlon Jose, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation.\n\n“Eliminating the Tucson Area Office will result in five million service reduction for Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui. The proposed closure of the Tucson Area Office will not achieve the goals of IHS realignment. It will not improve or streamline healthcare services and will not support Tribal self-governance,” said Carla Johnson, Tohono O’odham Nation.\n\n“When we talk about closing the Tucson Area IHS Office, we’re talking about pulling out of a structural support from underneath already underserved populations... Real disruptions to healthcare access, facilities management, and environmental health services for the communities that depend on them every single day,” said Lane Santa Cruz, Tucson Vice Mayor.\n\nAbout the Tucson Area Indian Health Service:\n\nThe Tucson Area Indian Health Service (IHS) works in partnership with the Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe in providing technical assistance to the primary health care and community outreach services of the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and a growing and diverse urban Indian population. The Area also provides urban health care services through the Tucson Indian Center, which provides community health outreach, education, prevention, and referral services, including case management, advocacy, and transportation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-grijalva-hosts-roundtable-on-veterans-visa-protection-act", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Grijalva Hosts Roundtable on Veterans Visa & Protection Act", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tolleson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva hosted a roundtable discussion Friday with veterans, immigration advocates, and community leaders to discuss the recently introduced Veterans Visa & Protection Act, bicameral legislation that would establish a pathway to permanent residency for deported veterans and help prevent the deportation of veterans in the future.\n\nThe conversation focused on the experiences of immigrant servicemembers and veterans, barriers to obtaining citizenship through military service, and the urgent need to ensure those who served the United States can remain with their families and access the benefits they earned. Participants shared personal stories and discussed the lasting impact deportation policies have had on veterans, military families, and communities across Arizona and the nation. Among them was Alex Murillo, a deported veteran who was separated from his family and forced to live in exile in Mexico for 11 years following his removal from the United States.\n\n“We want to protect veterans from deportation, protect those who are currently in danger of deportation, and bring deported veterans’ home,” said Murillo. “A veteran is someone who defends and protects this country, and we cannot leave them behind.”\n\nThe Veterans Visa & Protection Act would provide long-overdue protections for immigrant veterans and create a process for deported veterans to return to the United States and obtain lawful permanent resident status. Participants emphasized the importance of advancing the legislation and ensuring that no veteran is separated from their family because of their immigration status.\n\n“Immigrant servicemembers answer the same call to serve and sacrifice as anyone else who wears the uniform,” said Rep. Grijalva. “They deserve the opportunity to build their lives here, remain with their families, and receive the benefits they earned through their service. The Veterans Visa & Protection Act is a critical step toward correcting these injustices and honoring our commitment to those who have served this country.”\n\nYou can see her video statement here.\n\nA one-pager explaining the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A3C59855-33A3-4E4B-BA54-4B4F9D0DD1EF", "title": "CHAIRMAN ROGERS' REMARKS AT OVERSIGHT HEARING ON DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommitte on Commerce, Justice, Science, gave the following opening statement during an Oversight Hearing today with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche:\n\n\"I’d like to welcome our witness, the Honorable Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General of the United States, to testify before our subcommittee today. Last month, the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill cleared the full House Appropriations Committee.\n\n\"Your leadership of the Department of Justice comes at a crossroads. On the one hand, the subcommittee recognizes the strides taken by the department to make communities safe again across the United States, and to address the misguided priorities of the previous administration. On the other hand, the subcommittee recognizes areas for improvement, such as communicating with the subcommittee and the lack of testimony ahead of our bill moving forward.\n\n\"Additional areas of concern deal with getting appropriated dollars out the door and making progress with already approved projects. From the proposed Federal prison in Letcher County, Kentucky in my district that has been stalled to the delay of several grant programs, including the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which I worked to start in response to the opioid crisis and one that is vital for many communities like mine, it is critical for this Department to move with speed and meet Congressional intent. Finally, to date, we are still waiting on responses to questions for the record from two FY26 department hearings.\n\n\"While I would have preferred to start the Fiscal Year 2027 cycle differently by having this conversation prior to last month’s mark-up, this hearing is hopefully the start of productive dialogue between the subcommittee and the department under your leadership. I look forward to hearing your priorities and vision for the department, and responses to our questions regarding recent announcements. Your testimony will still be valuable to the committee as the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process continues.\n\n\"Over the past year, the Department of Justice has made great strides in combatting drug cartels and curbing the flow of illicit drugs, including fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Justice have taken down some of the most notorious cartel bosses, such as El Mayo, the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Nicolas Maduro, the leader of the Cartel of the Suns and former President of Venezuela. While these are significant wins, the department must continue this fight to eradicate the flow of illicit drugs and bring more cartel leaders to justice. While issues such as illegal immigration have been addressed head-on, other issues have emerged over the past year. I applaud the department’s efforts to tackle emerging issues, such as fraud that pits the underworld against American’s and their hard-earned taxpayer dollars and look forward to hearing more about the department’s plans to continue these efforts. I also look forward to hearing about the department’s efforts in supporting state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.\n\n\"Over the past year, from Washington, D.C. to Memphis, Tennessee, the Department of Justice has aided local law enforcement agencies in surge operations to combat violent crime. American streets are safer now because of the actions of this department and the Trump Administration. General Blanche, I stand ready to support you and your efforts to ensure that the American public lives in a society that is free from crime and abuse. I look forward to hearing more from you today regarding areas of progress, areas of need, and plans to continue the department’s momentum.\n\n\"While the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations cycle has already commenced, there are critically important funding decisions ahead of us, and I hope we gain a better sense of your priorities today so that we can make the best decision on behalf of the American public. Before I turn to Ms. Meng for opening remarks, on behalf of this subcommittee, I would like to send well-wishes for a quick and healthy recovery to former Attorney General Bondi.\"", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404378", "title": "Huizenga Introduces Deport the Terrorists Act", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/", "domain": "huizenga.house.gov", "scraper": "huizenga", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001058", "name": "Bill Huizenga", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the introduction of the Deport the Terrorists Act. This landmark legislation would overhaul deportation proceedings for naturalized American citizens who are convicted of financing, materially supporting, or outright committing acts of terror.\n\n“American citizenship is one of our nation's greatest privileges,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “If a naturalized citizen is convicted of committing, supporting, or financing acts of terror, they should lose their citizenship and swiftly be deported from the United States.\"\n\nUnder current law, a naturalized citizen cannot be removed even for the most violent acts of terror without first going through the slow and complex denaturalization process. This loophole has allowed individuals who embraced terrorist ideologies after gaining citizenship to remain shielded from swift removal.\n\nExamples of naturalized citizens who committed acts of terrorism include one that took place in Michigan and one that took place in Virginia 2026.\n\nAyman Muhammad Ghazali, a naturalized citizen from Lebanon, carried out an attempted mass-casualty attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, MI, in March 2026, ramming his truck full of explosives into the synagogue and opening fire on congregants. He purposely targeted the Jewish community and the largest Jewish temple in MI due to his Hezbollah militant ideology. This individual was killed by security at Temple Israel.\n\nMohamed Bilor Jalloh, a naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone, became radicalized with ISIS views while serving in the US Army National Guard. In 2016, Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to aid ISIS fighters with money and weapons and was sentenced to 11 years in prison but was released early in 2024. On March 12, 2026, he shot and killed ROTC Professor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and wounded two others at Old Dominion University in Virginia. This individual would have been deported under the Deport the Terrorists Act and unable to commit acts of terror in Virginia.\n\nKhalid Ouazzani, a naturalized citizen from Morocco, swore allegiance to Al-Qaida and sent tens of thousands of dollars to the terror organization in 2008. In May 2010, Ouazzani pleaded guilty to providing material support to Al-Qaida. In 2026, the DOJ started the denaturalization process. This individual would be deported under the Deport the Terrorists Act.\n\nSalah Osman Ahmed, a naturalized citizen from Somalia, traveled abroad to take up arms with al-Shabaab. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists. In 2026, the DOJ started the denaturalization process. This individual would be deported under the Deport the Terrorists Act.\n\nThe Deport the Terrorists Act automatically revokes the citizenship of any naturalized US citizen convicted of a terrorism-related offense and makes such individuals immediately removable by creating new grounds for deportation for convictions involving terrorism, including conspiracy and solicitation.\n\nLastly, the Deport the Terrorists Act directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize the removal of any individual whose citizenship is revoked due to a terrorism-related conviction.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2558", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Joins Secretary Rubio on Advancing America First Foreign Policy and Strengthening Export Controls", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) discussed the State Department's efforts to advance President Trump's America First foreign policy agenda and strengthen U.S. national security during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.\n\nRep. Jackson also spoke about his recently introduced Strategic Export Control and Border Security Enhancement Act, legislation that would codify the Office of Export Controls and Border Security within the Department of State to strengthen strategic trade controls, improve border enforcement capabilities, and protect sensitive U.S. technologies from malign foreign actors.\n\n“Secretary Rubio has done great work to execute an America First foreign policy that is making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. From confronting the corruption of the Maduro regime to negotiations with Iran to stabilize the Middle East, he has played a critical part in spearheading the Trump administration’s peace through strength initiatives,” said Rep. Jackson. “American leadership should always be on behalf of American interests. Thanks to President Trump’s historic foreign policy initiatives, the U.S. is no longer sitting idly by as other nations take advantage of American financial or military support.”\n\nClick here or above to watch the full Q&A\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/02/joint-statement-democrats-secure-release-of-high-school-student-from-delaney-hall-facility/", "title": "JOINT STATEMENT: DEMOCRATS SECURE RELEASE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FROM DELANEY HALL FACILITY", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Know Your Immigration Rights\n\nIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.\n\nAsk for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.\n\nYour right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.\n\nAlways consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.\n\nThe New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/02/leader-jeffries-at-cnbc-ceo-summit-the-economy-is-a-disaster-and-the-american-people-know-it/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES AT CNBC CEO SUMMIT: “THE ECONOMY IS A DISASTER, AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE KNOW IT”", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Leader Jeffries on priorities for House Democrats: “We have made clear from the very beginning as House Democrats that we needed to do two things at the same period of time. One, push back against the extremism, which very early on in the Trump administration, it was clear, Republicans and the administration were gonna try to unleash on the American people with their shock and awe strategy and flood the zone in ways that we believe would be harmful. But at the same period of time, try to get things done whenever and wherever possible when it makes sense for the American people in a bipartisan way, given the current construct. And then articulate a vision of making life better for the America people focused on driving down the high cost of living, because it’s clear to anyone who’s paying attention, anyone who’s on the ground in communities all across the country, in the neighborhoods that I’m privileged to represent in Brooklyn, but as I travel the country as well, that the affordability crisis is real. It’s not a hoax. It’s very real, and it’s impacting hardworking American taxpayers in ways that have to be addressed decisively. And particularly, the closer and closer that we get to that first Tuesday in November, I think, leaning into what that affirmative agenda will be to drive down costs in housing, in healthcare, as it relates to childcare, as it relates to gas, groceries and goods, utilities, is going to be critically important to us.”\n\nLeader Jeffries on the Trump administration: “Our view, certainly, is that the Trump presidency has been completely and totally out of control in a wide variety of areas in ways that have not enured to the benefit of the American people. From an affordability standpoint, the economy is a disaster, and the American people know it. And the President and his administration have completely and totally lost confidence as it relates to how hard-working American taxpayers view the improvement in their quality of life when they were promised that costs were going to go down. Costs haven’t gone down. They’ve gone up. Part of the concern is that if you’re spending a lot of time trying to enrich your family, your friends and your biggest donors in ways that I think are demonstrating some extraordinarily breathtaking corruption in real time in many instances, most recently exhibited by the $1.8 billion insurrectionist support slush fund, then at the end of the day, you’re not focused on actually solving problems for the American people.”\n\nLeader Jeffries on AI regulation: “I think what has to happen is whatever is done has to be bipartisan and thoughtful and as comprehensive as possible. Certainly, we were on a bipartisan trajectory with the task force that Kevin McCarthy and I first put together, and he was a leader in that regard in wanting to be bipartisan and thoughtful. It continued initially when Johnson became the Speaker, but I believe that Republicans in the House were ordered to kill it this time around because Donald Trump wanted to dominate the issue. Why? Because he looked at the issue through a political lens and thought this could be the new crypto for him. But of course, what has happened is that the American people have dramatically turned against AI because of concerns around data centers, concerns around the job implications, concerns that it’s moving so fast and they’re unsure of the consequences. And so now, of course, what you see is there was a political decision not to do something thoughtful. They ended the bipartisan process that was underway, which will work hard to pick up in the next Congress. But now Donald Trump is issuing executive orders without even inviting cameras because he knows he’s got a big problem as it relates to how the American people now view artificial intelligence. And even with the executive order that was issued today, it’s incomplete, it’s voluntary, it will have no credibility with the American people and this is going to be a congressional thing that will need to take hold.”\n\nLeader Jeffries on AI and election security: “I think we should use every tool that is available to us to be able to reach voters authentically and where they are. I do think the one thing that is clear is that since January of 2025, Democrats have won every single meaningful election in this country now for more than 16 months. And no one can argue that. So something’s working, and obviously, there’s a rejection of the extremism that’s taking place coming out of the White House and with the administration and a far too compliant Congress that is just allowing this climate of mass uncertainty, which is not good for business, it’s not good for consumers, it’s good for the economy, it’s not good for commerce, right, it’s not good for anyone. And Republicans are allowing this to exist by basically being a reckless rubber stamp, in our view, to Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. And we’re leaning into the issue of affordability. So my point is, we’re winning all across the board, right, up and down the ballot across the country, blue states, red states, purple states, like Virginia. At the same period of time, we should embrace all of the technology, including AI, available to us so that we can reach as many voters as authentically as possible in advance of the November election.”\n\nLeader Jeffries on corruption: “I think the House should [ban Members of Congress and staff from betting on prediction markets]. The House should prohibit Members of Congress from being able to trade stocks, and we’ve clearly expressed that as part of an anti-corruption agenda. We’ve got to make sure that we clean up our own institutions, while at the same time, doing what’s necessary to deal with the Supreme Court, which has no ethical code of conduct, and you’ve got justices who are completely and totally out of control and have lost the confidence of the American people. And the same with the administration. And look, we’re committed to, as I said during the start of this Congress, find[ing] bipartisan common ground whenever and wherever possible in order to get things done for the American people.”\n\nFull interview can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/02/leader-jeffries-this-reckless-and-costly-war-of-choice-needs-to-end-today/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES: “THIS RECKLESS AND COSTLY WAR OF CHOICE NEEDS TO END TODAY”", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LEADER JEFFRIES: House Democrats remain focused on making life more affordable for the American people. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down in the United States of America. Costs have gone up. The affordability crisis is real. It is not a hoax. And far too many people across this country, millions of hard-working American taxpayers, are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. Can’t thrive and can barely survive because of toxic Republican policies that have made life more expensive for the American people.\n\nHouse Democrats are committed to driving down the high cost of living.Housing costs are too high, grocery bills are too high, healthcare costs are too high, gas prices are too high and utility bills are too high. America is far too expensive, and Republican policies have made a bad situation even worse. They’ve been a disaster as it relates to the economy, and everyday Americans know it.\n\nDonald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice has cost everyday Americans hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more in increased cost, particularly as it relates to gas prices. This war, this reckless and costly war of choice, needs to end today. House Democrats are going to advance a War Powers Resolution on the Floor this week. And all we need are hands full of Republicans to join us, and we can end this reckless and costly war of choice, a war that has cost the American taxpayer over a hundred billion dollars. That’s extraordinary and left our country in a weaker position relative to Iran than when this reckless and costly war of choice began.\n\nFull press conference can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2445", "title": "Following the Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, Kennedy Introduces DHS Release Transparency Act to Ensure Family Notification of Release", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Shah Alam, a Rohingya Refugee with Legal Status, was Released by DHS Agents at a Closed Tim Hortons in the Buffalo Winter Without any Notice to Family\n\nSpeaking Little to No English, Nearly Blind, and Without Shoes, Shah Alam Suffered for Days While his Family Desperately Tried to Find Him - Death has Been Ruled a Homicide\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. - Standing under an etching of the Constitution and its promise that individuals cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without proper legal procedures, Congressman Tim Kennedy announced the introduction of the DHS Release Transparency Act. The legislation, inspired by the tragic and preventable death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify a detainee's chosen point of contact prior to release from DHS custody. After Shah Alam’s release from local custody, he was immediately taken into custody by DHS, who erroneously believed he lacked legal status. Upon receiving confirmation that he was indeed legally present in the United States, the DHS agents, rather than notifying his loved ones of his status, dropped Shah Alam at an unsafe, unfamiliar location – a closed Tim Hortons restaurant on a wintery Buffalo night. Shah Alam was nearly blind, did not speak English, suffered from mobility issues, and was not equipped with proper clothing to safely be outside. He was found dead five days later.\n\nWatch the full press conference here.\n\nKenndy’s legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Bennie G. Thompson, Jamie Raskin, Grace Meng, Jerry Nadler, Dan Goldman, Adriano Espaillat, Troy Carter, and James Walkinshaw. This bill is endorsed by the National Immigrant Justice Center and Global Refuge.\n\n“Nurul Amin Shah Alam and his family came to Buffalo seeking the American dream,” said Congressman Kennedy. “They fled war and persecution, seeking the ability to build a new life for themselves in a country that respected their right to worship, that provided economic opportunity, and that welcomed them not just as refugees, but as neighbors. Less than a year and a half later, he was dead. This death was preventable, and it points to the clear need to demand better of ICE and CBP. My legislation does just that.”\n\n“No family should be left wondering whether their loved one is safe after being released from DHS custody. The death of Mr. Shah Alam exposed a glaring failure that put a blind man in serious danger with tragic consequences that could have been avoided. I thank Congressman Kennedy for introducing this legislation to ensure transparency at DHS and help make sure a tragedy like this never happens again,” said Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson.\n\n“Nobody should vanish into government custody and then be cast out alone into danger without so much as a call to their family. This bill injects a basic measure of humanity and compassion to a system that failed Nurul Amin Shah Alam in the most devastating way. I’m proud to support Rep. Kennedy's legislation and admire his leadership,” said Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin.\n\n“DHS agents left a vulnerable man who did not speak English to die in the freezing cold and then lied to cover it up. We must hold DHS accountable for this heartbreaking tragedy. That is why I am co-sponsoring Rep. Kennedy’s DHS Release Transparency Act to bring much-needed reforms to ICE and CBP and ensure that every person has a trusted point of contact for release, regardless of the language they speak. Nurul Amin Shah Alam should still be alive today, and we will continue to demand justice in his name,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).\n\nCurrently, neither ICE nor CBP provide notice to a point of contact or family member when a detainee is released. When a detainee is released from ICE custody, they are notified personally of the upcoming release and typically provided the opportunity to make a free phone call to facilitate release arrangements. These standards, dictated by the Performance Based National Detention Standards (issued in 2011 and revised in 2016), are not codified, vary across ICE facilities, and are not always adhered to. Shah Alam was held in CBP custody, which has no codified policy that requires notifying family or an attorney of a release. The DHS Release Transparency Act closes this gap, requiring DHS to make families aware of their loved one’s upcoming release in order to ensure their safety.\n\nRecognizing that Shah Alam had significant communication and translation challenges while in custody, the bill requires DHS to provide translation and interpretation services throughout the entire point-of-contact (POC) notification process. This includes ensuring the detainee is made aware of the POC notification option in a language that they can understand. It also requires DHS to notify the designated point of contact in a language they can also understand prior to a detainee’s release. In order to protect families, the legislation explicitly prohibits DHS from using any of the point of contact’s information for enforcement purposes.\n\nNew York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, \"I was heartbroken by the tragic death of City of Buffalo resident Nurul Amin Shah Alam in February. No human being – especially residents with disabilities who’ve been wrongfully detained – should be released into our community without a clear plan to ensure their safety. The DHS Transparency Act will improve accountability and communication, preventing tragedies like this from happening again. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership on this issue and for working to ensure no other family ensures such an unimaginable loss.\"\n\n“What happened to Nurul Amin Shah Alam was tragic, preventable and deeply disturbing,” said Senator Jeremy Zellner. “A lawful refugee who was nearly blind and unable to speak English should never have been released without support, without notice to his family or attorney and without a plan to keep him safe. Congressman Kennedy’s DHS Release Transparency Act is a commonsense step to make sure families, and designated contacts are notified before someone is released from federal custody, with the translation services and guardrails needed to protect basic rights. No family should have to experience what Mr. Shah Alam’s family has endured, and no community should have to ask how something like this was allowed to happen.”\n\nAssemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “The tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam was a preventable failure that demands action. No family should be left in the dark when a loved one is released from federal custody, especially when timely communication could mean the difference between safety and tragedy. The DHS Release Transparency Act is a commonsense, humane measure that will bring greater accountability and dignity to the release process by ensuring that individuals are not left vulnerable and alone. I am proud to stand with Congressman Kennedy in support of this legislation and in our shared commitment to building an immigration system that prioritizes transparency, compassion, and basic human decency.”\n\n“The death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam will forever be a tragedy,” said Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard. “The DHS Release Transparency Act would provide a layer of protection and would help ensure that no one else experiences what Nurul Amin Shah Alam endured. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership and urge all members of Congress to support this act.”\n\n\"The tragic and preventable death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam highlighted serious gaps in communication and accountability that should never be ignored,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “No family should be left in the dark when a loved one is released from federal custody. I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for introducing this legislation that takes a commonsense step toward ensuring individuals are treated with dignity and that families, attorneys, and designated contacts are informed during critical moments.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://lahood.house.gov/2026/6/icymi-lahood-feenstra-tokuda-and-schrier-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-rural-maternal-healthcare", "title": "ICYMI: LaHood, Feenstra, Tokuda, and Schrier Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Rural Maternal Healthcare", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "lahood.house.gov", "scraper": "lahood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000585", "name": "Darin LaHood", "party": "Republican", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), and Kim Schrier (WA-08), and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) introduced the Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support (MOMS) Act of 2026 to strengthen and stabilize maternal healthcare in rural communities nationwide.\n\nThe bill would ensure that beds used exclusively for labor and delivery are not counted toward the 25-bed limit required for Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation under Medicare. This change would help rural hospitals maintain labor and delivery services while preserving critical federal support.\n\n“One of the most urgent challenges facing our rural communities is the diminishing access to maternal healthcare,” said Rep. LaHood. “Expecting mothers deserve access to high-quality care regardless of where they live, which is why I was proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Rural MOMs Act. This legislation supports our critical access hospitals by allowing them to continue to provide labor and delivery services without jeopardizing their inpatient room capacity. I will continue my work to advance policies that strengthen and support mothers, children, and families in our rural communities.”\n\n“Expecting mothers deserve access to high-quality, maternal healthcare, wherever they live,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Representing one of the most rural districts in the country, I regularly hear from Iowa mothers who drive sometimes over an hour just to access maternal care. I am proud to lead this commonsense legislation to support rural mothers, strengthen access to maternal care, and help ensure the best outcomes in rural communities across the country.”\n\n“No family should have to worry about how far they are from a delivery room or whether their local hospital can keep its maternity ward open. That’s why I am proud to join Rep. Feenstra on this effort to ensure expectant mothers in Hawai?i and across rural America can get the care they need closer to home,” said Rep. Tokuda. “By removing outdated regulatory requirements that currently limit how Critical Access Hospitals provide labor and delivery services, the Rural MOMS Act addresses a major barrier that has forced too many rural hospitals to scale back or discontinue maternity care. This legislation is about more than capacity—it’s about giving rural providers the flexibility they need to put the health and safety of families first.”.\n\nThis legislation has received broad support from hospital associations across the country.\n\n“I applaud Rep. LaHood’s leadership and commitment to ensuring rural families have access to the high-quality maternity care they need close to home,” said A.J. Wilhelmi, Illinois Health and Hospital Association President and CEO. “This commonsense legislation represents an important step toward strengthening access to essential maternal health services, supporting critical access hospitals, and improving outcomes for mothers and babies. By helping preserve care in the communities where families live and work, this measure will make a meaningful difference for rural Illinois and rural communities across the country.”\n\n“New and expecting moms deserve access to high-quality labor and delivery services,” said Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, American Hospital Association’s Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Political Affairs. “The Rural Maternity Options for Medical Support Act of 2026 strengthens access to maternal health services for mothers in rural areas by ensuring that higher volume critical access hospitals have labor and delivery beds available, even if their other patient beds are full. The AHA appreciates Rep. Feenstra’s leadership to support critical access hospitals and families across the nation.\"\n\n\"The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds the release of the Rural MOMS Act, led by Representatives Feenstra, LaHood, Tokuda, and Schrier,” said Alan Morgan, CEO, NRHA. “This bill excludes beds used solely for labor and delivery services from counting towards critical access hospitals' 25-bed total, providing more opportunities for rural hospitals to provide obstetric services. As rural labor and delivery units are closing at alarming rates nationwide, this legislation will help retain and expand access to these services.\"\n\nFull bill text can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://lahood.house.gov/2026/6/lahood-feenstra-sewell-evans-reintroduce-bill-to-strengthen-manufacturing-and-agriculture", "title": "LaHood, Feenstra, Sewell, Evans Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Manufacturing and Agriculture", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "lahood.house.gov", "scraper": "lahood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000585", "name": "Darin LaHood", "party": "Republican", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Dwight Evans (PA-03) reintroduced the Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act to help small and medium manufacturers and farmers generate good-paying jobs in Illinois and throughout the country.\n\n“Having robust agriculture and manufacturing industries is vitally important to the success of communities throughout the 16th District,” said Rep. LaHood. “The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act will provide entrepreneurs and first-time farmers with the financing tools they need to expand their operations, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our local economies. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure farmers and manufacturers have the resources they need to be successful and support our region.”\n\n\"The Industrial Development Bonds (DBS) and First Time Farmer (Aggie Bonds) are a key component to economic growth, manufacturing, supporting the next generation of farmers, and our farm economy here in rural Iowa,” said Rep. Feenstra. “However, outdated rules and regulations created unnecessary barriers for our domestic manufacturers and generational family farmers from utilizing these bonds. I am happy to work with my colleagues Rep. LaHood, Rep. Kildee, and Rep. Evans to reauthorize this critical legislation and ensure modern law reflects the intensive capital needs of Iowa farmers and manufacturers to remain competitive and productive. I remain committed to supporting policies that have not only worked, but continue to grow our manufacturing capabilities, generate robust economic activity, and help our beginning farmers thrive.”\n\n“Many Pennsylvania farmers and manufacturers are struggling, and this is one way we can help them. In the Philadelphia region alone, there are more than 60 certified manufacturing businesses that could benefit from expanded eligibility to retain or create jobs,” said Rep. Evans. “And the farming sector is vital to Pennsylvania and the nation, both because of its sizable role in the economy and because we all need food!”\n\n“Manufacturing and agriculture support good-paying jobs and drive growth in communities across Alabama,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. \"Yet outdated federal rules have made it harder for small manufacturers and farmers to access the financing they need to compete and succeed. The Modernizing Manufacturing and Agricultural Bonds Act will help unlock new investment, strengthen domestic supply chains, and create opportunities for the next generation of American farmers and manufacturers. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to modernize these critical economic development tools and ensure that Alabama’s workers, farmers, and businesses have the resources they need to thrive in the 21st-century economy.”\n\n“We are thrilled that MAMBA has been reintroduced in the U.S. House with bipartisan support,” said CDFA President & CEO Toby Rittner. “With our country facing great economic opportunity, it has become clear that investments in farmers and manufacturers are necessary to strengthen the United States’ global competitiveness. By updating the 40-year-old rules around agricultural and manufacturing bonds, MAMBA allows for the innovative financing tools necessary to invest in local communities by expanding and growing American manufacturing and farming. Representatives LaHood and Sewell have been great champions of farmers and manufacturers and the development finance industry as a whole, and I am thankful for their commitment to those key pillars of the U.S. economy.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act updates the federal rules for manufacturing and agricultural bonds. These bonds are exempt from federal tax and are important tools used by state and local agencies to support small manufacturers and farmers and spur economic development. Over the last decade, use of these types of bonds has declined due to their outdated rules and regulations.\n\nThis legislation would:\n\nRaise the maximum manufacturing bond size from $10 million to $30 million, updating this threshold for inflation and economic changes. Additionally, the bill ties future bond size increases to inflation.\n\nModernize the definition of a “manufacturing facility” to include high-tech manufacturing processes, including bio-technology, design and formula development.\n\nEliminate restrictions that prevented bond proceeds from being used towards offices space, locker rooms, and cafeterias at small manufacturing facilities.\n\nIncrease the amount of bond proceeds that can go to first-time farmers from $450,000 to $1 million and allow new farmers to use bond proceeds to upgrade existing agricultural buildings and property and purchase farm equipment.\n\nAlign the definition of “substantial farmland” in the federal tax code with existing law.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6000", "title": "Lawler Applauds Presidential Medal of Freedom for Welles Crowther, Builds Momentum for Gold Medal Bill to Honor 9/11 Heroism", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 6/2/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced at a local event in Suffern on Friday, May 22nd, that 9/11 hero Welles Remy Crowther, also known as the ‘Man in the Red Bandana,’ will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.\n\nCrowther was raised in Upper Nyack, New York, where he served as a volunteer firefighter. He played Division I lacrosse at Boston College and, after graduating with the class of 1999, worked as an equities trader in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.\n\nOn September 11th, 2001, after Flight 175 struck the South Tower, Welles found survivors on the 78th floor Sky Lobby and carried an injured woman down 17 flights of stairs. He used his trademark red bandanna to help protect others from smoke. After repeatedly returning to rescue more individuals and assisting firefighters with their efforts, he died when the South Tower collapsed.\n\nSurvivors later identified him through accounts of a “man in a red bandanna.” His mother, Alison Crowther, helped piece together the story of his final acts of courage. The red bandanna has since become a national symbol of selflessness and service.\n\n“Welles’ story has become part of our nation’s conscience, reminding us that in our darkest moments, extraordinary courage can emerge. I’m grateful to President Trump for ensuring his heroism receives this highest civilian recognition. Congress now has an opportunity to build on that legacy and award Welles the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation’s highest expressions of gratitude. I’m proud that support for this effort continues to grow across party lines and among organizations dedicated to preserving our nation’s history and honoring the heroes of September 11th,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.\n\n“We are deeply grateful to President Trump for honoring Welles Remy Crowther with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. For the Crowther family, friends, teammates and for all those who have carried Welles’ story forward over the past 25 years, this recognition is profoundly meaningful. Welles never sought recognition—he simply lived with courage, humility, and a commitment to serving others. We hope this honor not only preserves his legacy, but inspires future generations to lead with compassion, character, and selflessness. We are equally grateful to Congressman Lawler for his leadership in continuing the effort to award Welles the Congressional Gold Medal and ensure his story remains part of our nation’s history,” said Patrick McCavanagh, Vice President, Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust; former lacrosse teammate of Welles Crowther, Boston College ’99.\n\nH.R. 5519 awards a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther, recognizing his extraordinary bravery, leadership, and sacrifice on September 11, 2001. The bill ensures Congress formally recognizes his heroism with one of the nation’s highest civilian Honors.\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the Welles Remy Crowther Trust, Problem Solvers Caucus, America250, and 9/11 Day.\n\n“As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, we remember the courage and sacrifice of those who stepped forward when our country needed them most. Welles Crowther’s story reminds us of the spirit of service that represents America at its best,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “As Americans, we will never forget.”\n\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by Congress. Honoring Welles in this way will recognize his heroism during one of the most significant moments in American history and will reinforce the values of service, sacrifice, and leadership for future generations.\n\n“As we are approaching the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, a dark day that will live in infamy, we are posthumously awarding Welles the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest award, outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I want to congratulate his great mother on doing a phenomenal job in raising that young man,” said President Trump.\n\nThe Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — evenly split between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.\n\n“Welles Crowther, a fellow alumnus from Boston College, reminds us that doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, is one of the greatest qualities a person can have. “The Man in the Red Bandanna” is a story everyone should know. It’s a story of extraordinary courage and selflessness,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03).\n\n“On September 11, 2001, amid one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, Welles Remy Crowther became a symbol of the very best of America. In the smoke and chaos of the South Tower, with his red bandana across his face, he chose service over fear and strangers over self. He returned again and again to lead others to safety, giving his life so others could live. His story reminds us that patriotism is not only found in words or symbols, but in acts of courage, sacrifice, and love of neighbor,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6002", "title": "Lawler, Gottheimer to Prohibit Firms Tied to the Chinese Communist Party From Registering With the SEC Under New Bill", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 6/2/26… Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced the PRC Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Moratorium Act, legislation aimed at protecting U.S. financial markets and investors from entities tied to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Currently, U.S. regulators can’t inspect or enforce rules inside China, which means if something goes wrong, Americans’ savings could be at risk.\n\nThis legislation puts a temporary stop on financial companies organized under PRC law, controlled by PRC entities, and dependent on PRC-based service providers from operating in U.S. markets until regulators can be sure they don’t pose risks to Americans. By doing so, people’s personal financial information is protected, foreign government‑linked firms are prevented from accessing U.S. investor data, and a loophole is closed in which China blocks American companies, but Chinese firms can freely operate here.\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to exploit economic and financial systems to advance its geopolitical ambitions and undermine American interests. U.S. citizens deserve confidence that the institutions handling their investments are free from the influence and coercion of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\n“We can't let CCP-linked firms freely operate in our financial markets, access Americans’ personal data, and put people's hard-earned savings at risk while China shuts our own companies out,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “The Chinese Communist Party has made clear they will use every tool available to undermine American interests, and our financial markets cannot be the next target. Democrats and Republicans agree: we can't keep looking the other way. This bill closes that loophole, protects personal financial information, and makes sure American investors are protected.”\n\n\"ASA applauds Reps. Lawler and Gottheimer for their leadership in introducing the PRC Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Moratorium Act. This bill ensures Communist China cannot exploit American investors, our capital markets, or our national security interests,” said American Securities Association President and CEO Chris Iacovella\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would prohibit SEC registration for broker-dealers and investment advisers that:\n\nAre organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China;\n\nAre controlled by PRC-based entities or nationals residing in China; or\n\nDepend on PRC-linked affiliates or associated persons for critical infrastructure, software development, network services, maintenance, or customer support.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6003", "title": "Lawler, Mast Introduce the First Comprehensive Review of the Foreign Service Act in Over 45 Years", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 6/2/26… Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast joined Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lawler in introducing much-needed reforms to ensure America’s front-line diplomats have the tools to meet today’s national security and geopolitical challenges.\n\nThe Foreign Service Modernization Act marks the first comprehensive review of the Foreign Service Act, which codifies personnel matters for Foreign Service Officers, since it was signed into law in 1980.\n\n“The State Department operates almost 280 posts around the world, staffed by over 14,000 Foreign Service Officers. At each post, these Americans are the face, voice, and representatives of our foreign policy. Amidst the current and rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, we must ensure the Foreign Service is mission-focused and equipped to meet that monumental task,” said Congressman Mike Lawler, Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee.\n\n“For a very long time, Congress has done squat to oversee the State Department, diplomats, and their operations. This week the House Foreign Affairs Committee will redo the Foreign Service Act (FSA) for the first time in 46 years,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast. “The FSA oversees every diplomat in America's embassies abroad. There are great diplomats given the opportunity to serve because of merit and terrible diplomats like the ones who implemented projects like transgender job fairs in Bangladesh or drag shows in Ecuador. We are going to make sure the State Department hires the most qualified, not the most woke.”\n\nThe legislation includes several personnel reforms focused on how the State Department recruits and trains diplomats, including measures that would:\n\nProvide Ambassadors with increased authorities and oversight in carrying out US foreign policy at their posts overseas,\n\nCreate a pilot program for a Diplomatic Reserve Corps, modeling the reserve functions of the armed services, that would surge diplomats to the front lines in response to emergencies and crises abroad,\n\nEnhance expeditionary diplomacy in austere posts to advance American interests outside of the confines of embassy walls,\n\nAlign State Department human resources technology and training to meet modern national security demands, and\n\nIncrease pathways for military veterans to join the Foreign Service\n\nThese reforms, which focus on defining the mission and culture of the Foreign Service, build upon Chairman Mast’s focus on restoring command and control over the State Department. Last year, the committee passed the first comprehensive bipartisan State Department reauthorization in more than two decades. Doing so set a powerful precedent for ensuring continued accountability for the American people.\n\nThe full committee will consider the Foreign Service Modernization Act of 2026 as part of a markup in June.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler isone of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated themost effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://lucas.house.gov/posts/reps-lucas-cole-bice-join-faa-administrator-bedford-in-tour-of-mike-monroney-aeronautical-center", "title": "Reps. Lucas, Cole, Bice Join FAA Administrator Bedford in Tour of Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lucas.house.gov/press", "domain": "lucas.house.gov", "scraper": "lucas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000491", "name": "Frank D. Lucas", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Oklahoma City, OK – Today, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03), along with Representatives Tom Cole (OK-04) and Stephanie Bice (OK-05), joined Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford in touring the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center’s Air Traffic Control Training Academy. The tour provided an overview of controller training programs and the technologies used to prepare the aviation workforce.\n\nThe tour included visits to the Tower Simulator System Lab and the En Route Automation Modernization Lab.\n\n“It was a great day in Oklahoma City with Administrator Bedford as we toured the impressive Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center,” said Representative Lucas. “The innovative technology that we saw today has, and will continue to, completely change the training curriculum for future aviation experts. This will bring our nation’s opportunities in aviation to new heights, and it will also enable our workforce to be equipped with more skills and services that will only further advance their careers. I’m optimistic about the future of aviation, and I’m proud that this innovation is occurring here in Oklahoma’s third congressional district.”\n\n“I’m grateful to the Oklahoma congressional delegation, including Chairman Tom Cole, Representative Frank Lucas, Vice Chair Stephanie Bice as well as Senators Lankford and Armstrong for their strong leadership here in Oklahoma,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “This center is one of the crown jewels of research and development, and sustainment for the national airspace system. It all happens here. Training new air traffic controllers, technicians, and first and second level engineers. We had the most successful recruiting day in the history of the FAA for our air traffic controllers, we’ve shortened the hiring process and we are getting trainees into the Academy faster than ever.”\n\n“Thanks to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma has long been a hub for aerospace and aviation industry development,” said Representative Cole. “The Center is not only a key administrative, research, and safety hub for the FAA, but it is also home to the FAA Academy, which is the only training center in the country for FAA-certified air traffic controllers. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that America’s national aviation industry cannot exist without the workforce the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center produces – and that was made very clear through the advanced technology and new curriculum we saw on the tour today. I would like to thank FAA Administrator Bedford for taking the time to come out to Oklahoma, as it is critical for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center to continue to thrive.”\n\n“It was great to be alongside Administrator Bedford at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center,” said Representative Bice. “On his visit, the first by an FAA Administrator in a decade, we witnessed the incredible work happening daily in Oklahoma City. I was proud to see new innovative technologies, funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill, which are helping to prepare future air traffic controllers and the next generation of professionals. Their mission is critical and the Oklahoma delegation is laser focused on providing the support they need.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/joint-statement-democrats-secure-release-of-high-school-student-from-delaney-hall-facility", "title": "JOINT STATEMENT: DEMOCRATS SECURE RELEASE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FROM DELANEY HALL FACILITY", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mciver.house.gov", "scraper": "mciver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001229", "name": "LaMonica McIver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. LaMonica McIver, Rob Menendez and Josh Gottheimer released the following statement: Yesterday, after months of advocacy, an 18-year-old high school senior finally returned to her Orange, New Jersey home after her months-long detainment at the Delaney Hall facility. On Sunday, we had the opportunity to speak with Ariadna, who, even after being subjected to detention for months, remains singularly focused on resuming her high school studies, with an intent to pursue a career in law. Ariadna is a remarkable young woman and a true leader who, among other things, provided translation assistance between detainees, detention facility guards and visitors.\n\nDonald Trump claimed his immigration enforcement would be targeted at violent felons who are in this country unlawfully. Instead, stories like Ariadna’s are far too common throughout his mass deportation scheme.\n\nFor months, Rep. McIver and Members of the New Jersey delegation have visited Ariadna — a DREAMer never accused of any violent crimes — and lifted up her story. The Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end her detention is a recognition that she was unnecessarily detained. House Democrats will continue to advocate for decency and humanity in our immigration enforcement system.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/declaracion-conjunta-los-democratas-aseguran-la-liberacion-de-una-estudiante-de-secundaria-de-las-instalaciones-de-delaney-hall", "title": "DECLARACIÓN CONJUNTA: Los demócratas aseguran la liberación de una estudiante de secundaria, de las instalaciones de Delaney Hall", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Hoy, el líder demócrata Hakeem Jeffries y los representantes Rob Menendez, LaMonica McIver y Josh Gottheimer han emitido el siguiente comunicado:\n\nAyer, tras meses de defensa, una estudiante de 18 años de último de la secundaria finalmente regresó a su casa en Orange, Nueva Jersey, tras su detención de meses en las instalaciones de Delaney Hall. El domingo tuvimos la oportunidad de hablar con Ariadna, quien, incluso tras meses de detención, sigue centrada únicamente en retomar sus estudios de secundaria, con la intención de seguir la carrera en Derecho. Ariadna es una joven extraordinaria y una verdadera líder que, entre otras cosas, proporcionó asistencia en la traducción entre los detenidos, guardias de centros de detención y visitantes.\n\nDonald Trump afirmó que su aplicación de la ley migratoria estaría dirigida a delincuentes violentos que están en este país ilegalmente. En cambio, historias como la de Ariadna son demasiado comunes a lo largo de su plan de deportación masiva.\n\nDurante meses, los representantes Menendez, McIver y miembros de la delegación de Nueva Jersey han visitado a Ariadna (una DREAMER que no ha sido acusada de ningún delito violento) y han publicado su historia. La decisión del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de poner fin a su detención es un reconocimiento de que fue detenida innecesariamente. Los demócratas de la Cámara seguirán defendiendo la decencia y la humanidad en nuestro sistema de aplicación de la ley migratoria.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/joint-statement-democrats-secure-release-of-high-school-student-from-delaney-hall-facility", "title": "JOINT STATEMENT: Democrats Secure Release of High School Student from Delaney Hall Facility", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Reps. Rob Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Josh Gottheimer released the following statement:\n\nYesterday, after months of advocacy, an 18-year-old high school senior finally returned to her Orange, New Jersey home after her months-long detainment at the Delaney Hall facility. On Sunday, we had the opportunity to speak with Ariadna, who, even after being subjected to detention for months, remains singularly focused on resuming her high school studies, with an intent to pursue a career in law. Ariadna is a remarkable young woman and a true leader who, among other things, provided translation assistance between detainees, detention facility guards and visitors.\n\nDonald Trump claimed his immigration enforcement would be targeted at violent felons who are in this country unlawfully. Instead, stories like Ariadna’s are far too common throughout his mass deportation scheme.\n\nFor months, Reps. Menendez, McIver, and Members of the New Jersey Delegation have visited Ariadna — a DREAMer never accused of any violent crimes — and lifted up her story. The Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end her detention is a recognition that she was unnecessarily detained. House Democrats will continue to advocate for decency and humanity in our immigration enforcement system.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3592", "title": "Norman Bill Cracks Down on DEI Abuse in Federal Research Funding", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "norman.house.gov", "scraper": "norman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000190", "name": "Ralph Norman", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) introduced legislation to prohibit federal agencies from using Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements or ideological tests when awarding taxpayer-funded research grants.\n\nThe Merit Restoration Act would apply to all federal research agencies, ensuring grants are awarded based on scientific merit, quality of research, and public benefit, not political activism or identity-based standards.\n\nAfter years of ideologically awarded funding under the Biden administration, Congressman Norman’s bill would prohibit agencies from considering DEI statements, mandatory diversity requirements, or ideological criteria when evaluating grant applications or continuing federal funding.\n\n“Taxpayer-funded research should be awarded based on merit, innovation, and results, not DEI-driven activist handouts,” said Congressman Ralph Norman. “Americans are tired of watching universities prioritize ideological checkboxes over achievement. Federal research dollars should support the strongest proposals and the best science, whether in medicine, engineering, or scientific innovation, not political agendas. That’s what taxpayers expect and deserve.”\n\nThe bill follows growing concerns over federal grant programs that prioritize DEI and identity-based criteria over merit. In one example, the Biden administration’s National Institute of Health (NIH) funded a National Cancer Institute program that stated “fostering diversity by addressing underrepresentation in the scientific research workforce is a key component of the NIH strategy” and prioritized participation based on racial and ethnic classifications identified as “underrepresented.” Similarly, the National Science Foundation (NSF) supported an academic conference travel award program that stated “students from underrepresented groups will be given priority.”\n\nCongressman Ralph Norman’s legislation would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer dollars to impose or incentivize these types of ideological or identity-based requirements in scientific research funding.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/06/02/nunn-fitzgerald-introduce-bills-to-counter-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative/", "title": "Nunn, Fitzgerald Introduce Bills to Counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DES MOINES, IA — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) today introduced two bills aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Party’s Belt and Road Initiative and strengthening America’s economic and strategic leadership around the world.\n\nThe Thwarting Regional Adversary Investments Now (TRAIN) Act would help partner nations identify and mitigate the risks associated with Chinese-backed investment and lending before entering into agreements with Beijing. The Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy (BRIDGE) Act would establish a whole-of-government strategy to counter China’s growing infrastructure influence campaigns.\n\n“China has spent decades buying up the ports, power grids, and trade routes of developing nations, trapping them in debt and rigging the global market in their favor,” said Rep. Nunn. “That hits Iowa directly: our farmers and manufacturers compete to feed and supply the world, and they can’t win on a field Beijing is tilting in their own favor. Our bills would give the United States a coordinated, whole-of-government strategy to counter China’s invest-to-control strategy of economic coercion, help partner nations walk away from a bad deal with Beijing, and keep the playing field fair for Iowa.”\n\nSince its launch in 2013, China’s Belt and Road Initiative has grown into a nearly $1.4 trillion global infrastructure campaign spanning more than 150 countries. In 2025 alone, Belt and Road Initiative engagement reached a record $213.5 billion in construction contracts and investments, demonstrating Beijing’s accelerating use of infrastructure financing to expand political influence, deepen economic dependence on China, and secure control over strategic assets abroad.\n\nThe implications extend beyond economics. The Pentagon’s 2024 report on Chinese military power warns that Beijing is increasingly leveraging Belt and Road Initiatives to establish overseas military access, logistical networks, and strategic footholds that could disrupt U.S. military operations and threaten American interests. The ports and corridors China finances today become the supply lines and access points it leverages tomorrow.\n\n“China has turned the Belt and Road Initiative into a weapon of economic coercion, building leverage through debt, controlling critical infrastructure, and pulling countries deeper into Beijing’s orbit,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “The TRAIN Act helps countries avoid walking into those traps in the first place, and the BRIDGE Act ensures the United States is better positioned to address this challenge.”\n\nThe TRAIN Act would direct the Department of State to provide training and technical assistance to government officials in non-adversarial countries across South and Central Asia, helping them evaluate and mitigate the legal and financial risks associated with investment and lending from China and other foreign adversaries. The legislation would also require annual reporting to Congress on foreign adversary agreements that could pose economic or national security risks to the United States.\n\nThe BRIDGE Act would require the Department of State, Department of Commerce, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and other relevant federal agencies to develop a coordinated government-wide strategy to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The legislation requires a formal assessment of how the CCP uses the Belt and Road Initiative to expand its economic and political influence worldwide and establishes measurable objectives to strengthen America’s competitiveness and strategic engagement abroad.\n\nThese bills build on Rep. Nunn’s broader efforts to counter the CCP’s malign influence, including leading the Fortifying U.S. Markets from Chinese Military Aggression Act and the Neutralizing Unfair Chinese Subsidies Act, which seek to protect critical infrastructure and supply chains, strengthen America’s competitiveness, and reduce vulnerabilities to CCP economic coercion.\n\nText of the TRAIN Act can be found here, and text of the BRIDGE Act can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1738", "title": "Reps. Pettersen, Neguse Lead Colorado House Democrats in Introducing Immigration and Customs Enforcement Reforms", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Joe Neguse (CO-02) led the state’s House Democratic delegation in introducing three bills aimed at reforming the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bills were first introduced by Senator Michael Bennet in the U.S. Senate and include the Keeping Immigrants and Destinations Safe (KIDS) Act, the Training, Responsibility, Uniforms, and Standards for Transparency (TRUST) Act, and the Oversight, Protection, and Enforcement Notification (OPEN) Act.\n\nReps. Pettersen and Neguse are joined by fellow House members Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Jason Crow (CO-06) in introducing these proposals.\n\n“Donald Trump’s ICE operations are out of control—he promised to go after the ‘worst of the worst,’ but instead ICE is detaining children, deporting U.S. citizens and people who are here legally, and operating with virtually no oversight or accountability,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “As Republicans move to pour billions more taxpayer dollars into this lawless agency, we need comprehensive reform that the majority of the American people support. I’m grateful to work with Congressman Joe Neguse to introduce these bills to increase transparency, strengthen accountability, protect due process, and begin restoring trust.”\n\n“Over the course of the last year and a half, the Trump administration’s cruel and inhumane immigration policies have inflicted a heavy toll on the people of Colorado. Enough is enough,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “I’m proud to join Senator Michael Bennet in introducing legislation that stands up for transparency and accountability, makes clear that oversight is not optional, and underscores that no president can bend the rule of law to their will. These proposals are a starting point toward real, meaningful reform—protecting children and sensitive locations, holding federal immigration officers accountable, and ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”\n\n“Donald Trump's cruel immigration agenda has been defined by fear and a disregard for basic human dignity,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “No child should be detained, no family should be afraid to seek care at a hospital or attend school, and no law enforcement officer should be allowed to operate without transparency and accountability. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to introduce these bills that will restore humanity, oversight, and the rule of law to an immigration system that has been pushed beyond the bounds of decency.”\n\n“Donald Trump said he’d go after the ‘worst of the worst’ criminals. Instead, he’s rounding up kids, detaining and murdering Americans in our streets, and terrorizing our communities,” said Congressman Crow. “Republicans just gave ICE a massive budget increase without pushing for any reforms to the abuses we have seen. It’s wrong and we must rein in the abusive practices of this rogue agency. I appreciate Senator Bennet’s leadership to stand up to President Trump and hold this administration accountable.”\n\nAdditional information about each bill can be found below.\n\nThe Keeping Immigrants and Destinations Safe (KIDS) Act would prohibit DHS from detaining children and from performing immigration enforcement actions in and around sensitive locations without a court issued criminal warrant.\n\nMore specifically, the KIDS Act would:\n\nProhibit DHS from detaining children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, or their primary caregivers;\n\nBan immigration arrests at schools, hospitals, places of worship, courthouses, and other sensitive locations, unless officers have a court-issued criminal warrant; and\n\nClarify that these protections also apply when individuals are traveling to, attending, or returning from sensitive locations.\n\nThe Training, Responsibility, Uniforms, and Standards for Transparency (TRUST) Act ensures immigration enforcement agents are held to the same standards as local law enforcement and reforms hiring and screening standards and enforce uniform, identification, and professional conduct standards.\n\nMore specifically, the TRUST Act would:\n\nRequire immigration enforcement officers to wear standardized DHS uniforms and clearly display badges and identification during enforcement operations;\n\nProhibit officers from wearing masks during immigration enforcement operations;\n\nEstablish stronger hiring standards, including comprehensive background investigations, screening for affiliations with terrorist, violent, or hate-based organizations, and psychological evaluations;\n\nRequire officers to complete specialized training on wrongful detention prevention, de-escalation strategies, language access, medical and disability recognition, and civil rights protections; and\n\nMandate officers to use body-worn cameras during enforcement actions, establish consequences for failing to activate or tampering with recordings, and require public release of footage following serious incidents, subject to privacy protections.\n\nThe Oversight, Protection, and Enforcement Notification (OPEN) Act seeks to improve oversight of DHS and enforce detention standards.\n\nMore specifically, the OPEN Act would:\n\nGuarantee Members of Congress unrestricted access to all immigration detention facilities without prior approval;\n\nEnsure detained individuals are able to notify family members following their detention and access legal counsel;\n\nRequire notification to family and legal representatives immediately when individuals are transferred to another detention facility or hospital;\n\nRequire DHS to publicly report allegations and incidents of excessive force, wrongful detention, mistaken arrests, the detention of U.S. citizens, and sexual assault;\n\nEstablish requirements for independent inspections by and transparency to appropriate federal and state officials before converting warehouses, jails, or other facilities into immigration detention centers; and\n\nRequire judicial warrants for immigration enforcement.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2979", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Introduces Legislation to Award Air Force Major Bob Lodge the Medal of Honor", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — As first reported in theAir & Space Forces Magazine, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a decorated fighter pilot and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, introduced legislation to posthumously award Air Force Major Bob Lodge the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions to protect the United States during the Vietnam War, even when it meant losing his own life.\n\n\"I'm proud to introduce legislation authorizing the President of the United States to award the Medal of Honor to Major Robert Lodge for his actions on May 10, 1972, during the Vietnam War,\" said Rep. Pfluger. \"As a fighter wing weapons officer with knowledge of highly classified intelligence sources and methods, Major Lodge knew he could not fall into enemy hands. He made the ultimate sacrifice, deliberately choosing to ride a crippled aircraft to his death to protect that information. Valor exists in many forms across our armed forces, and Major Lodge stands as an outstanding example of the courage found in our cockpits. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, the President, Secretary Hegseth, and Secretary Meink to ensure his heroism is properly recognized.\"\n\nRead the full text of the legislation here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2982", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Announces 2026 Service Academy Appointments", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) proudly announced that thirteen students from Texas's 11th Congressional District have received appointments to a U.S. Service Academy following his nomination. To recognize their achievement, Congressman Pfluger hosted a Service Academy Appointee Meet-and-Greet in San Angelo, where he personally congratulated each appointee and presented each with a Congressional Certificate.\n\n\"Nominating students from TX-11 to attend a U.S. service academy is one of my favorite parts of this job,\" said Rep. Pfluger. \"Congratulations to these outstanding young men and women on earning appointments to our nation's premier military academies. As a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a retired Air Force Colonel, I am always inspired to see the next generation of leaders heed the call to service. I wish all of our appointees the best of luck as they embark on this new journey, and I look forward to watching them make our community proud as they grow into our nation's military and civic leaders of tomorrow.\"\n\nEach year, Members of Congress in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate nominate qualified high school seniors for admission to the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Merchant Marine, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Naval Academy. Students seeking a nomination must complete a rigorous application and participate in a competitive interview process. Appointments to the academies are then awarded to candidates who not only receive a nomination, but also demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential, physical aptitude, and a commitment to serving the nation in their application to an academy.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2022", "title": "Scanlon, Larson Lead House Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Impact of Social Security Staffing Cuts", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Rep. John Larson (CT-01), Ranking Member of the House Social Security Subcommittee, are leading 74 House Democrats in demanding answers on the impact of broad Social Security Administration staff reassignments.\n\nEarlier this year, SSA reassigned employees from its Disability Adjudication, Financial and Management, Field Office Services, Risk and Quality, Digital Services, and Chief Information Officer units to assist in monitoring its public call-in phone line in an attempt to address high wait times. These staff cuts have resulted in reduced in-person services, office closures, and service delays for beneficiaries.\n\n“We write to express our deep concern with the Social Security Administration’s decision to reassign thousands of Social Security Administration (SSA) employees away from their primary, essential duties in order to address excessive wait times on SSA’s toll-free number for customer service,” the members wrote. “While we understand the need to reduce wait times for calls, the blanket reassignment of personnel from other high-priority tasks appears to have exacerbated backlogs and extended overdue processing times in other critical areas of the SSA. We, along with our constituents, are gravely concerned that these reassignments are creating new barriers to prompt service and delivery of benefits to the public, and request additional information on the full impact of this policy.”\n\n“These employee reassignments have the potential to cause massive service delays and add to SSA’s already overwhelming case backlog, which stands at 6 million pending cases at SSA processing centers and 12 million transactions in field offices,” the members continued. “While on paper, the reassignment may shorten wait times for calls regarding unprocessed claims and paperwork, if the people responsible for processing those claims are unable to do their jobs, it will only delay the receipt of benefits and lead to worse outcomes for the individuals SSA is meant to serve.”\n\nReassigned employees are also receiving less-than-adequate training - often only receiving three hours of training before being assigned to phone duties the same day - and are unable to professionally handle cases for individuals in crisis or with time-sensitive needs. With a loss of 74,000 employees due to staffing cuts in 2025, the reassignment of employees with little to no training is a major concern.\n\n“Under these circumstances, reassigning staff away from critical benefit processing is deeply harmful to the 73.9 million retirees, disabled workers, their spouses, and their children who rely on Social Security’s assistance,” the members concluded.\n\nThe members requested information regarding the impact of the staff changes, including:\n\n1. What does the training given to displaced staff include?\n\n2. What impact does SSA project the staff reassignments will have on field office appointment times?\n\n3. What has the impact of this reassignment been on caller satisfaction rates?\n\n4. What other assessments is the SSA conducting to track the efficacy and impact of reassignments?\n\nFind the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/6/rep-sewell-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-allowing-alabama-to-use-racially-discriminatory-congressional-map-in-2026-midterm-elections", "title": "Rep. Sewell Statement on Supreme Court Decision Allowing Alabama to Use Racially Discriminatory Congressional Map in 2026 Midterm Elections", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement regarding the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing Alabama to use its racially discriminatory congressional map in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections:\n\n\"Once again, the right-wing Supreme Court has put its blatant partisanship on full display, allowing Alabama Republicans to change the rules in the eleventh hour and use a racist congressional map that federal courts have found—on two separate occasions—intentionally discriminates against Black Alabama voters. This is just the latest in a pattern of outrageous Supreme Court decisions that help Republicans desperately cling to power ahead of the midterm elections while diluting Black voices and erasing decades of hard-fought civil rights progress.\n\n\"Black voters in Alabama deserve more than just some representation. We deserve fair representation. That means two congressional seats where African Americans have the opportunity to elect candidates of our choice.\n\n\"Make no mistake. It is the people of Alabama—not the Supreme Court—who will have the last word. Now that the congressional map has been set, it is up to Alabama voters to vote like we’ve never voted before and send a message that cannot be ignored—that all voices deserve to be heard in our democracy.\n\n\"No matter how hard Alabama state officials may try, they will not succeed in silencing our voices. We will not go back to the Jim Crow era. The fight for fair representation continues.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-stop-antifa-act/", "title": "Rep. Steube Introduces Stop ANTIFA Act", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube Introduces Stop ANTIFA Act\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the House companion to Senator Rick Scott’s (R-Fla.) Stop ANTIFA Act, legislation to designate ANTIFA as a domestic terrorist organization, codify President Trump’s executive actions targeting the group, and direct federal agencies to investigate and dismantle ANTIFA’s violent operations.\n\n“ANTIFA has spent years terrorizing communities, attacking law enforcement officers, and targeting ICE agents,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “These are not peaceful protesters. They are organized extremists who use violence and intimidation to advance a radical political agenda. The Stop ANTIFA Act ensures the federal government has the tools necessary to dismantle these violent networks and hold those responsible accountable.”\n\n“Antifa has gotten away with its evils and terrorized cities across our country for far too long. Violence against our brave law enforcement officers and ICE agents will not be tolerated—especially when it’s domestic terrorists like Antifa wreaking havoc on our communities. These people actively work to destroy the American way of life and call for the overthrow of American government and society. President Trump was right to fearlessly call them out as the domestic terrorists they are and to take action to stop their evils around the nation and uncover the funding behind it. I am proud to codify the president’s actions and stand with the American people with the Stop ANTIFA Act,”said Senator Rick Scott.\n\nThe Stop ANTIFA Act would designate ANTIFA as a domestic terrorist organization and require all relevant federal agencies to investigate and dismantle its operations. The legislation directs the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to coordinate a national strategy to investigate entities engaged in political violence and intimidation, disrupt financial networks supporting domestic terrorism, and strengthen enforcement efforts across the federal government.\n\nAdditionally, the legislation requires the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to designate domestic terrorism as a national priority area.\n\nBackground: According to the White House, ANTIFA is a militant anarchist movement that advocates for the overthrow of the United States Government and engages in organized political violence, assaults on law enforcement officers, attacks on ICE agents, riots, and intimidation campaigns.\n\nThe Stop ANTIFA Act codifies President Trump’s executive order designating ANTIFA as a domestic terrorist organization and directing federal agencies to counter organized political violence.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-takano-introduces-promoting-authenticity-with-influencer-disclaimer-paid-act-to-demand-disclosure-of-campaign-paid-content-from-influencers", "title": "Rep. Takano Introduces Promoting Authenticity with Influencer Disclaimer (PAID) Act to Demand Disclosure of Campaign Paid Content from Influencers", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "takano.house.gov", "scraper": "takano", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000472", "name": "Mark Takano", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Mark Takano (CA-39) introduced the Promoting Authenticity with Influencer Disclaimer (PAID) Act. The PAID Act would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act to require any person who is paid by a political committee or candidate to include a disclaimer that they were paid to post content.\n\nThe Federal Election Commission (FEC) has attempted to bring transparency to the creator economy since 2013. Due to the lack of laws surrounding creators coordinating with campaigns, they have been unable to demand disclosures on paid candidate content. The PAID Act will create a clear statutory disclaimer requirement for the FEC to finally enforce.\n\nReporting shows campaigns and PACs paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for influencer originated content in recent years. This type of paid advertising has no guardrails or transparency, and campaigns will continue to double down on this influencer nondisclosure loophole in order to sway elections.\n\n“Our social media feeds must be fixed,” said Congressman Takano. “Users deserve to know if a creator has been compensated by a campaign to post for them. Current campaign disclosure laws have not kept up with this new creator economy, and voters deserve to know who is financing their feeds before heading to the polling booths. We cannot allow the candidates who finance the most checks to dominate public discourse and drown out competing voices.”\n\nFull text of the PAID Act can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-introduces-resolution-honoring-120-years-of-filipino-immigration-to-hawaii", "title": "Rep. Tokuda Introduces Resolution Honoring 120 Years of Filipino Immigration to Hawaiʻi", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "domain": "tokuda.house.gov", "scraper": "tokuda", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000487", "name": "Jill N. Tokuda", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) introduced a congressional resolution marking the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants in Hawai‘i. The resolution honors the pioneering plantation workers, known as Sakadas, whose sacrifice, resilience, and labor leadership transformed Hawai‘i’s economy and culture.\n\nIn 1906, 15 young Filipino men arrived in Hawai‘i, launching a migration wave that fundamentally shaped the islands and helped build thriving Filipino communities across Hawai‘i and the continental United States. Facing grueling labor, low wages, and discrimination, these workers organized historic, multi-ethnic strikes to demand fair conditions, sparking the modern local labor movement. Today, more than 4.5 million Filipinos live across the continental United States, forming one of the nation’s largest Asian American communities and making up roughly a quarter of Hawai‘i’s population.\n\n\"The story of the Sakadas is one of unmatched courage and triumph over adversity,\" said Rep. Tokuda. \"Faced with harsh plantation conditions and systemic injustice, these fifteen men refused to be broken. They preserved their heritage, fought for workers' rights, and built the foundation for today’s vibrant Filipino community. This resolution ensures our nation permanently recognizes their sacrifices and enduring legacy not only in Hawai‘i but across the United States.\"\n\n“As I joined this year’s Fiesta and Flores de Mayo celebration at the Filipino Community Center, I again reflected on the proud legacy of the Sakada who immigrated to our islands to work in Hawaii’s plantation industry, including the O‘ahu Sugar Mill where the Center now sits,” said Rep. Ed Case (HI-01). “This month, when we especially celebrate the accomplishments of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Hawai‘i and across America, we continue to carry forward the Sakada’s flame as the true embodiment of our American Dream.”\n\n“Proud to honor the legacy of the Sakadas and celebrate our Filipino American communities,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44). “We recognize the courage of thousands of immigrant plantation workers who pushed back against discrimination and systemic injustices. Their fight for recognition helped foster a Filipino American community whose culture, values, and resilience continue to enrich our country today. This is a remembrance of our shared history and a celebration of a labor movement and fight for workers’ rights that live on through generations.”\n\n\"As we celebrate the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the Sakadas to Hawai‘i, we honor the courage and determination of the 15 Filipino men who voyaged far from their homes in the Philippines in search of a better life,\" said Rep. Chu (CA-28). \"Their sacrifices and labor, despite enduring harsh working conditions and discrimination, were fundamental in building Hawai‘i's sugar and pineapple industries. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to preserve their legacy and celebrate the lasting contributions of Filipino Americans in Hawai‘i and across the country.\"\n\n“The Filipino American community has a rich history of contributing greatly to our nation, and the Sakadas’ voyage to Hawai’i 120 years ago embodies strength and resiliency,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15). “The Sakadas faced systematic discrimination, and bravely stood against injustice by forging a labor movement to protect immigrant plantation workers from exploitation. Their legacy is honorable and a reminder that we must continue to uplift the rights of workers everywhere.”\n\n“The story of the Sakadas is a story of courage, sacrifice, and opportunity. Their journey reflects the determination of generations of Filipinos who helped build communities throughout Hawaiʻi, Guam, and the United States,” said Rep. James Moylan (GU-At Large). “As we commemorate 120 years since their arrival, we honor not only their contributions to agriculture and labor rights, but also the lasting impact Filipino families continue to have on our economy, culture, and public service. Their legacy remains an enduring part of the American story.”\n\nThe resolution highlights the profound, lasting contributions of the Sakadas and their descendants to American agriculture, education, healthcare, and civic life. Introduced in honor of this milestone 120th anniversary year, the measure seeks to elevate their historic impact to the nation, building upon the annual Sakada Day observed by the State of Hawai‘i on December 20th.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of the resolution include Representatives Ed Case (HI-01), Grace Meng (NY-06), James Moylan (GU-At Large), Judy Chu (CA-28), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Bobby Scott (VA-03).\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-joins-bicameral-letter-urging-orr-to-reimburse-legal-aid-providers-for-children", "title": "Congresswoman Torres Joins Bicameral Letter Urging ORR to Reimburse Legal Aid Providers for Children", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres joined a letter with 73 lawmakers from the Senate and the House demanding that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) reimburse providers for work performed under their contract to deliver legal services to unaccompanied children.\n\nORR has not issued reimbursements for services rendered since December 2025, despite Congress passing funding for this purpose. The agency’s ongoing refusal to pay providers for their work violates Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act requirements, mandates in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations for the agency, and the federal government’s contractual obligations.\n\n“ORR’s plain breach of contract threatens the viability of the nationwide network of nonprofit legal service providers that serve vulnerable unaccompanied children. These providers deliver critical legal representation, legal screenings, and Know Your Rights presentations to thousands of children across the country,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their work is essential to ensuring that children are protected from trafficking, exploitation, and other harms, and that they appear for and are able to meaningfully participate in their immigration proceedings. Nonprofit providers do not have the reserves necessary to absorb prolonged nonpayment at this scale. As a result, organizations may be forced to lay off staff, stop accepting new cases, or cease operations altogether. These outcomes would jeopardize thousands of children’s access to legal representation mid-case.”\n\nThe lawmakers also expressed concern about reports that ORR is putting conditions on reimbursement, including requiring providers to give the government additional, case-specific information that’s not required under the terms of the contract. These demands end up delaying payment and reportedly include identifying information about child clients that may implicate attorney-client privilege and ethical obligations governing confidentiality.\n\nThe lawmakers are demanding that ORR immediately fulfill all pending invoices, provide an explanation for payment delays, and confirm that ORR will not make new conditions on these payments.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3821", "title": "Congressman Valadao Joins Bipartisan Delegation to Urge Funding to Combat Golden Mussels", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Josh Harder (CA-09) to send a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Director Brian Nesvik urging immediate emergency federal funding to combat the rapidly spreading invasive golden mussel in California waterways.\n\nThe letter warns that, without immediate federal support, California water agencies, farmers, and communities will continue to bear escalating costs as this invasive species spreads unchecked.\n\n“Golden mussels pose a unique threat given they reproduce at exponential rates, clog water delivery systems, and damage water infrastructure,” the letter states. “Golden mussels spawn several times throughout the year producing microscopic larvae in numbers reaching up to one million eggs annually per female. This has led to the unrestrained spread of larvae throughout California and has made eradication efforts nearly impossible.\n\n\"Golden mussel colonies infiltrate critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, pumps, and hydropower systems, by attaching to surfaces, reducing water flow, overheating pumps, and potentially causing catastrophic failure of water conveyance systems. These impacts have reduced water conveyance capacity, damaged equipment, and driven-up maintenance costs for water agencies and ratepayers alike.\n\n\"After golden mussels were first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) in late 2025, they have rapidly spread, threatening major water systems like the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project. These projects supply water to millions of Californians and irrigate more than 4,000 acres of farmland.\n\n\"Kern and San Joaquin Counties recently declared a local state of emergency in response to an active infestation within critical water infrastructure, citing 'immediate operational risks' to drinking water supply, agriculture, energy production, and regional economic stability. The scale and reach of these water projects underscore the statewide risk to California's water supply, environment, and agricultural infrastructure.\"\n\nSpecifically, the letter urges USFWS to:\n\nExpedite emergency funding through existing invasive species authorities\n\nPrioritize California for assistance under existing grant funding and future funding cycles\n\nIncrease funding allocations for early detection, rapid response, and containment efforts for water infrastructure systems\n\nCoordinate with federal partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency to ensure a whole-of-government response\n\nExpedite the listing of golden mussels on the injurious species list under the Lacey Act\n\nDevelop a golden mussel National Control and Management Plan to prevent further introduction and spread, and to eradicate and control existing populations\n\nRead the full letter here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/06/02/after-hearing-from-800-virginians-vindman-continues-call-for-lower-utility-costs/", "title": "After Hearing from 800+ Virginians, Vindman Continues Call for Lower Utility Costs", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today renewed his call to bring down utility costs for working families after hearing from more than 800 Virginians through a district-wide survey who say they are feeling the effects of rising utility bills. The survey invited constituents to share their personal experiences with rising utility bills and the impact on their households.\n\n“As utility bills continue to rise, too many Virginians are being forced to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table,” said Vindman. “Families across the Commonwealth are feeling the strain of higher energy costs, driven by Republicans’ failed economic policies. As a founding member of the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, I’m committed to advancing legislative solutions that address the growing energy affordability crisis and deliver relief for working families.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman has been a champion for lowering utility bills in Congress and making life better for working families.\n\nVindman introduced two pieces of legislation that would lower costs for families and hold utility companies accountable. The Home Energy Affordability Act would help protect consumers from repeated utility rate hikes by limiting electric utilities to one rate change request every 365 days. The Utility Hikes Transparency Act would create the first comprehensive, machine-readable federal database of retail utility rate changes in the United States.\n\nVindman also was joined by 14 lawmakers in launching the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus to find legislative solutions to the ongoing energy affordability crisis in Virginia and around the country. The caucus will convene House Members around oversight strategies and tools to hold utility companies accountable for skyrocketing rates.\n\nBelow are recent constituent stories submitted by Virginia’s Seventh District residents who took the survey:\n\n—\n\n“I am a Senior Citizen whose only income is Social Security. My electric has increased $50.00. I have had to cut back on some of my medications to make up the difference.” — Dorothy, Caroline\n\n“I’m a single mom and a federal employee. Any unexpected expense is a major stressor.” —\n\nStephanie, Prince William\n\n“My electric bill doubled this month. I have other bills that I also have to pay, so now I am behind on all payments.” — Jewel, Stafford\n\n“Utility bills have nearly doubled for me. I am a single parent, a former Marine, and I just retired after 25 years of service to the Federal Government. If prices continue to go up, I will have to go back to work and will likely be working into my 70s.” — Sheila, Prince William\n\n“I am a disabled senior citizen living in Social Security. I have to choose between food and electric. My bill has doubled in the past month.” — Jean, Culpeper\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=587", "title": "Walkinshaw Statement on Trump Administration’s Unconstitutional Attack on Mail-In Voting", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) released the following statement after reports that the U.S. Postal Service is moving forward with a proposed rule to implement President Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting.\n\n\"Donald Trump's policies have failed and he knows he's on track to lose the midterm elections, so now he's trying to rig the rules. From his war of choice in Iran driving up costs to his broken promise to release the Epstein files, Trump can't defend his record. Now he's trying to make the United States Postal Service part of his scheme to block Americans from voting as he desperately clings to power.\n\nThe Postal Service has no Constitutional or legal authority to interfere in election administration. No executive order changes that. And no president has the power to put federal officials between voters and their ballots.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=38E3738D-698C-481C-A30B-EBCF5C403D7D", "title": "House Passes Webster’s Florida Safe Seas Act", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "webster.house.gov", "scraper": "webster", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000806", "name": "Daniel Webster", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Florida Congressman Daniel Webster R-Clermont, to prohibit shark feeding in the exclusive economic zone off the State of Florida.\n\n“As a Floridian and member of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am committed to the responsible stewardship of our marine ecosystems and the safety of our waters,” said Rep. Webster. “The Florida Safe Seas Act takes a commonsense step to help protect swimmers, anglers, beachgoers, and visitors by prohibiting shark feeding in federal waters off Florida’s coast. This legislation mirrors longstanding Florida law, promotes responsible conservation of marine wildlife, and helps prevent interactions that place Floridians and visitors at risk.”\n\n“Florida’s waters are among the nation’s greatest destinations for recreation and outdoor adventure. H.R. 3831 aligns federal waters off Florida’s coast with state law by prohibiting shark feeding, helping reduce dangerous human-shark interactions and improving public safety. I appreciate Rep. Webster’s efforts to promote safer waters for anglers, boaters and beachgoers across Florida,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR).\n\nThe Florida Safe Seas Act prohibits shark feeding in the exclusive economic zone off the State of Florida, aligning federal law with Florida’s longstanding prohibition on the hand feeding of sharks. Federal law already prohibits shark feeding in the exclusive economic zones surrounding Hawaii and several U.S. Pacific territories. The bill extends the same prohibition to federal waters off Florida’s coast to promote public safety and responsible wildlife stewardship.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-young-introduce-bill-to-repeal-federal-excise-tax-on-heavy-trucks/", "title": "Alsobrooks, Young Introduce Bill to Repeal Federal Excise Tax on Heavy Trucks", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "June 2, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – As reported by Reuters, U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act to repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy trucks.\n\nThe 12% excise tax on heavy trucks is the highest excise tax levied on any product in the country. By adding as much as $15,000 to $30,000 to the cost of a new heavy truck, trailer, semitrailer chassis, or tractor, the tax makes it more expensive for trucking companies and independent operators to modernize their fleets. Additionally, because the tax applies only to new vehicle purchases and not used trucks, it creates an incentive to keep older vehicles on the road longer, slowing the adoption of newer trucks that are safer and more fuel-efficient.\n\n“I am proud to partner with Senator Young in introducing the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2026 to repeal the excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This outdated tax incentivizes using older, less efficient trucks. Our bill supports a modern trucking industry allowing for the adoption of newer trucks that are safer and more fuel-efficient. In doing so, the bill supports small businesses, independent truckers, and our environmental goals – it just makes sense.”\n\n“Repealing this tax is a simple step that can help the American trucking industry and consumers,” said Senator Young. “This tax hurts the small businesses and independent truckers that are the core of American trucking, and it promotes the usage of older, less efficient trucks. Cutting the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers will lead to newer, safer, and cleaner trucks on America’s roads.”\n\n“First implemented over a century ago to fund America’s involvement in World War I, the FET currently adds tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of all new heavy-duty trucks and trailers, regardless of whether they run on diesel, alternative fuels, or zero-emission powertrains,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship—particularly for the family businesses and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks and trailers with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to U.S. manufacturing jobs. Our industry is grateful to Senators Young and Alsobrooks for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”\n\n“The 12 percent Federal Excise Tax is outdated, inefficient, and punitive—to both dealers and fleets routinely adding over $20,000 to the price of a new heavy-duty commercial motor vehicle,” said ATD Chairman and President and CEO of Advantage Truck Group Kevin Holmes. “As we face challenges from tariff volatility and the ever-changing regulatory landscape, it is critical to reassess burdensome tax policies like the FET. Eliminating these barriers to fleet turnover will promote economic growth and lead to cleaner, safer trucks on America’s streets and highways.”\n\nText of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-remembers-brett-scrogham-on-senate-floor/", "title": "Senator Banks Remembers Brett Scrogham on Senate Floor", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor about the senseless murder of 23-year-old Brett Scrogham and the urgent need for Indianapolis to end soft on crime policies that have enabled violent crime.\n\nClick the image above or view the full speech here.\n\nSee remarks below:\n\n“Madam President,\n\n23-year-old Brett Scrogham of Greenwood, Indiana had a bright future ahead of him. After graduating as a top 100 student from the IU Kelley School of Business, Brett had plans to invest in housing properties and help his community grow and prosper. As a young child, Brett helped a neighbor rescue her dogs from a terrible house fire.\n\nFriends of his referred to him as “a God-fearing Christian man,” who was always willing to help people.\n\nThough I never had the chance to meet him, it’s clear to me that Brett was really an incredible person. And now I’ll never get the chance to meet this bright young man.\n\nTragically, Brett was murdered in cold blood this weekend on his way to an Indians game with his family. The killing took place in a parking garage next to the biggest church in Indianapolis. College students and young families park there every week.\n\nI am heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. Brett’s family are in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope that the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will arrest the murderer soon, who is still at large.\n\nThe Mayor of Indianapolis put out a weak statement that didn’t even mention Brett’s name, and so I wanted to come down to the floor and talk about who he was and what’s happening in Indianapolis.\n\nBrett’s murder is the second murder in downtown Indianapolis in less than a week. Just before the Indy500, Gregory Anderson, a father of five children, was murdered in the downtown bar district in Indianapolis. And then last Sunday, a 16-year-old teenager was murdered in the Northwest Side of Indy.\n\nMr. President, these murders have no place in Indiana, especially in our capitol city. Indianapolis is truly a great city, and it has so much going for it. Indy is home to incredible businesses, world-class sporting events like the Indy500 which took place last week, and so much more.\n\nBut what’s been happening in Indianapolis is an epidemic. Soft on crime policies are ruining this great city. How much longer will we allow this to go on?\n\nThe reason Indianapolis is plagued by violent crime is because Marion County lets it happen. Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears refuses to prosecute violent criminals.\n\nFor example, one man in Indiana has faced over 30 criminal charges, most of them felony charges in Marion County, since 2020. This man should be locked up forever. But he’s not, thanks to Ryan Mears, liberal judges, and all of their soft-on-crime polices.\n\nAnd the rest of Indiana is punished for Marion County’s refusal to act.\n\nRyan Mears is a prosecutor gone rogue. He refuses to keep violent criminals behind bars and is an absolute failure of a prosecutor.\n\nAnd it’s not only the prosecutor that refuses to enforce the law. State Sen. Andrea Hunley, also a Democrat, recently said with regards to crime in Indianapolis that “We are not going to ever enforce our way out of the problem.”\n\nThat is not only a lie; it’s also an excuse.\n\nIf we keep making excuses for why we can’t enforce the law and keep violent criminals in prison, we will never have safe neighborhoods and communities—and innocent people like Brett will continue pay the price.\n\nEveryone wants to talk about fairness, dignity and legal protections for criminal defendants. But what about Brett? Where was his fairness? Why do we talk about the dignity of criminals and never the dignity of their victims?\n\nWe know how to keep our cities safe: we need to put large amounts of police officers on patrol, let them do their job, and ensure that criminals remain in prison.\n\nBut the opposite keeps happening. A violent criminal who set a bus on fire in Indianapolis a few years ago was in and out of prison over 45 times in the last two decades! This is outrageous and completely unacceptable. But this is the world that soft on crime policies in Indianapolis enable.\n\nLaw and order are necessary for any country to run well. And for there to be law and order, you need law enforcement officers who proudly wear the uniform and badge and rise every morning to protect their communities. Those law enforcement officers need our support to do their jobs well.\n\nMr. President, we are now a couple of weeks after National Police Week. Our federal, state and local police officers are heroes. They wake up every single day with the hope of serving their communities and safely returning back to their families. They love what they do and want to keep all of us safe.\n\nBut we need to make sure that they are not being sabotaged by soft on crime policies.\n\nNothing will ever bring back Brett. And if we hope to prevent more young lives like his from being taken far too early, we need to double down on our efforts to enforce law and order.\n\nWe need to support our law enforcement officers and demand that our elected officials throw the book at violent criminals instead of letting them continue to cause mayhem in our communities.\n\nI yield the floor.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-let-us-be-worthy-of-our-history-our-heroes-and-our-heritage/", "title": "Barrasso: Let Us Be Worthy of Our History, Our Heroes, and Our Heritage", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about Memorial Day ceremonies he attended across Wyoming to honor fallen service members and their families.\n\nSenator Barrasso also commemorated America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and the enduring importance of the Declaration of Independence.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:\n\n“Last Monday was Memorial Day – a day we honor and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.\n\n“Some say Memorial Day is the saddest day of the year. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas is a combat veteran. He served as a member of the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. Senator Cotton wrote about Memorial Day in his New York Times bestselling book Sacred Duty. He points out that Memorial Day is the most noble day of the year.\n\n“Senator Cotton’s powerful words were on my mind as I traveled across my home state of Wyoming this Memorial Day. I was in the cemetery in Douglas, Wyoming, for the flag raising ceremony at 7 a.m. I went to the Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander, Wyoming. And then, I joined the ceremonies in the cemetery in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. These are sacred places.\n\n“At each cemetery, the people of Wyoming gathered in respect and in reverence. Like Americans across the country, we honored our fallen American warriors. There are tens of thousands of service members, veterans, and military families in Wyoming. They know what it means to serve and to sacrifice for the safety of the American people.\n\n“This Memorial Day, I spoke about Staff Sergeant Tyler Pickett from Saratoga, Wyoming. I’ve spoken about Sergeant Pickett on this Floor earlier this year.\n\n“In the year 2000, he enlisted in the United States Army – something he wanted to do his entire life. He became part of the legendary 10th Mountain Division. He was deployed to Iraq. On June 8, 2008, a suicide bomber attacked his convoy in Kirkuk. The bomb was supplied by Iran. Sergeant Pickett was killed. He was only 28 years old. He was a brave and beloved son of Wyoming. It has been almost 18 years to the day since Sergeant Pickett gave his life for our country.\n\n“Earlier this year, I spoke with his Gold Star Mother, Sheri Peterson. She said that, after 18 years, she finally feels some relief from the weight of her son’s death. She said it was because Ayatollah Khamenei – the person responsible for supplying the weapon that killed her son – is finally dead.\n\n“She said, ‘When you speak to our President, Donald J. Trump, please thank him for me and my family.’ She is a Gold Star mother. She knows we have a President who remembers our fallen service members not only with words, but also with courageous action.\n\n“Stories like Sergeant Pickett’s remind us of the cost of freedom. We owe a debt to our fallen heroes.\n\n“We are about to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of America. Exactly one month from today, July 2, is the anniversary of when the Continental Congress officially voted to declare independence. The Declaration of Independence was adopted two days later on July 4. On that day, our nation was born.\n\n“America’s central idea is the Declaration of Independence. It is the root of every American idea. This is a document that is instantly recognizable around the world. In many ways, it is a work of art. It is a masterpiece. It beautifully expresses what America stands for.\n\n“We don’t read it enough. We should. The central sentence is that we are ‘endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ Unalienable. That single word sums up the heart of the American experiment. It means that We the People are the source of the power and We the People loan that power to the government.\n\n“Our Founding Fathers also believed deeply in a Creator. God is mentioned four separate times in the Declaration of Independence. You cannot explain the majesty of America without the Supreme Being.\n\n“The Declaration of Independence is an inspiration to every generation of American. The Declaration of Independence belongs to us. All of us.\n\n“When we think of the Declaration of Independence, we think of freedom and Liberty. We often use the words freedom and liberty interchangeably. Their meanings are different. Freedom is the ability to think, speak, and act the way we want. Liberty refers to the rights and privileges granted and protected by our laws.\n\n“Let us be worthy of our history, our heroes, and our heritage. Let us live out the Spirit of 1776. Let us carry on that spirit to the next generation. As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I remain optimistic that America’s best days are still ahead.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/02/bennet-statement-on-judges-decision-to-pause-removal-of-ncar-supercomputing-center/", "title": "Bennet Statement on Judge’s Decision to Pause Removal of NCAR Supercomputing Center", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to prevent the ownership transfer of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s (NCAR) Wyoming Supercomputing Center to a new operator:\n\n“In a reckless and political attack, the Trump Administration has been trying to dismantle NCAR, the world’s premier institution for weather research. The work done at NCAR benefits all Americans, forming the backbone of weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, water planning, wildfire prevention, and aviation safety. I have fought these efforts every step of the way, blocking the Senate appropriations process to demand full funding for NCAR and working to defend the scientists and public servants whose work keeps our country safe and competitive.\n\n“Today’s ruling is a critical step in the right direction for science, the hundreds of public servants at NCAR, public safety, and Colorado. The judge was clear: this was a politically motivated effort to undermine one of our nation’s most important scientific institutions, despite its central role in advancing weather forecasting, protecting communities, and fulfilling the National Science Foundation’s mission. I am glad to see the courts stand up to this President and his Administration, and I will continue fighting to protect this vital Colorado research center and defend the independence of American science.”\n\nBennet has consistently condemned the White House’s plans to dismantle NCAR since reports first surfaced. In March 2026, Bennet joined Senator John Hickenlooper and Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd to lead 80 of their colleagues in submitting a public comment opposing proposed structural changes to NCAR in Boulder. In January 2026, he spoke on the Senate floor on the need to protect funding for NCAR. Bennet also offered an amendment with Senator Hickenlooper and Democratic Whip Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) to maintain core NCAR funding. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans blocked the amendment, and the appropriations package passed without NCAR funding included. In December 2025, Bennet joined Senator Hickenlooper in holding up a Senate Appropriations Package to demand funding for NCAR.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-02T06:40:38Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-02T06:42:17Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/blackburn-graham-introduce-legislation-to-incentivize-every-state-to-submit-voter-rolls-to-dhs", "title": "Blackburn, Graham Introduce Legislation to Incentivize Every State to Submit Voter Rolls to DHS", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“It goes without saying that U.S. elections MUST be reserved for U.S. citizens, and Tennessee is ranked #1 in election integrity because we cleaned up our voter rolls and require voter ID,” said Senator Blackburn. “More than 80% of Americans want government officials at every level of government to eliminate all voter fraud, and they are fed up with Congress not taking action. I will not rest until we pass election integrity measures in any way possible, which is why I am introducing the Election Security Partnership Act to ensure every state is using the SAVE program and following Tennessee’s lead to restore faith in America’s elections.”\n\n“Free, fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our republic. However, Democrat-led states across the country have failed to enact common-sense election integrity measures to combat fraud and cheating,” said Senator Graham. “After millions of illegal aliens invaded our country during the Biden years, Americans want to know that only U.S. citizens are voting in our elections. I’m pleased to join Senator Blackburn in introducing this legislation to strengthen the integrity of and confidence in our elections.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe SAVE Program at DHS is an online intergovernmental service designed to help federal, state, and local government agencies determine citizenship and immigration status of individuals within their jurisdiction to help them ensure illegal aliens are removed from these lists.\n\nAccording to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, only 26 states already have, or are in the process of establishing, a memorandum of agreement for voter verification with SAVE.\n\nThe Election Security Partnership Act would provide increased grant funding to states that submit their voter registration lists to DHS for the purpose of identifying ineligible voter registrations and non-citizens. This legislation would also improve election administration, election technology, and election security.\n\nClick here for bill text.\n\nRELATED\n\nVIDEO: Blackburn Asks Democrat Lawmakers Why They Fear SAVE America Act\n\nCongress Must Pass the SAVE America Act to Secure Our Elections", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-pappas-introduce-bill-to-crack-down-on-claims-sharks-scamming-veterans", "title": "Blumenthal & Pappas Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Claims Sharks Scamming Veterans", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, today introduced legislation to hold claims sharks and other predatory actors accountable for exploiting veterans’ and survivors’ earned benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\n\nThe lawmakers’ Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would clarify that only accredited individuals can assist veterans with VA benefit claims. And it would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While federal law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties.\n\n“Veterans need protection against claims sharks and other predatory scammers who are stealing millions in hard-earned benefits,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our legislation will close loopholes and impose strict criminal penalties— deterring as well as punishing bad actors. There should be zero tolerance for exploitive tactics robbing veterans of funds they well deserve and need to live. I hope this measure will have bipartisan backing.”\n\n“Veterans seeking to access their benefits should not face another battle to do so. Unaccredited, for-profit companies are scamming veterans of their earned benefits under the guise of helping them and they must be stopped,” said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation is about transparency for veterans so they know the resources and help available to them when they apply for benefits, and accountability for for-profit claim sharks that are breaking the law and exploiting legal loopholes to defraud them. I’m glad to be working with Senator Blumenthal, veterans, veterans’ service organizations, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this issue. I won’t stop fighting to reinstate criminal penalties on these illegal business practices and safeguard the benefits veterans have earned.”\n\nAmong its many provisions, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would:\n\nReestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans;\n\nProhibit VA accreditation of any person found guilt of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims;\n\nClose loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims;\n\nProhibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information;\n\nRequire VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and\n\nIncrease warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents.\n\nThe lawmakers’ legislation builds on bipartisan efforts to hold unaccredited entities accountable and a NPR investigation that revealed private companies continue to make millions by extorting veterans, despite knowing their actions are likely illegal. It also comes on the heels of a U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina summary judgement ruling that unaccredited companies are considered agents and are subject to the federal ban on charging veterans for assistance with preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits. Some states have passed legislation authorizing the practice of charging for assistance with VA claims. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act includes state laws preemption regarding recognition, fee agreements, or authority to charge for assistance with the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of VA benefit claims.\n\nThe SAFEGUARD Veterans Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe legislation is also supported by National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and The American Legion.\n\n“NACVSO supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 and its efforts to restore integrity within the VA claims process,” said NACVSO President Andrew Tangen. “VA-accredited representatives operate under federal oversight, training requirements, and ethical standards designed to protect veterans, while unaccredited claims agents have increasingly exploited enforcement gaps while profiting from veteran injuries and illnesses. This legislation takes bad profit incentives away from unscrupulous claims agents by restoring criminal penalties for unauthorized assistance, improving transparency, modernizing accreditation oversight, and increasing awareness of predatory practices. No veteran should ever have to pay for initial claim services and those who have illegally profited must be held accountable.”\n\n“For too long, unaccredited claims consultants have exploited veterans and survivors by charging excessive, unlawful fees for assistance they are not authorized to provide. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act restores accountability, strengthens protections for veterans navigating the VA claims process, and reinforces the critical role of accredited veterans service organizations, attorneys, and claims agents who are held to rigorous standards,\" said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). \"MOAA applauds lawmakers for introducing this important legislation to preserve the integrity of the VA benefits system and ensure veterans are not targeted by predatory actors seeking to profit off of service-earned benefits.”\n\n“DAV strongly supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to help combat a serious and ongoing threat: unethical individuals who prey on veterans navigating the complex VA claims process and charge fees for help that should be free and accredited,” said DAV National Service Director Scott Hope. “By reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited claims assistance, streamlining the accreditation process, and making public those who have been barred from VA accreditation, this bill puts teeth back into protections that veterans need, deserve, and have earned. Passage of this legislation would demonstrate our nation’s unwavering commitment to honor and protect all who have served because every veteran deserves strong, honest advocacy when seeking earned benefits—not opportunists seeking to profit.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senator-blunt-rochester-releases-statement-on-trump-naming-fhfa-director-bill-pulte-acting-dni/", "title": "Senator Blunt Rochester Releases Statement on Trump Naming FHFA Director Bill Pulte Acting DNI", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on President Trump naming Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence.\n\n“President Trump’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence is not only unwise, it is an affront to the true experts far more qualified for the role. Pulte has absolutely no national security or intelligence experience, yet he has been entrusted with overseeing the agencies responsible for safeguarding our national security. This announcement further illustrates the Trump administration’s prioritization of loyalty over expertise.\n\n“Bill Pulte’s FHFA devoted significant attention to pursuing the President’s political grievances rather than addressing the housing crisis facing American families. For Americans sake, let’s hope Mr. Pulte has more success in his new role than he has at addressing housing affordability.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-blunt-rochester-highlights-the-importance-of-the-blue-economy/", "title": "Ranking Member Blunt Rochester Highlights the Importance of the Blue Economy", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“What I’m hoping to get out of today’s hearing is a bipartisan path forward to better support our coastal communities and improve our national and economic security.”\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, today led her fellow Democrats at a hearing titled “The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Strength, And Coastal Economies.” She discussed the Blue Economy’s importance to coastal communities, like Delaware, for driving local innovation and opportunity. Senator Blunt Rochester’s questions focused on the Trump administration’s attempts to lessen the maritime industry’s economic impact, including cuts to port infrastructure funding and efforts to undermine U.S. global competitiveness with a prolonged Jones Act waiver.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s full remarks and exchange can be found here.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s opening statement, as delivered, is below:\n\n“Thank you, Chairman Sullivan, and thank you so much to our witnesses for being here. We look forward to your testimony. Delaware may be small, [Senator Sullivan] mentioned that you have millions of lakes, and our colleague from Minnesota has 1000s of lakes, we have 10s of lakes. We’re small, but we’re mighty, we are urban, suburban, rural, and coastal, and because of that, this conversation is particularly important to my state, as well as our country, because coastal communities like the ones that call Delaware home rely on the maritime or blue economy. My home state sits on the Atlantic Ocean between the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, putting us in a perfect location to drive innovation and opportunity in the blue economy, and we do.\n\n“The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College collaborate on groundbreaking maritime marine research, underwater robotics, and coastal infrastructure. Our growing aquaculture industry continues to create new jobs while providing healthy, sustainable sources of food. Thanks to funding from a port infrastructure development program grant, the Port of Wilmington is about to begin an historic expansion that will quadruple its capacity, and millions of visitors head to the first state each year to enjoy our pristine beaches, bays, and coastline.\n\n“All told, Delaware’s coastal economy supports over 100,000 jobs, generates over $22 billion in economic output, and is growing over five times faster than the rest of our state. But this isn’t unique to my state. The blue economy is a huge driver of economic growth and job creation across the United States. NOAA estimates that the marine economy contributes over a half a trillion dollars in GDP annually.\n\n“Unfortunately, the administration has stifled and, in some cases, refused to provide our coastal communities with the support they need to thrive. Proposed NOAA budget cuts of over $1 billion which will undercut the agency’s critical mission to support sustainable fisheries and give coastal communities the tools they need to thrive. The administration terminated or withdrew roughly $672 million in port infrastructure development grants meant to support the offshore wind industry, delaying critical investments in my state and the expansion of cheap and sustainable energy at a time when Americans need it most. They pushed an unprecedented Jones Act waiver that will further undermine American shipping competitiveness, while doing little to address the inflation and energy crisis Americans are experiencing.\n\n“While this administration has correctly identified our vulnerability to Chinese-made port equipment, they imposed tariffs without any plan to support domestic industries and bring critical manufacturing jobs home. So, while I commend the administration for trying to set a vision to maintain economic competitiveness and ensure national security, the actions that I have seen miss the mark for our country and our needs right now. We can all agree we need to invest in and grow our maritime industrial base, and what I’m hoping to get out of today’s hearing is a bipartisan path forward to better support our coastal communities and improve our national and economic security. I look forward to the conversation, and I yield back.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-marshall-urge-cms-to-issue-clear-guidance-on-allowable-and-non-allowable-foods-for-medicare-advantage-nutrition-benefits", "title": "Booker, Marshall Urge CMS to Issue Clear Guidance on Allowable and Non-Allowable Foods for Medicare Advantage Nutrition Benefits", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, sent a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz urging CMS to provide clearer guidance defining allowable and non-allowable foods under the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in Medicare Advantage (MA). Grocery cards in these health care plans are supposed to help patients purchase healthy foods, which are known to help treat chronic conditions. Instead, insurance companies have used the lack of specificity in CMS guidance to market generic grocery cards that do not improve patient health.\n\n“Medicare Advantage plans are spending billions on ‘food is medicine’ grocery benefits, yet too often that money is buying soda, candy, and other junk food, driving the very illnesses they are supposed to cure. Taxpayer dollars should support health, not marketing gimmicks. It’s time to close this loophole and ensure these benefits provide truly nourishing food,” said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, Cardiologist and Director of the Food Is Medicine Institute, Tufts University.\n\n“We write to encourage the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide further specific guidance defining allowable and non-allowable foods for purposes of Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in Medicare Advantage (MA),” the Senators wrote.\n\n“While some MA plans have restricted SSBCI benefits to healthy foods that prevent and reduce chronic illness, other MA plans have used SSBCI to provide generic grocery cards without any nutritional criteria, creating a patchwork of benefits that undermines evidence-based care,” the Senators continued.\n\nThe senators note that the current policy does not specify clear parameters for what constitutes non-healthy food, leaving determinations to each individual MA plan, and suggest that benefits be limited to foods that meet established federal standards, including the Food and Drug Administration’s “healthy” labeling criteria or the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program purchasing guidelines.\n\n“We encourage CMS to build on its April 2025 action by issuing specific guidance on allowable and non-allowable foods for SSBCI,” the Senators concluded.\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click here.\n\nThe Honorable Mehmet Oz, M.D.\n\nAdministrator\n\nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services\n\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services\n\n7500 Security Boulevard\n\nBaltimore, MD 21244\n\nDear Administrator Oz,\n\nWe write to encourage the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide further specific guidance defining allowable and non-allowable foods for purposes of Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in Medicare Advantage (MA).\n\nPoor nutrition is a leading cause of preventable complications and healthcare utilization. Billions of dollars are spent annually on SSBCI which, if appropriately administered, could improve health and provide cost-efficient care in MA.\n\nWhile some MA plans have restricted SSBI benefits to healthy foods that prevent and reduce chronic illness, other MA plans have used SSBCI to provide generic grocery cards without any nutritional criteria. One evaluation by an MA plan found that soda and junk food represented significant portions of items purchased using SSBCI, and that individuals with such purchasing had higher levels of illness and total costs of care.\n\nThe variance SSCBI implementation in MA creates a patchwork of benefits for patients and undermines evidence-based care, creating a need for oversight. To begin to address the lack of nutritional guidance for SSBCI, in April 2025, CMS appropriately clarified that non-healthy food--which is food that does not assist in meeting the nutritional needs of a chronically ill enrollee-- does not meet the statutory standard for SSBCI. We commend CMS for this critical first step to ensure that nutrition-related supplemental benefits are aligned with health improvement rather than plan enrollment and marketing incentives.\n\nHowever, as CMS has acknowledged, the current policy does not specify parameters for what constitutes non-healthy food, leaving determinations at the whim of each MA plan. Some MA plans have used this lack of specificity as a loophole to not update their benefits at all, continuing to allow benefits to be used to purchase any grocery items. This goes against the April 2025 rule clarification and the intent of the policy.\n\nBeneficiaries and plans require clearer, evidence-based guidance that ensures that SSBCI nutrition benefits meaningfully support the health of chronically ill enrollees. Importantly, such guidance is also needed to establish a level playing field among plans, so that plans with health-promoting nutritional criteria are not penalized in the market.\n\nThe most straightforward approaches to defining allowable foods in SSBCI would leverage existing federal standards. Plan benefits should be used to support purchases of food that meet one of these criteria:\n\n· The Food and Drug Administration’s definition for use of a “healthy” food labeling claim, as finalized in Docket No. FDA-2016-D-2335.\n\n· The purchasing standards for the WIC program.\n\nThese established standards emphasize minimally processed foods that improve health— fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fish and shellfish, plant oils, dairy, and lean proteins—while excluding categories linked to health harms, including sugar-sweetened beverages, candy, ultra-processed foods, and processed meats.\n\nWe encourage CMS to build on its April 2025 action by issuing specific guidance on allowable and non-allowable foods for SSBCI.\n\nThank you for your consideration. I welcome continued dialogue on how CMS can advance evidence-based nutrition policy and accountability within Medicare Advantage.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F86E372D-FFF1-4DE3-898E-C788C5F3946C", "title": "Boozman Among Lawmakers Pushing Restoration of Protect Life Rule", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined 158 of his colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore the Protect Life Rule and ensure Title X Family Planning Program funding does not support abortion or abortion services.\n\n“We ask you to correct the misguided actions of the previous administration and reimplement the Protect Life Rule to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize the abortion industry,” the lawmakers wrote to Kennedy.\n\nThe bicameral letter calls on HHS to rescind a Biden-era Title X rule and reinstate a policy implemented during President Trump’s first term that required complete physical and financial separation between federally funded family planning services and abortion-related activities. The pro-life members argued the Biden administration’s changes compromised the integrity of the Title X program and allowed abortion providers to receive taxpayer funding contrary to congressional intent.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, along with Representatives Ron Estes (R-KS) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC). In total, 41 senators and 118 members of the House of Representatives signed the letter, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).\n\nThe full letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Secretary,\n\nWe write to urge your administration to swiftly propose and finalize the \"Compliance with Statutory Program Integrity Requirements\" rule, commonly known as the \"Protect Life Rule,\" to restore crucial safeguards to the Title X Family Planning Program. Created by Congress in 1970, Title X of the Public Health Service Act clearly intended to prohibit federal funds from being spent in programs where abortion is a method of family planning. We ask you to correct the misguided actions of the previous administration and reimplement the Protect Life Rule to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize the abortion industry.\n\nDuring President Trump's first administration, the Protect Life Rule successfully fulfilled the spirit and letter of this decades-old law by firmly separating abortion from family planning. The rule appropriately eliminated the egregious abortion referral mandate, which protected the conscience rights of health care providers and increased the potential for diversity among program applicants. Furthermore, it stipulated that Title X projects had to be organized with complete physical and financial separation between a grantee's Title X activities and abortion activities. This much-needed reform ended the practice of \"co-location,\" which had made federal funds vulnerable to misuse and implied that abortion was a method of family planning. The Protect Life Rule also implemented a stronger focus on protecting women and children from being victimized by abuse, rape, incest, and trafficking by bolstering oversight of grantee compliance with state abuse reporting requirements.\n\nUnfortunately, the Biden administration's decision to suspend and revise the Protect Life Rule compromised the integrity of the Title X program. By mandating abortion referrals, the Biden rule effectively required grantees to encourage or promote abortion in order to receive funding, operating exactly opposite to the requirements of the Title X statute. This mandate also directly violated the Weldon Amendment, which makes it illegal for the federal government to discriminate against health care entities that do not refer for abortion. Furthermore, by permitting the \"co-location\" of abortion clinics and Title X clinics in the same facility, the revised rule provided funding to clinics that perform abortions, allowing them to reallocate financial resources to advance their abortion agenda at the taxpayer's expense. The Biden administration even punished the pro-life states of Oklahoma and Tennessee by stripping their lifesaving Title X funding. Even now, Oklahoma is still waiting for the approximately $9 million Title X funds that were stripped in 2023 and 2024.\n\nHistory confirms that without the Protect Life Rule, Title X serves as a funding stream for the abortion industry. For example, between 2013 and 2015, Title X funds made up over $170 million of Planned Parenthood's expenditures. Restoring these critical reforms is not without precedent; regulations requiring the physical separation of abortion activities and prohibiting abortion referrals were promulgated under President Ronald Reagan in 1988 and upheld by the Supreme Court in 1991.\n\nIt is time to restore the bright line of separation between family planning and abortion that is consistent with the plain text of the statute and Congressional intent. We urge you to move swiftly to issue regulations for the Title X program that will protect federal taxpayer funds from being spent for Title X programs where abortion is a method of family planning.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-colleagues-urge-sec-lutnick-to-halt-implementation-of-trumps-illegal-eo-to-undermine-vote-by-mail", "title": "Cantwell & Colleagues Urge Sec. Lutnick to Halt Implementation of Trump’s Illegal EO to Undermine Vote-by-Mail", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell & Colleagues Urge Sec. Lutnick to Halt Implementation of Trump’s Illegal EO to Undermine Vote-by-Mail\n\nSenators direct Dept. of Commerce to explain its involvement with USPS & elections, & to preserve documents for Congressional oversight\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), led 13 Senate Democrats in a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick opposing the Department’s involvement in President Donald Trump’s illegal Executive Order (EO) attacking vote-by-mail and interfering with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). They also demanded that the Commerce Department halt implementing the EO and preserve and prepare all records and documents related to Commerce’s involvement in its drafting and implementation for congressional oversight purposes.\n\nThe Senators’ letter to Lutnick follows his prominent public appearance in the Oval Office in March, when he briefed President Trump on the contents of the EO prior to the President’s signing of the order, which requires states to submit voter data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), orders the USPS to refuse to deliver lawful ballots unless states comply, and threatens penalties for election officials and mail carriers. In addition, today, USPS published the text of a proposed rule to implement the EO. Despite the Department of Commerce lacking any authority over USPS or elections, Section 4 of the EO states that DHS and USPS “shall coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.”\n\n“We were greatly alarmed by your central role in EO 14399, as evidenced by your presence and remarks at the White House when President Trump signed EO 14399,” the senators wrote. “Despite the Department having no authority over the USPS or role in administering federal elections, EO 14399 directs USPS and several federal agencies to ‘coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.’ In addition, we are aware of nonpublic reports that you and your office had a key role in drafting and internally advancing this illegal and unconstitutional order. It is deeply disturbing for the Secretary of Commerce to attempt to illegally interfere with lawful mail ballots in states that do not cooperate with President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to ‘take over the voting.”\n\nThe Senators also emphasized that tens of millions of Americans rely on USPS and vote-by-mail as a safe and trustworthy method to vote in federal and state elections. Nearly 1 in 3 American voters voted by mail in the 2024 general election cycle, and USPS securely delivered more than 99 million ballots to and from voters – including free mail delivery to rural and remote communities. The Senators flagged that Trump’s vote-by-mail EO would severely restrict the use of absentee and mail-in voting among American voters, and any actions from the Department of Commerce to implement the EO would be an unlawful attempt “to interfere with lawfully cast ballots in federal elections.” President Trump himself has voted by mail at least three times in recent elections, including in 2026.\n\n“We demand that the Department follow the law and cease any effort to ‘coordinate’ or ‘implement’ this EO,” the senators continued. “We also formally request that you and all Department employees involved in the drafting, legal analysis, or other preparation or consideration of EO 14399, or any other assertion of Department control over the USPS, take immediate steps to preserve and retain all Department records and documents related to those topics. In addition, we request that the Department begin organizing these materials to facilitate Congressional oversight into the extent of the Secretary’s and Department’s involvement in this attempt to interfere with mail and absentee ballots in the 2026 general election.”\n\nIn their letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Senators also noted that the Secretary failed to respond to a previous Senate letter pushing back against Trump’s plans to privatize USPS services and any efforts to move USPS functions to the Department of Commerce.\n\nIn addition to Sens. Cantwell, Padilla, and Luján, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).\n\nIn the 2024 election, nearly 48 million people – almost a third of all voters – cast their ballots by mail. All states offer registered voters the opportunity to vote by mail in federal general elections and 12 states, including Washington – an early pioneer in expanding by-mail voting – conducted their 2024 elections entirely by mail. Washington state started vote-by-mail in 1983, adopted optional vote-by-mail in 2005, and enacted universal vote-by-mail in 2011.\n\nREAD MORE:\n\nThe Seattle Times: Trump’s attacks on mail-in voting may hurt his own supporters in WA\n\nThe Spokesman Review: SAVE America Act would require Washingtonians to mail photocopies of official IDs with ballot to vote\n\nSen. Cantwell has been a stalwart defender against overreach of the Trump administration into our elections:\n\nOn May 1, she joined 7 of her colleagues in demanding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) follow existing federal law rather than President Trump’s EO.\n\nOn April 23, she joined colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to block President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots and protect the right to vote by mail.\n\nOn April 22, she sent a letter to the United States Postal Service warning the agency against complying with the executive order, which would undermine mail-in voting.\n\nOn April 1, after the executive order on mail-in voting was announced, she issued a statement in opposition.\n\nOn March 18, she convened a group of current and former elected officials and representatives of nonpartisan voter advocacy groups for a virtual press conference on defending voter access. Video of that entire virtual press conference is HERE; video of Sen. Cantwell’s statement is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s statement is HERE.\n\nOn March 15, she issued a snapshot report showing that the SAVE America Act – a voter suppression bill – would cost Washington state taxpayers more than $35 million this year alone.\n\nOn Feb. 24, Sen. Cantwell invited Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs as her guest to President Trump’s State of the Union address to draw attention to the issue.\n\nOn Feb. 20, she convened local leaders in Seattle for a press conference urging Washingtonians to fight back against these proposed new burdens to voting.\n\nOn Feb. 19, she gathered in Vancouver with the Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and local chapter heads of the League of Women Voters and the NAACP for a press conference on how this bill would disenfranchise voters.\n\nAlso on Feb. 19, she released a snapshot report showing who in Washington would face undue hurdles to voting if the SAVE America Act were signed into law. The report shows that certain populations – including people who live in rural areas, women who changed their name after marriage, and people who recently moved – would face additional, cumbersome burdens to prove their citizenship.\n\nOn Feb. 5, she appeared on MSNOW’s Morning Joe to push back against the Trump administration’s heightened efforts to interfere in state-run elections and collect private data on American voters. Video of Sen. Cantwell’s appearance is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nOn Jan. 29, Sen. Cantwell joined Senate colleagues in a letter to then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop its unlawful pressure campaign to coerce dozens of states into providing the Trump Administration their voter rolls, which include voters’ personally identifiable information. DOJ has sued 24 states – including Washington state – and the District of Columbia demanding the personal information of their voters.\n\nOn Jan. 15, she joined Senate colleagues in a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner raising concerns with recent developments affecting postmark practices. Right before the holiday season, USPS changed its postmark practices, which could have significant impacts on voters nationwide and in Washington state – including rural voters, military and overseas voters, and many others who rely on rely on the mail to safely and securely cast their ballot.\n\nOn Jan. 9, she joined 13 Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief before the Supreme Court in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a significant case pending before the Court that affects voting by mail. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatens the election administration practices of states like Washington that permit the counting of mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted when they are received within a certain number of days after Election Day.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick:\n\nWe write to demand you follow the law and refrain from taking any action to coordinate or implement President Trump’s Executive Order 14399 (EO 14399) “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” issued on March 31, 2026. We also formally request that the Department of Commerce (Department) retain and preserve all records and documents related to EO 14399 and organize these materials in preparation for congressional oversight.\n\nOn April 21, 2025, 8 U.S. Senators contacted you with strong opposition to any action to bring the United States Postal Service (USPS) under the control of the Department and potentially privatize its services. Any attempt by the Department to seize control over USPS would be illegal, and there are many serious policy concerns as well. Political interference in USPS would harm Americans and businesses who rely on the USPS for services, including the tens of millions of citizens who vote by mail or absentee ballots in U.S. elections. To date, the Department has failed to respond to that letter.\n\nWe were greatly alarmed by your central role in EO 14399, as evidenced by your presence and remarks at the White House when President Trump signed EO 14399. Despite the Department having no authority over the USPS or role in administering federal elections, EO 14399 directs USPS and several federal agencies to “coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.” In addition, we are aware of nonpublic reports that you and your office had a key role in drafting and internally advancing this illegal and unconstitutional order. It is deeply disturbing for the Secretary of Commerce to attempt to illegally interfere with lawful mail ballots in states that do not cooperate with President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to “take over the voting.”\n\nPresident Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to “ban” mail voting, and he signed EO 14399 in pursuit of that goal, despite the fact that nearly 1 in 3 American voters—roughly 48 million citizens—voted by mail in the 2024 general election. Vote-by-mail is safe, secure, and convenient, and it has been used successfully across the political spectrum over many election cycles. It is particularly popular in Florida, where President Trump himself recently voted by mail in a March 24, 2026, special election, casting a mail ballot for at least the third time in recent years.\n\nFor tens of millions of other American voters, however, EO 14399 would severely restrict their use of absentee and mail-in voting. It attempts to require the USPS to refuse to deliver mail-in or absentee ballots unless the recipient is on a new federally approved list, a directive without any basis in law or the Constitution. The process by which USPS and federal agencies “shall coordinate” with the Secretary of Commerce “in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation” of this EO has not been publicly explained, but the implications are grave for the future of free and fair elections. Given your past statements regarding USPS, the text of the order, your role at the EO signing, and reports about your involvement in drafting the order, there is a clear danger that you will abuse your position to try to interfere with lawful mail ballots in upcoming federal elections.\n\nAs a result, we demand that the Department follow the law and cease any effort to “coordinate” or “implement” this EO. We also formally request that you and all Department employees involved in the drafting, legal analysis, or other preparation or consideration of EO 14399, or any other assertion of Department control over the USPS, take immediate steps to preserve and retain all Department records and documents related to those topics. In addition, we request that the Department begin organizing these materials to facilitate Congressional oversight into the extent of the Secretary’s and Department’s involvement in this attempt to interfere with mail and absentee ballots in the 2026 general election.\n\nTo better understand the extent of the Department’s involvement in this EO, we request an initial response to this letter no later than June 15, 2026. That response should confirm that the Department will adhere to the record preservation request and has begun to organize the relevant materials in anticipation of future requests. To better inform future requests, the initial response should include:\n\nA full explanation of the extent of the Secretary’s and the Department’s involvement in drafting and implementation of EO 14399;\n\nA full explanation of the Department of Commerce’s legal authority to “coordinate” USPS and federal agency implementation of EO 14399;\n\nA list of the Department of Commerce political appointees involved in the consideration, drafting, and implementation of the EO 14399;\n\nA list of all steps that the Department has taken to implement EO 14399 to date, including any meetings or communications between the Secretary or other Department political appointees with USPS or federal agencies regarding implementation of EO 14399.\n\nWe urge you to be mindful that no EO can grant the Secretary of Commerce any authority to “coordinate” the “implementation” of an illegal and unconstitutional attempt to interfere with lawfully cast ballots in federal elections. You and the Department are also bound by the Federal Records Act and other federal records laws, which require notification of violations and carry potential criminal penalties for violations involving the willful removal or destruction of documents. We look forward to your response no later than June 15, 2026.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-blasts-trumps-suspension-of-the-jones-act", "title": "Cantwell Blasts Trump’s Suspension of the Jones Act", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Blasts Trump’s Suspension of the Jones Act\n\nAmerican shipbuilding industry dealing with “a tremendous amount of uncertainty”; Trump admin issued a temporary waiver of the Jones Act under the guise of lowering gas prices; reporting shows the move has had very little impact on increasing gas prices\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the committee, emphasized the need for the United States to support American maritime workers and shipbuilders, especially as the Trump Administration’s waiver of the Jones Act threatens to further destabilize the industry.\n\nDuring a hearing Q&A with Clay Heil, vice president of government relations for Crowley Maritime Corporation, Sen. Cantwell asked about the impact of a potential extension of the waiver.\n\n“We have a temporary waiver on the Jones Act, which creates a little more uncertainty,” Sen. Cantwell said. “So I wanted to know specifically from you, Mr. Heil — if the waiver is extended again, what would that mean for investments in shipyards and workforce development? Does it create uncertainty? How should we communicate about this?”\n\nHeil responded: “The current waiver has created a tremendous amount of uncertainty— now 150 days — which is unprecedented. An unprecedented amount of time. To be extended again would be another signal to the investment community and to companies like ours and to mariners that the Jones Act is unstable, and investment will flee. Our U.S. mariners will wonder will they have jobs.\n\n“This budget request for FY27 includes a large investment in the Merchant Marine Academy, which is sorely needed,” Heil continued. “But without the Jones Act, we don't need a Merchant Marine Academy, frankly. It's hard to see why that investment would be moving forward. The Jones Act supports the jobs from the Merchant Marine Academy — those go into our commercial mariners, into the U.S. military. They're critical, and the Jones Act is the foundation for all of that. So when you talk about an extended waiver, it would be extremely damaging to every part of the U.S. maritime industry.”\n\nSen. Cantwell: “Well, we certainly don't want that. We certainly want a very strong Jones Act, and we certainly want a strong shipbuilding [industry].\n\nVideo of their exchange is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nOriginally established in 1920, the Jones Act requires that all shipping vessels delivering goods between U.S. ports be built, owned, flagged, and crewed by Americans. Earlier this year, the Trump administration issued a waiver on the Jones Act in a largely ineffective attempt to curb the oil prices that continue to rise as a result of his conflict in Iran. Sen. Cantwell pressed that building America's maritime industrial base requires long-term certainty for shipyards, vessel operators, and maritime workers. Sen. Cantwell warned that the Administration's unprecedented Jones Act waiver is creating market uncertainty at the very moment Congress and industry are working to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity.\n\nThe Jones Act supports approximately 650,000 American jobs and contributes more than $150 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The U.S. maritime industry includes nearly 40,000 vessels, 300+ shipyards, and tens of thousands of mariners. Witnesses testified that shipyards and vessel operators make investment decisions on 20- to 30-year timelines, requiring stable federal policy. America cannot rebuild its shipyards with one hand while weakening the laws that support American-built, American-crewed, and American-flagged vessels with the other.\n\nSen. Cantwell is a stalwart supporter of the Jones Act and of the American shipbuilding industry. Last year, she invited Tuuli Snow, of Ballard, WA-based shipbuilder Snow & Company, for a committee hearing focused on revitalization of our nation’s commercial shipbuilding industry. In 2023, Sen. Cantwell successfully negotiated a 50% increase in the Maritime Administration Small Shipyard Grant Program, which was passed in the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nIn Washington state, the maritime sector supports 174,000 jobs through maritime logistics, shipping, shipbuilding, seafood, maritime transportation, and associated trades. In total, the sector supports $45 billion of economic revenue.\n\nThe U.S. is significantly lagging in shipbuilding capacity. In 2022, China had 1,794 commercial ocean-going ships under construction, South Korea had 734, Japan had 587, Europe had 319, and the U.S. had only five. China, South Korea, and Japan construct more than 90 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage; the U.S. builds only about 0.2 percent.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/willapa-harbor-hospital-receives-1m-usda-grant-to-upgrade-imaging-equipment-at-rural-medical-clinic", "title": "Willapa Harbor Hospital Receives $1M USDA Grant To Upgrade Imaging Equipment at Rural Medical Clinic", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Willapa Harbor Hospital Receives $1M USDA Grant To Upgrade Imaging Equipment at Rural Medical Clinic\n\nSen. Cantwell & Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez secured federal funds for new state-of-the-art CT scanner, bone density testing, and x-ray facilities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $1,015,00 to Pacific County Public Hospital District 2 to help Willapa Harbor Hospital’s Willapa Medical Clinic replace its imaging technology with new state-of-the-art equipment.\n\n“This funding is a big win for Willapa Harbor, and for families across Southwest Washington. It will bring new advanced imaging technology to a high-need rural community, improving diagnostics and saving lives. This investment is especially critical in an area where more than a quarter of residents are over 65. We must continue to make sustained investments in rural health infrastructure so patients can access high-quality care, no matter where they live,” Sen. Cantwell said.\n\n“Rebuilding our national health starts with making family doctors more accessible, especially in rural communities,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “The facilities at Willapa Harbor Hospital were built more than 70 years ago and this investment in imaging technology offers lifesaving services to residents who shouldn't have to drive many hours for critical care.”\n\nThe funding was secured through a Congressionally Directed Spending request supported by both Sen. Cantwell and Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.\n\nWillapa Harbor Hospital is replacing its entire health care facility, including outpatient, inpatient, emergency care, and imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, and other diagnostic and treatment services. The grant announced today will help Willapa Medical Clinic, a designated rural health clinic, upgrade its critical diagnostic equipment. The upgrades will include:", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-warnock-announce-june-11-as-national-seersucker-day/", "title": "Cassidy, Warnock Announce June 11 as National Seersucker Day", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced a resolution designating Thursday, June 11th as National Seersucker Day.\n\n“Seersucker is a New Orleans invention, a Senate tradition, and brings a welcome moment of unity to Washington every year,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I look forward to seeing colleagues from both parties join in again this year.”\n\n“Seersucker is interwoven in the style and tradition of the South,” said Senator Warnock. “I’m proud to continue this storied bipartisan Senate tradition of Georgia cotton, Southern charm and fashion alongside Senator Cassidy.”\n\nSeersucker suits were popularized by New Orleans businessman Joseph Haspel in the early 1900s as an answer to the summer heat. Former U.S. Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) brought Seersucker Thursday to Congress in 1996. After the tradition went unobserved in 2012 and 2013, Cassidy revived it and has continued the tradition in the Senate.\n\nCassidy invites Americans across the country to wear seersucker in celebration of National Seersucker Day. All senators are invited for an official photograph at the Ohio Clock in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, June 11, at 12:30 p.m. ET.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-on-the-accelerated-delivery-of-bath-built-future-uss-patrick-gallagher", "title": "Senator Collins’ Statement on the Accelerated Delivery of Bath-Built Future USS Patrick Gallagher", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the U.S. Navy’s acceptance of the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127) from Bath Iron Works more than two months ahead of schedule following exceptional sea trials.\n\n“The accelerated delivery of the future USS Patrick Gallagher, made possible by its impressive performance during sea trials, is a testament to the extraordinary skill, dedication, and work ethic of the men and women at Bath Iron Works. This achievement will help get this new ship to our sailors sooner and strengthen our Navy at a critical time. Maine shipbuilders continue to prove that they are second to none because, as we know, ‘Bath built is best built.’”\n\n+++\n\nThe ship is the final Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and is named in honor of Marine Corps Corporal Patrick Gallagher, who received the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Vietnam War.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-reed-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-job-corps-us-shipbuilding-workforce-pipeline", "title": "Senators Collins, Reed Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Job Corps, U.S. Shipbuilding Workforce Pipeline", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the next decade, the maritime industrial base will need an estimated 100,000 skilled workers to build the high-tech ships and submarines our nation requires. To address this challenge and revitalize the nation’s defense and maritime industrial bases, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in introducing the Job Corps Shipbuilding-Defense Industrial Base Pipeline Act to expand workforce training opportunities for American workers. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02).\n\nThe Job Corps Shipbuilding-Defense Industrial Base Pipeline Act would harness the collaboration between the armed services, defense industrial base, and Job Corps and registered apprenticeship programs (RAP) to prepare young workers to contribute to our national defense. It would extend eligibility for the Navy Shipbuilding Workforce Development Special Incentive program to Job Corps and RAPs and would help fund training by making Job Corps centers eligible for grants from the Department of Defense and other sources.\n\n“The Job Corps program has a proven track record of helping young people gain the skills they need to succeed, including in critical trades that support Maine’s shipbuilding workforce at Bath Iron Works,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would strengthen partnerships between Job Corps and our defense sector, giving centers like the Penobscot and Loring Job Corps Centers greater flexibility to align training with workforce needs and prepare students for good-paying careers that are vital to our national security.”\n\n“The Job Corps Shipbuilding-Defense Industrial Base Pipeline Act is a smart investment in our workforce, our communities, our national defense, and our future prosperity,” said Senator Reed. “Our national security will be strengthened by providing more skilled workers to address critical defense sector needs; young people will get life-changing career opportunities that will put them on a path to economic security and personal success; and the taxpayer will benefit from greater government efficiency in leveraging existing programs to address pressing national priorities. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this important legislation.”\n\nJob Corps and RAPs have a proven track record of preparing young Americans for good-paying careers and offering Americans in their late teens and early twenties job-training, housing, health care, and a path to independence. In order to help these programs more effectively expand their services, this bill would provide Job Corps centers with the flexibility to make staffing and professional development decisions, enter into agreements with local partners, and engage stakeholders, while acting within existing budgets.\n\nAdditionally, the Job Corps Shipbuilding-Defense Industrial Base Pipeline Act would provide new avenues for participation in Job Corps and RAPs. The bill would require the Secretary of Defense to ensure military recruits who are ineligible for enlistment be made aware of opportunities to enroll in the Job Corps and registered apprenticeship programs to prepare them for enlistment or to learn skills that are in high demand in the defense industrial base. It would also streamline Job Corps’ enrollment for interested servicemembers in pre-separation counseling.\n\nSince 1964, the federal Job Corps program has provided free vocational and career-training for underserved youth to help produce skilled workers for the nation’s economy. Job Corps has served more than three million low-income youth and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who face barriers to education and employment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-kaine-introduce-bill-to-reduce-regulatory-burdens-on-american-farms/", "title": "Cornyn, Kaine Introduce Bill to Reduce Regulatory Burdens on American Farms", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) today introduced the Farm Credit Adjustment Act, which would extend the Farm Credit Administration’s (FCA) audit schedule for low-risk institutions from every 18 months to every 24 months. This extension would reduce regulatory burdens and costs for farm credit institutions and ensure they have the bandwidth to deliver for the hundreds of thousands of farmers, agribusinesses, and rural operations they serve.\n\n“Farmers are the backbone of our country, and it’s imperative that their operations are not held up by burdensome or arbitrary federal regulations,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce the Farm Credit Adjustment Act, which would extend the Farm Credit Administration’s schedule for auditing low-risk institutions and ensure the agriculture community can continue producing the food, fuel, and fiber that Americans rely on.”\n\n“Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry—making farms and our farmers an indispensable pillar of our economy,” said Sen. Kaine. “I’m glad to be introducing this bipartisan legislation to cut red tape that can hold farm credit institutions back from providing the support farms across the country need to thrive. I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Farm Credit Act of 1971 currently requires the FCA to examine all Farm Credit System institutions on a mandatory 18–month cycle. The regulatory burdens and costs associated with these audits negatively impact the ability of low-risk farm credit institutions to provide timely service. These audits often fall at the end of the calendar year when producers rely on their local farm credit institutions to help support their spring planting operations.\n\nThis bill would amend that requirement by giving the FCA the discretionary authority to extend the examination cycle to up to 24 months for institutions it deems low risk. Rather than mandating this extended timeline, the change is entirely at the FCA’s discretion, meaning the agency retains full flexibility to examine any institution more frequently if circumstances warrant.\n\nRep. Vindman (VA-07) and Rep. Fallon (TX-04) are leading the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/breaking-cortez-masto-bills-to-promote-geothermal-energy-pass-house-of-representatives/", "title": "BREAKING: Cortez Masto Bills to Promote Geothermal Energy Pass House of Representatives", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, two bills led by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) to promote geothermal energy passed the House of Representatives. The Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms (STEAM) Act and the Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act were among various geothermal bills included in H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act.\n\n“To meet the energy demands of the future, our country needs to seriously invest in an all-of-the-above approach to energy generation that includes geothermal,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Geothermal energy will help lower energy costs and power our future. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure these bills pass on the Floor of the Senate and make it to the President’s desk.”\n\nThe STEAM Act is led by Cortez Masto and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in the Senate and by Representatives Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03) and Celeste Maloy (R-Utah-02) in the House. This bill would expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas, as is the case for oil and gas development projects, allowing certain projects to bypass cumbersome, repetitive environmental impact studies.\n\nThe Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act, led by Cortez Masto and Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) in the Senate and Representatives Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.-03) and Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03) in the House, would streamline geothermal permitting on federal land by directing the Secretary of the Interior to appoint a geothermal ombudsman to lead a new Geothermal Permitting Task Force. The ombudsman would work with different Bureau of Land Management field offices and state offices to coordinate geothermal permitting and find solutions to geothermal permitting issues.\n\nRead the full geothermal bill package here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a champion of Nevada’s renewable energy industry, including geothermal. She recently introduced the bipartisan Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, a roadmap for America’s research, development, and demonstration of next-generation geothermal systems. The Senator has met with leaders at Ormat Technologies in Northern Nevada to discuss her work in the geothermal space. Last Congress, Cortez Masto supported the Manchin-Barrasso permitting reform package that would have accelerated geothermal projects across Nevada.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-statement-on-international-trade-commission-nominee/", "title": "Cortez Masto Statement on International Trade Commission Nominee", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s nomination of Bart Thanhauser to the International Trade Commission. Thanhauser served as a Brookings Legis Congressional Fellow from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in her office in 2025.\n\n“Bart is an experienced, thoughtful, and knowledgeable public servant. During his time in my office, he worked for the people of Nevada with admirable dedication and was a valuable advisor to me on trade issues ranging from critical minerals to agriculture,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “He is well-qualified to serve on the International Trade Commission, and I look forward to voting to confirm him.”\n\nThe United States International Trade Commission (ITC) is an independent, bipartisan entity that investigates issues relating to global trade and administers trade remedy laws. Six commissioners serve on the ITC, and no more than three of them may belong to a single political party. Senator Cortez Masto also supports President Trump’s other Democratic nominee to the ITC, Samuel Negatu.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-calls-for-countering-prc-influence-strengthening-support-for-taiwan", "title": "Curtis Calls for Countering PRC Influence, Strengthening Support for Taiwan", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The two discussed the State Department’s proposed $245 million Countering PRC Influence Fund and highlighted bipartisan legislation Curtis introduced with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to dedicate a portion of those resources specifically toward strengthening Taiwan’s position and countering Chinese influence in the region. Read more about the legislation here.\n\nThe Senator also underscored the importance of language proficiency among American diplomats, particularly regarding Uyghur language training. Referencing provisions from the Uyghur Policy Act, Curtis stressed that Foreign Service Officers serving in Asia and China should have the language skills necessary to communicate directly with affected populations and better understand ongoing human rights abuses against Uyghurs.\n\nSecretary Rubio reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to expanding language training capabilities and recruiting Foreign Service Officers with existing foreign language proficiency, noting the strategic importance of specialized languages such as Uyghur.\n\nThe full transcript of the exchange is below, and video can be found here.\n\nSenator Curtis: Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. I’m always truly impressed with your ability to navigate around the globe so articulately and explain the positions.\n\nLike you previously, I chair the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee. One of the focuses that I’ve had is on Taiwan and Taiwan’s relationship in the Western Hemisphere.\n\nWe actually had our first Subcommittee hearing on Taiwan’s allies in the Western Hemisphere. And as you well know, Honduras switched diplomatic recognition away from Taiwan in 2023, in exchange for a lot of promises from China. No surprise—those promises have not been fulfilled. Their current president, during his campaign, talked about returning to Taiwan and restoring that relationship with Taiwan.\n\nIn your budget, you have $245 million for the Countering PRC Influence Fund. And I’d like to note, Senator Van Hollen and I have a bill that would actually carve off a portion of that specifically for Taiwan and countering the PRC influence there. So, I guess my question is, what can the U.S. do with the Countering PRC Influence Fund for Taiwan, particularly as it relates to Honduras kickstarting that relationship, developing a joint set of economic priorities for Taiwan in the Western Hemisphere? Anything else we can use that fund for?\n\nThe Honorable Marco Rubio: Yeah, well, first of all, the reason why these countries would switch recognition, primarily, was because the Chinese would go in and they would say, “If you switch recognition, we are going to provide you this loan—and in some cases worse than loans, maybe there were even cases of bribery and things of this nature—but we’re going to provide you, you know, free this and free that. We’re going to build an auditorium for you. We’re going to build a bridge. We’re going to build a port.”\n\nAnd they haven’t kept many of those promises. So, I think the first thing is to just point to the fact that in many cases, these things are not provided.\n\nThe other angle is, if it’s loans, they create these debt traps, which is an argument we make all over the world, particularly in the Hemisphere.\n\nBut the broader goal of this fund is not just simply Taiwan-related, although that’s an action they took as a result of this leverage that was established on them.\n\nBut more broader, in many cases, these countries are trying to develop their telecommunication system. They’re trying to build roads, they’re trying to develop whatever it may be. And frankly, the only companies that show up are the Chinese companies, and they show up with lower cost, a financing mechanism, etc.\n\nNow, there’s a track record of not completing these projects. There’s a track record of flooding the country with Chinese workers that come and do the work. So, I think part of this fund is designed to create alternatives to that, to give these countries alternatives to the Chinese or other foreign malign influence that might be occurring in their country.\n\nPart of that is attracting U.S. commercial ventures to do it. But part of it is providing the resources so these countries can go out and do this without being subject to or vulnerable to this sort of leverage tactic that’s used against them.\n\nCurtis: Thank you. Let me switch to China for just a minute. Your budget notes the merging of the Foreign Service Institute, where a lot of the state language training takes place, with the Human Resource Bureau, and hoping that can improve the language capacity.\n\nBut here in the Senate, I’ve picked up the Uyghur Policy Act, which you led when you were here. Part of the bill that I’m especially supportive of is the provision that’s supporting the Uyghur language training for Foreign Service Officers is not only important but required, and that we have Foreign Service Officers in Asia and China that can speak that language.\n\nI think it’s absolutely vital that our diplomats be able to understand the people in their own language as to the abuses that are going on there. Given your previous experience on this bill and the Department’s focus on the CCP’s repression, do you still support this provision and can you just speak to how important this is?\n\nRubio: Yeah, well, I think—obviously—the Uyghur language is not a widespread language around the world, but it’s incredibly valuable in an important part of the world. So, I think we want to see a language proficiency that’s generally been a challenge writ large over a period of time. One of the goals of the consolidation is to be able to drive language school more effectively and more quickly to Foreign Service Officers before they’re deployed.\n\nObviously, proficiency in certain languages are very difficult. Some languages are harder to learn than others, especially if the base of the language is, you know, like just to give an example, it’s easy to learn Italian if you speak Spanish; it’s much harder to learn Mandarin or the Uyghur language for that matter. So, language is a priority for us. By the way, in our recruitment tools, is one of the things we also look for is whether potential candidates already bring an existing second or third language, which is a huge benefit.\n\nCurtis: Yes. Very quickly, you want to clarify, the President had a Tweet about speaking with Hezbollah yesterday. Do you want to clarify for people what happened?\n\nRubio: Well, we received communications via the Lebanese government and the speaker over there on behalf of Hezbollah as early as Sunday about that they would restrain from attacking Israeli territory if Israel did not take strikes, new strikes in Beirut. And so it came from Hezbollah, but through Lebanese authorities.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/06/02/daines-on-fox-business-the-iranian-regime-wont-win-a-stare-down-with-president-trump/", "title": "Daines on Fox Business: The Iranian Regime Won’t Win a Stare-Down With President Trump", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined Stuart Varney on Fox Business to discuss the latest on the Iran war.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE.\n\nDaines on President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s leadership:\n\nWell, first of all, one of the best decisions President Trump made was to appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. I think he’s one of the best secretaries we’ve had in our nation’s history. And Marco Rubio is not afraid to wade in to solve some of the toughest problems the world faces. And certainly, what’s happening right now in Iran is one of those. President Trump and Marco Rubio are working to end a 47-year war that Iran has waged against the United States and the Western world. Let’s not forget the primary destabilizing forces surrounding Israel and affecting the West are Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, all funded by this Iranian regime. Iran sends Hezbollah a billion dollars a year, Hamas, over $100 million a year. The Houthis, millions of dollars a year. And they are all proxies of this Iranian regime. Imagine a world, Stuart, we could wake up to where the regime has changed in Iran because the people of Iran rise up and change it. An Iran that seeks peace, that wants to sign the Abraham Accords… It would be an absolute game changer for the Middle East. And I’m proud of President Trump. I think it’s a lot of people who are working hard to solve perhaps one of the toughest problems we face on the planet.\n\nDaines on the Iranian regime:\n\nWell, the Iranians aren’t winning. We are winning at the moment. But I would agree with the General in that they want to buy time. There’s only one thing the Iranian regime respects, and that is strength. It is peace through strength. This is why you don’t want to stare down President Trump and America because you’re going to lose that stare down. And it’s because of the incredible operation we’ve already accomplished with our U.S. military that’s brought Iran to the negotiating table. But we need to finish the job. We need to get this done.\n\nDaines on the end of the war:\n\nIt would be opening the Strait of Hormuz and a complete surrender by this regime. That would finish the job…\n\n…That’s something President Trump and Secretary Rubio are working on hard. They both want to see this finished as quickly as possible. So do the American people. We want to see this job finished as quickly as possible. I know he’s working virtually 24-7 to solve perhaps one of the toughest problems on the planet.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/06/02/daines-to-rubio-in-senate-foreign-relations-hearing-end-outdated-jackson-vanik-restrictions-unlock-strategic-access-to-central-asia/", "title": "Daines to Rubio in Senate Foreign Relations Hearing: End Outdated Jackson-Vanik Restrictions, Unlock Strategic Access to Central Asia", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing where he discussed delivering economic prosperity through the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) framework agreement and removing the Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions.\n\nWatch the full exchange HERE.\n\nDaines on peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan:\n\nDaines: One of the underreported successes for your diplomacy in this administration is what’s happened to the peace agreement, a landmark agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I know, Mr. Secretary, you just were in the region most recently. A major step forward for a region long beset by conflict, nearly 40 years of a hot war. And through your leadership and President Trump’s leadership, you’ve brought true peace to an area of the world sandwiched in between Russia and Iran. It was creative thinking that led the establishment of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity as a solution to some of the stickier issues in that negotiation. The program promises to be a boon, not only for Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also many neighboring countries. As Brzezinski once said, “Talk on the Global Chessboard,” his book, that Central Asia is the wine bottle and Azerbaijan’s the cork. You uncork the wine bottle, suddenly you’ve got oil and gas and critical minerals flowing back towards the West instead of to Russia, to China, and to Iran. Mr. Secretary, can you tell us a little bit about how you plan to implement the TRIPP framework agreements and deliver major economic benefit to both the United States in a very historically troubled region?\n\nRubio: It really has the opportunity to revolutionize Armenia’s strategic location and become a central hub for trade in the region. It solves the issue of access that Azerbaijan cared about, and it was an irritant in their relationship. But it does much more than that. It has the ability to transform the Armenian economy in a very powerful way.\n\nDaines: It’s remarkable, and we were there together, in fact, last August at the White House when President Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Pashinyan in Armenia, came to sign that agreement with President Trump’s leadership. To think a Shiite Muslim country, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, came together to sign a peace agreement, was truly a breakthrough. And so it’s an underreported story, in my opinion, Mr. Secretary. I think we need to get the story out. This is a critical geopolitical problem that has been definitely remedied by the leadership of this.\n\nDaines on ending the outdated Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions:\n\nDaines: I’ve been spending a lot of time over the past few years working with our friends in Central Asia, across the Caspian there, with the five Central Asian countries. Things are progressing well, thanks to your engagement and encouragement and President Trump’s. And we’re seeing a lot of fruit from last year’s C5 plus one summit that was right here in Washington. That being said… there is still a major hurdle to strengthen our ties. One of the key irritants to our friends in Azerbaijan and in Central Asia is the infamous Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions. These are Soviet-era relic restrictions. In fact, Senator Murphy and I are the co-leads on the repeal. It’s long past due that we get this changed. Mr. Secretary, is removing these restrictions a priority for you and your department and removing them have a significant impact on our relations with Central Asia?\n\nRubio: Yeah, it’s a detriment. We’d like to see it removed.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-grills-secretary-rubio-on-state-department-cuts-that-undermine-diplomacy-and-make-americans-less-safe", "title": "Duckworth Grills Secretary Rubio on State Department Cuts That Undermine Diplomacy and Make Americans Less Safe", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) grilled U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Donald Trump’s Congressional budget request that once again proposes deep cuts to the State Department that would gut our diplomatic capacity and ultimately make Americans less safe. At today’s U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) hearing, Duckworth warned against wasting taxpayer dollars on a war of choice while further promoting the Trump Administration’s disturbing pattern of using military force as a first resort, which has endangered our servicemembers in the Middle East, tanked America’s economy and increased the risk that our adversaries will jump to use force first, too. Duckworth’s full exchange with Secretary Rubio can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.\n\n“Time and again, this Administration insists on using military force as a first resort instead of a last resort, no matter the deadly costs or self-defeating impacts,” said Duckworth. “And now, Secretary Rubio wants to make even more budget cuts to our State Department and further undermine our diplomatic apparatus—the tools and professionals that are critical for not only preventing crises before they begin, but those who will be responsible for negotiating our way out of Trump’s war of choice against Iran, and whatever nightmare he dreams up next.”\n\nSecretary Rubio’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Budget Request cuts the State Department by a whopping 33 percent after he previously tried to enact steep cuts and eliminations last year, many of which were already rebuked by Congress on a bipartisan basis. Duckworth noted that the Trump Administration has spent more on Trump’s illegal war against Iran than Secretary Rubio is requesting in his entire budget request. This week, the costs of President Trump’s illegal war of choice against Iran are likely to balloon past $35 billion dollars—by the rate from the Department of Defense’s (DoD) own May calculations—and surpass Secretary Rubio’s FY2027 budget request of $35.1 billion for the State Department and related programs.\n\nLast week, Duckworth underscored the importance of prioritizing diplomatic engagement—as well as crisis management that doesn’t solely rely on the military—on her official Congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Philippines and Singapore. In her conversations, Duckworth highlighted the need for her new bipartisan bills—the South China Sea Strategy Act and the Strategy for Crisis Management Act—that would help ensure the State Department prioritizes diplomatic engagement and improve the DoD’s management of tensions in the region before they grow into full-blown crises that would require military action.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-calling-for-the-interim-us-attorney-for-the-northern-district-of-illinois-andrew-boutros-to-resign", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin Statement Calling for the Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros to Resign", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros:\n\n“Andrew Boutros’s time as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois has been riddled with chaos, deep internal dysfunction, and alleged misconduct. He must resign, and there must be an open, transparent, and nonpartisan search to nominate the next U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-more-than-69-million-in-health-care-grants-for-illinois", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth Announce More Than $69 Million In Health Care Grants For Illinois", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $69,081,227 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to Illinois institutions. About $67.7 million of this funding was awarded through the Health Resources & Services Administration’s (HRSA) Health Center Program (H80), which offers federal funding for health centers that treat medically underserved communities. The other $1.4 million in grant funding will go toward supporting rural health care programs, addiction treatment, and community-based dental programs.\n\n“Illinoisans deserve to have quality, accessible health care. These grants are bringing much needed resources to the community health centers, counties, and non-profits that are providing their patients with the treatments and preventative care they need,” Durbin said.\n\n“Investing in our world-renowned medical institutions and research facilities is critical in helping ensure high quality health care for all Illinoisans,” Duckworth said. “I will keep working with Senator Durbin to make sure our health organizations have the federal support they need to continue key research while advancing medical treatments for patients and families across Illinois.”\n\nRecipients of H80 grants include:\n\nAsian Human Services Family Health Center: $1,715,447\n\nWhiteside County: $1,045,348\n\nInner City Muslim Action Network: $649,283\n\nHamdard Center for Health & Human Services: $905,932\n\nHeartland Community Health Clinic: $1,825,640\n\nUniversity of Illinois: $2,260,945\n\nFriend Family Health Center, Inc.: $2,828,061\n\nAlivio Medical Center, Inc.: $2,188,237\n\nHenderson County Rural Health Center, Inc.: $769,678\n\nCommunity Health Partnership of Illinois: $2,565,875\n\nHeartland International Health Centers: $2,530,815\n\nChristopher Greater Area Rural Health Planning Corporation: $2,030,016\n\nAccess Community Health Network: $7,773,727\n\nGreater Family Health: $3,304,816\n\nLake County: $2,487,003\n\nRural Health Inc.: $1,650,622\n\nSouthern Illinois Health Care Foundation, Inc.: $7,996,167\n\nErie Family Health Center, Inc.: $4,451,090\n\nNear North Health Service Corporation: $3,929,201\n\nCrusaders Central Clinic Association: $3,608,361\n\nChristian Community Health Center: $1,530,636\n\nWill County Community Health Center: $1,153,424\n\nVNA Health Care: $3,617,616\n\nPrimecare Community Health, Inc.: $1,988,966\n\nShawnee Health Service and Development Corporation: $2,877,184\n\nThe following Illinois health care centers also received HHS grants:\n\nSouthern Illinois University (Addiction Medicine Fellowship): $319,627\n\nWabash General Hospital District (Rural Health Development Program): $300,000\n\nUniversity of Illinois (Community Based Dental Partnership Program): $277,510\n\nHenderson County Rural Health Center, Inc. (Rural Health Network Development Planning Program): $100,000\n\nUniversity of Illinois (Primary Care Training and Enhancement Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary): $400,000\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-calling-for-the-interim-us-attorney-for-the-northern-district-of-illinois-andrew-boutros-to-resign", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth Statement Calling For The Interim U.S. Attorney For The Northern District Of Illinois Andrew Boutros To Resign", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement on Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros:\n\n“Andrew Boutros’s time as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois has been riddled with chaos, deep internal dysfunction, and alleged misconduct. He must resign, and there must be an open, transparent, and nonpartisan search to nominate the next U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-fairfield-dental-clinic", "title": "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Fairfield Dental Clinic", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Fairfield Dental Clinic of Jefferson County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.\n\n“For nearly 40 years, Fairfield Dental Clinic has represented the professionalism, community spirit, and dedication that keep Iowa’s small business community smiling,” said Chair Ernst. “Dr. Jones, Dr. Holt, and their team have built a trusted practice rooted in quality care, local engagement, and a strong commitment to serving families across Jefferson County.”\n\nCo-owned by Dr. Pat Jones and Dr. Matt Holt, Fairfield Dental Clinic serves the Fairfield community through a patient-centered approach focused on cosmetic and preventative dentistry and oral surgery. Dr. Jones joined the practice as co-owner in 2015, while Dr. Holt became co-owner in 2022 after previously serving patients in the community since 2013. Today, the clinic employs seven staff members while continuing to invest in renovations, updated technology, and improvements to better serve patients throughout southeast Iowa.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-introduces-legislation-to-crack-down-on-billionaire-tax-loophole/", "title": "Gallego Introduces Legislation to Crack Down on Billionaire Tax Loophole", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legislation would close the ‘borrow’ aspect of the ‘buy, borrow, die’ tax loophole used by the ultra-wealthy to avoid paying capital gains or income tax\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the Redistribution Of Billions by Instituting New High-income Obligations on Overlooked Debt (ROBINHOOD) Act to close the ‘borrow’ aspect of the ‘buy, borrow, die’ tax loophole that is used by the ultra-wealthy to finance extravagant spending without paying income or capital gains taxes.\n\n“Working and middle-class Americans are paying their fair share – they do it with every paycheck. But the billionaires in this country? They’re using legal loopholes and tricky accounting to finance private jets and yachts while most Americans struggle to afford healthcare and groceries,” said Senator Gallego. “My legislation closes a critical loophole and brings us closer to billionaires finally paying their fair share.”\n\nPunchbowl News: Gallego targets ‘buy, borrow, die’ tax maneuver\n\nThe ‘buy, borrow, die’ tax loophole has three stages:\n\nBuy: A wealthy individual buys, or is given as part of their compensation package, assets, such as stocks. This allows them to store and grow their wealth without paying taxes since the gains from these assets are considered unrealized.\n\nBorrow: The individual then borrows tax-free cash loans, often backed by those assets, to finance their extravagant lifestyles. All the while, their assets continue to gain value.\n\nDie: Finally, when they die, their assets are gifted to their heirs on a stepped-up basis, meaning their heirs can sell the assets without paying taxes on the capital gains accumulated during the individual’s life.\n\nThe ROBINHOOD Act closes this loophole by treating taking out a loan as a realization event, meaning the individual would have to pay taxes on capital gains equal to the loan amount. The provisions of the bill apply to taxpayers who have an income over $100 million and/or assets worth more than $1 billion.\n\nYou can find a one-page summary of the legislation HERE.\n\nYou can find a section-by-section explainer of the legislation HERE.\n\nYou can find the full text of the legislation HERE.\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10).", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-raise-concerns-about-food-safety-amid-trump-administration-restructure-of-inspection-agency/", "title": "Gillibrand, Colleagues Raise Concerns About Food Safety Amid Trump Administration Restructure Of Inspection Agency", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with 19 of her Senate colleagues, raised concerns about the Trump administration’s plan to reorganize the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\n\nThe administration is forcing 200 FSIS employees – two-thirds of its D.C.-area staff – to relocate to Iowa, Georgia, or Colorado within months, which could cause mass staff departures and disrupt FSIS’ ability to rapidly respond to foodborne illness outbreaks and other food safety concerns.\n\n“American families need to have full confidence in the safety of the food they eat,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Proper food inspection and safety is essential to keeping foodborne illnesses from spreading and harming consumers. The Trump administration’s reckless restructuring of the agency jeopardizes New Yorkers’ health and wellbeing, and I am demanding answers about how it plans to keep our food supply safe.”\n\nThe senators wrote to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, “This reorganization poses a risk to FSIS’s core mission of protecting public health and ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply.”\n\n“Losses in staff and institutional expertise as a result of this relocation could delay the identification and containment of outbreaks involving pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, allowing contaminated products to remain in commerce longer and increasing illnesses nationwide,” the senators continued. “Reduced coordination amongst FSIS and other food safety and public health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, and state partners could also slow traceback investigations and public communication during multistate outbreaks, when rapid response is critical to prevent additional illnesses. Instead of moving its employees across the country, FSIS should be focused on maintaining food safety. Overall, this reorganization threatens to undermine FSIS’s effectiveness and weakens an agency that American consumers rely on every day.”\n\nAlong with Klobuchar, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nSenator Gillibrand and her Senate colleagues continue to sound the alarm on the Trump administration’s reorganization of USDA. Earlier this month, they pushed back on a similar plan to restructure the Food and Nutrition Service, which could undermine food assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and the National School Lunch Program. They also raised concerns about the Trump administration’s restructure of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area, which could harm farmers by hampering USDA’s ability to produce timely and accurate data products.\n\nThe full FSIS letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Deputy Secretary Vaden:\n\nWe write with serious concern regarding the announced reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Rather than strengthening the agency’s effectiveness, this reorganization poses a risk to FSIS’s core mission of protecting public health and ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply.\n\nFSIS plays a key role in safeguarding American consumers. Not only does FSIS provide critical frontline inspection of meat, poultry, egg, and some fish products, but the agency also plays an important role in informing the public through outreach and education and coordinating with the many international, federal, state, and local agencies that play a part in food safety. When outbreaks inevitably happen, FSIS provides a rapid response to contain illness before it spreads widely.\n\nThe Deferred Resignation Program implemented last year has already resulted in a loss of more than 500 FSIS employees, straining a key agency that operates under significant pressure. Now the Administration is asking two-thirds of the FSIS staff in the Washington, D.C. area to relocate to Iowa, Georgia, or Colorado within months, which could weaken interagency coordination and rapid response efforts during foodborne illness outbreaks, creating a greater risk to consumers and our food supply. Since FSIS was not explicitly included in the July 2025 Secretarial Memorandum on USDA’s proposed reorganization, FSIS stakeholders, employees, consumer advocates, and industry partners have not been able to provide meaningful comments on changes that could have significant implications for the nation’s food safety system.\n\nLosses in staff and institutional expertise as a result of this relocation could delay the identification and containment of outbreaks involving pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, allowing contaminated products to remain in commerce longer and increasing illnesses nationwide. Reduced coordination amongst FSIS and other food safety and public health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, and state partners could also slow traceback investigations and public communication during multistate outbreaks, when rapid response is critical to prevent additional illnesses. Instead of moving its employees across the country, FSIS should be focused on maintaining food safety. Overall, this reorganization threatens to undermine FSIS’s effectiveness and weakens an agency that American consumers rely on every day.\n\nWe ask that you provide a detailed description of how you will ensure that FSIS will maintain full operational capacity during and after this transition. Specifically, we ask that you provide further details on what communication USDA has had with impacted FSIS employees, how the USDA will mitigate anticipated workforce losses, preserve critical expertise, and ensure that outbreak response, interagency coordination, and rulemaking activities are not compromised.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to receiving your response within 30 days.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-demands-action-to-combat-doctor-shortages-in-new-york/", "title": "Gillibrand Demands Action To Combat Doctor Shortages In New York", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump Administration Bottlenecks In J-1 Visa Processing Are Causing Physician Shortages Across New York\n\nInternational Medical Graduates Make Up Over One-Third Of New York’s Physician Workforce\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) demanded action to combat New York’s physician workforce shortage by addressing administrative backlogs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).\n\nCurrently, an administrative bottleneck within HHS’ Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is preventing hundreds of qualified, foreign-trained physicians from beginning their service around the United States, including at healthcare facilities in some of New York’s most rural and medically underserved areas.\n\n“International medical graduates are absolutely critical to New York’s physician workforce, especially in rural areas of our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York’s healthcare providers cannot afford to lose qualified doctors to administrative red tape. I’m urging HHS to immediately address these backlogs so that New Yorkers can get the high-quality care that they deserve.”\n\nInternational medical graduates make up over one-third of New York’s physician workforce, more than in nearly every other state. Persistent clinician shortages, which have been reported at medical centers across New York, have a devastating impact on patient care, increasing wait times, delaying patient care, and overburdening providers.\n\nPhysician shortages are particularly acute in New York’s rural and medically underserved areas. As Senator Gillibrand notes in her letter, “A 2025 report highlights that 16 of the state’s rural counties face alarming gaps in care, with several counties lacking even a single pediatrician or OB-GYN. On average, these counties have only four primary care physicians per 10,000 residents, which is less than half the statewide ratio.”\n\nTo improve care in these areas, New York hospitals rely on the J-1 visa waiver program, which allows international medical graduates to waive their two-year home residency requirement and stay in the United States if they commit to working in a Health Professional Shortage Area. However, monthslong delays processing J-1 waiver recommendations is exacerbating physician shortages, preventing hundreds of qualified physicians from beginning their service and creating challenges for New York hospitals creating staffing plans for the upcoming year. HHS has not provided a timeline for improvements of this process.\n\nThe text of the letter can be found here or below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy,\n\nI write to express my serious concern regarding significant processing delays at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for J-1 visa waiver recommendations under the HHS Exchange Visitor Program. The current administrative bottleneck within the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is preventing hundreds of qualified, foreign-trained physicians from beginning their service around the United States, including at healthcare facilities in some of New York’s most rural and medically underserved areas. Particularly as New York relies more heavily on international medical graduates than nearly every other state, this backlog disproportionately impacts the ability of my constituents to access necessary care in a timely manner. I urge you to address these delays and provide a clear path forward for these essential medical professionals to support our healthcare system.\n\nNew York faces a severe physician shortage that is particularly acute in its rural and medically underserved communities. A 2025 report highlights that 16 of the state’s rural counties face alarming gaps in care, with several counties lacking even a single pediatrician or OB-GYN. On average, these counties have only four primary care physicians per 10,000 residents, which is less than half the statewide ratio. To bridge this gap, New York hospitals rely on the J-1 visa waiver program, which allows international medical graduates to waive their two-year home residency requirement and stay in the United States if they commit to working in a Health Professional Shortage Area as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Over one third of New York’s physicians are international medical graduates, more than nearly every other state, making it an essential tool in addressing the state’s physician workforce crisis.\n\nThe impact of the current delay is substantial. My office has received multiple reports from New York hospitals and constituent physicians who have received employment offers from major hospital systems but have remained in administrative limbo for months without clear guidance from HHS. These administrative hurdles are not merely inconvenient; they threaten the stability of our healthcare system and the well-being of New Yorkers who face delays in treatment or an inability to access care altogether.\n\nThe timing of these delays is particularly perilous because many physicians currently finishing their residency programs face a July 30th deadline to avoid a mandated return to their home countries. If their waivers are not recommended by HHS in time for subsequent processing by the State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, these doctors may be forced to leave the country and New Yorkers will bear the consequences. These vacancies are historically difficult to fill, and under the impending deadline, it would be nearly impossible to recruit a candidate that does not require visa support or trigger significant financial consequences for these New York hospitals. Under the Presidential Proclamation of September 19, 2025, titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” if a physician’s status lapses, the employer must pay a new $100,000 fee to re-initiate the hiring process for each candidate seeking H-1B status. This is plainly infeasible for New York’s rural and safety-net hospitals, many of which already experience severe labor shortages.\n\nPrior correspondence from HHS to my office dated April 13, 2026, acknowledged OGA is processing a large volume of applications while implementing procedural improvements, but the agency has not given an estimated timeline for these improvements. In the immediate term, more must be done to address the timeliness of application processing. The lack of case-specific timelines presents significant difficulty for New York hospitals creating staffing plans for the upcoming year. Given that the OGA has historically reviewed these cases in a one-to-three-week timeframe, the current months-long delay is untenable.\n\nNew York’s healthcare providers cannot afford to lose qualified doctors to administrative red tape. I request answers to the following questions by June 15, 2026:\n\nHow many J-1 waiver applications are currently pending a recommendation from the HHS Exchange Visitor Program?\n\nOf the total pending applications, how many involve physicians committed to working at facilities located in New York State?\n\nWhat is the current average processing time for a J-1 waiver recommendation from HHS, and how does this compare to the average timeframe from previous fiscal years?\n\nWhat specific process improvements is the OGA currently implementing, and what is the estimated date by which these changes will result in a return to standard processing speeds?\n\nGiven the impending July 30 deadline, will HHS commit to implementing an expedited review or emergency batch processing for physicians with signed contracts in high-need areas?\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-introduces-groundbreaking-new-bill-to-regulate-the-pentagons-use-of-artificial-intelligence/", "title": "Gillibrand Introduces Groundbreaking New Bill To Regulate The Pentagon’s Use Of Artificial Intelligence", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Would Prohibit the Use of AI to Target or Launch Nuclear Weapons, Conduct Mass Domestic Surveillance, or Develop Offensive Fully Autonomous Weapons\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, introduced new legislation that would set strict boundaries for the military’s use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Secure and Accountable Military AI Act would establish a comprehensive framework to govern the deployment, security, and operational use of AI by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), ensuring that human commanders remain in control of life-and-death decisions and banning AI’s use entirely in certain critical contexts.\n\n“The most critical decisions affecting our national security and the lives of our service members must always be made by human beings, not unaccountable machines,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Right now, the Pentagon is moving toward deploying incredibly powerful AI technology without commonsense guardrails in place, which could have catastrophic consequences that make all of us less safe. We must act now – not to stifle technological progress, but to establish clear rules of the road that keep humans in charge and keep AI’s use in warfare smart and safe.”\n\nThe Secure and Accountable Military AI Act would:\n\nLimit AI Use For:\n\nNuclear Weapons: Establishes an absolute prohibition on using AI to select targets or execute the launch of nuclear weapons.\n\nDomestic Surveillance: Prohibits using AI for person-based analysis or tracking of U.S. persons in the United States, with narrow exceptions for cybersecurity and force protection.\n\nAutonomous Weapon Systems (AWS): Generally prohibits the development or employment of AWS, except for semi-autonomous systems, non-lethal systems, or operator-supervised systems used for “local defense” (e.g. intercepting incoming missiles).\n\nKeep Humans Accountable For Decision-Making: Codifies a policy that AI may support analysis but cannot substitute for accountable human judgment in decisions involving the use of force, detention, or high-consequence actions.\n\nMandate High-Consequence AI Oversight: Requires senior-level written approval (undersecretary or vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs) before the operational deployment of “high-consequence” AI, including systems for lethal targeting support, cyber operations, and nuclear command and control.\n\nRequire Security Incident Reporting: Mandates that frontier AI contractors report security incidents (theft of model weights) to the DoD within 72 hours of discovery and/or report material vulnerabilities in the model or concerning behavior within 7 days of discovering the issue is material.\n\nSenator Gillibrand has been an outspoken advocate for responsible AI use, both in military and non-military contexts. In March, Gillibrand pressed generative AI companies for answers regarding their engagements with DoD, the rules under which DoD can access and use their technology, and the internal controls that exist in the event their technology is misused by DoD. Additionally, Gillibrand has demanded a bipartisan investigation into the suspected U.S. strike on the Iranian girls’ school in February that killed more than 100 children, including whether AI played any role in selecting the target. Gillibrand is also leading the charge to roll back a Trump administration initiative that allows AI to deny seniors’ medical claims, and she cosponsors legislation to ban AI companion bots for children.\n\nA section-by-section summary of the Secure and Accountable Military AI Act is here.\n\nFull text of the Secure and Accountable Military AI Act is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-daines-urge-treasury-to-crack-down-on-tax-cheats-who-abuse-conservation-easement-deduction", "title": "Grassley, Daines Urge Treasury to Crack Down on Tax Cheats Who Abuse Conservation-Easement Deduction", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee members Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) are urging Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to faithfully enforce an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settlement that holds tax cheats accountable and preserves the integrity of the conservation-easement deduction.\n\n“The terms of the settlement offer properly balance holding participants in abusive tax shelters accountable with the need to resolve hundreds of cases in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Your dedication to preserving the integrity of the conservation-easement deduction is appreciated,” the senators wrote.\n\nAs then-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley released a bipartisan report exposing the abuse of syndicated conservation easements, detailing how some transactions can be “nothing more than retail tax shelters that let taxpayers buy tax deductions at the end of any given year.”\n\n“These transactions generally rely on inflated appraisals cooked up to turn a charitable deduction intended to promote conservation into a money-making enterprise that turns a profit at the expense of American taxpayers. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury are justified in their vigorous enforcement efforts to put an end to this abuse and discourage the development of similar schemes moving forward,” the senators continued.\n\nGrassley and Daines joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to introduce the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act in 2020 to stop the abuse of conservation easements, save taxpayers billions of dollars and promote conservation in the U.S. This bill was enacted as part of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.\n\n“By implementing and enforcing the announced settlement, the Department will ensure the conservation easement incentive is preserved for farmers, ranchers, and landowners acting in good faith while deterring bad actors who monetize the tax code at the expense of taxpayers. Additionally, it will provide clarity and predictability for enforcement, reporting, and compliant taxpayers,” the senators concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE and below.\n\nMay 28, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Scott Bessent\n\nSecretary of the Treasury\n\nUnited States Department of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nOn May 13, 2026, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a settlement offer for taxpayers involved in certain syndicated conservation easement cases. The terms of the settlement offer properly balance holding participants in abusive tax shelters accountable with the need to resolve hundreds of cases in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Your dedication to preserving the integrity of the conservation-easement deduction is appreciated.\n\nIn 2020, the Senate Finance Committee released a bipartisan report detailing its investigation of syndicated conservation easements. This report documents how many of these transactions are “nothing more than retail tax shelters that let taxpayers buy tax deductions at the end of any given year.” These transactions generally rely on inflated appraisals cooked up to turn a charitable deduction intended to promote conservation into a money-making enterprise that turns a profit at the expense of American taxpayers. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury are justified in their vigorous enforcement efforts to put an end to this abuse and discourage the development of similar schemes moving forward.\n\nAs strong supporters of the conservation easement deduction, we understand the importance of preventing its abuse. This is why we worked together to enact the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act which generally caps the deduction at 250 percent of the taxpayer’s basis in the property. This cap helps ensure conservation easement donations are made for charitable purposes and not to turn a profit. It sets an upper limit on the size of the deduction to prevent the most egregious abuses. However, a deduction generated by a syndicated conservation easement that is below this cap may still be illegitimate. The caps existence must not be allowed to be used by bad actors to justify a charitable deduction where none is warranted.\n\nBy implementing and enforcing the announced settlement, the Department will ensure the conservation easement incentive is preserved for farmers, ranchers, and landowners acting in good faith while deterring bad actors who monetize the tax code at the expense of taxpayers. Additionally, it will provide clarity and predictability for enforcement, reporting, and compliant taxpayers. For these reasons, we urge the Department to maintain the terms of the settlement and its enforcement posture against abusive syndicated conservation easement arrangements. This course protects taxpayers, supports bona fide conservation, and respects Congress’s legislative intent in passing the Integrity Act.\n\nThank you again for your steadfast commitment to preserving the integrity of the conservation-easement deduction.\n\nSincerely,\n\nCharles E. Grassley\n\nUnited States Senator\n\nSteve Daines\n\nUnited States Senator", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-warren-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-defense-contractor-transparency", "title": "Grassley, Warren Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Defense Contractor Transparency", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced a bill to improve transparency into foreign ownership of Department of Defense (DoD) contractors. The legislation would enhance commonsense safeguards to ensure foreign adversaries, illegitimate contractors and other bad actors cannot hide behind anonymous shell companies to bid for and win defense contracts.\n\nThe Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly warned about the fraud and national security risks opaque contractor ownership poses to the DoD. In one case, GAO found a contractor used a U.S. shell company to falsely claim U.S. ownership to receive government contracts, sent restricted military data to a foreign manufacturer and ultimately supplied the DoD with defective military parts, which grounded at least 47 fighter aircraft.\n\n“Transparency brings accountability, and that includes shining a light on foreign influence in Defense Department contracts. By closing loopholes and strengthening disclosure provisions, our bipartisan legislation delivers commonsense reforms to support our national security,” Grassley said.\n\n“For too long, bad actors have hidden behind anonymous shell companies, including in defense contracting. They use that secrecy to skirt sourcing rules that protect American workers and, in some cases, have gained access to sensitive defense supply chains. This is a commonsense, bipartisan reform to ensure that the Pentagon knows who it is doing business with,” Warren said.\n\nThe senators are pushing for the bill's inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Key provisions include:\n\nRequiring prospective DoD contractor or subcontractor companies to disclose basic beneficial ownership information as part of any bid or proposal, providing key information to the government before more serious vetting.\n\nClosing a gap in current law that allows contractors and subcontractors with under $5 million in contracts to escape ownership disclosure and foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) mitigation.\n\nStrengthening the definition of “beneficial owner” to align with a definition already present in Title 10 of the United States Code.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-leads-delegation-urging-approval-for-new-federal-relief-for-recent-missouri-tornadoes/", "title": "Hawley Leads Delegation Urging Approval for New Federal Relief for Recent Missouri Tornadoes", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo) led the Missouri congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major federal disaster declaration. This comes after the devastating tornadoes and storms that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026.\n\nSenator Hawley wrote, “We write to support Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s May 22 request for a major federal disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, following devastating tornadoes, straight-line winds, severe storms, large hail, and flooding that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026. If approved, this declaration would promptly authorize federal aid for affected residents and compensate local governments for their emergency response and recovery expenses in 12 counties throughout Missouri.”\n\n“These recent Missouri storms produced at least eight confirmed tornadoes and record-setting, nearly 5-inch hail. More than 140 households and significant public infrastructure have been affected across the dozen counties. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments by federal, state, and local officials have documented more than $36 million in eligible damages—triple Missouri’s threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance. The damage is well beyond the normal capacity of the affected communities to address without federal assistance,” he continued.\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, “We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of Governor Kehoe’s disaster declaration request so that Missouri families, local governments, and first responders can access the federal resources they urgently need.”\n\nJoining Senator Hawley in the letter to President Trump are Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo), Congressman Jason Smith (Mo-08), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (Mo-02), Congressman Sam Graves (Mo-06), Congressman Mark Alford (Mo-04), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (Mo-05), Congressman Eric Burlison (Mo-07), Congressman Bob Onder (Mo-03), and Congressman Wesley Bell (Mo-01).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\n\nPresident of the United States\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nWe write to support Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s May 22 request for a major federal disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, following devastating tornadoes, straight-line winds, severe storms, large hail, and flooding that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026. If approved, this declaration would promptly authorize federal aid for affected residents and compensate local governments for their emergency response and recovery expenses in 12 counties throughout Missouri.\n\nThese recent Missouri storms produced at least eight confirmed tornadoes and record-setting, nearly 5-inch hail. More than 140 households and significant public infrastructure have been affected across the dozen counties. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments by federal, state, and local officials have documented more than $36 million in eligible damages—triple Missouri’s threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance. The damage is well beyond the normal capacity of the affected communities to address without federal assistance.\n\nWe respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of Governor Kehoe’s disaster declaration request so that Missouri families, local governments, and first responders can access the federal resources they urgently need.\n\nSincerely,\n\nJosh Hawley\n\nUnited States Senator", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-opposing-bill-pulte-as-acting-director-of-national-intelligence", "title": "Heinrich Statement Opposing Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement opposing President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence:\n\n“Bill Pulte lacks the national security experience and judgment required to protect the American people from terrorism and foreign threats. Because instead of working to protect Americans, Bill Pulte has proven all too willing to exact retribution against any American that President Trump deems his personal enemy.\n\n“The Director of National Intelligence, Acting or otherwise, should be focused on providing independent, objective assessments of threats to our nation, not advancing the president’s political interests. Americans deserve a Director of National Intelligence who is nonpartisan, experienced, and committed solely to safeguarding our country. Anything less puts our security at risk.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-presses-rubio-on-administrations-refusal-to-provide-congress-with-legal-justification-for-iran-war", "title": "Video: Kaine Presses Rubio on Administration’s Refusal to Provide Congress with Legal Justification for Iran War", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FULL VIDEO OF THE EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE HERE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) hearing, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) pressed U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on the Administration’s failure to provide Congress with the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion justifying the Iran war.\n\n“We’re [over] 92 days into a war against Iran, and the Administration will not let Congress look at the OLC legal opinion justifying the war,” Kaine said. “Intel. Committee members, SFRC members, Armed Services Committee members, rank and file members—the Administration will not make it available to us.”\n\n“We’re the oversight committee,” Kaine continued. “You’re here asking for a budget. And in the Armed Services Committee, they’re asking for $1.5 trillion, an increase of 40 percent over last year’s budget.”\n\n“You’ve showed us the legal rationale for two wars, and you won’t show us the legal rationale for the third,” Kaine said. “Is there something in the rationale they don’t want us to see?”\n\n“By not sharing the legal opinion with the Article I oversight branch, you give us the opinion that there’s something in there you don’t want us to see,” Kaine said.\n\nDuring the SFRC hearing, Kaine also pressed Rubio regarding the targeting criteria of the boat strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, which do not require evidence that narcotics are present on a boat before it is struck.\n\nKaine has been outspoken against the Iran war. His War Powers Resolution to force an end to the war advanced the Senate in May. During his time in the Senate, Kaine has been a leading voice calling on Congress to reassert its role in decisions related to war and peace and raised concerns over Presidents’ use of military force without congressional authorization.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-ukraine-kelly-warns-of-growing-disinformation-threat-and-reaffirms-american-alliances-critical-to-national-security/", "title": "In Ukraine, Kelly Warns of Growing Disinformation Threat and Reaffirms American Alliances Critical to National Security", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Kelly observed a Ukrainian Navy demonstration of the V-BAT drone\n\nKelly also travelled to Moldova and met with Moldovan President Sandu and senior officials\n\nKelly met with the Marine Security Guard detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Chișinău\n\nOver the weekend, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly made his fourth trip to Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. While there, he participated in discussions and delivered remarks at the 2026 Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, warning that the nature of modern conflict has fundamentally shifted with disinformation posing a serious threat to democracies.\n\nKelly opened withhow Russia’s war in Ukrainehasglobal implications for the future of warfare: “The lessons emerging from Ukraine are larger than Ukraine itself. We need to recognize that periods of strategic transition reward those countries capable of adaptation. History punishes powerful countries that mistake temporary advantages for permanent ones or fail to adjust when the character of war evolves.”\n\nKellypointed out how the war in Ukraine has shown the world that technological adaptability and innovation is fundamental for success on the battlefield: “Earlier this year in Munich I met with frontline Ukrainian drone pilots, and their cycle of innovation is a matter of weeks. They tell the engineers what is happening and what they need. Changes are made. And they deploy them on the battlefield. The Russians were slow at the start, but now they are doing the same.\n\n“The countries that will shape the coming era will not just be the traditional “great powers,” those with the largest economies or most advanced weapons, but those able to align strategy, technology, industry, and purpose faster and more effectively than their competitors.”\n\nKelly also warnedthat disinformation isone of the leading threats facing democracies today: “Commercial technologies are being integrated into warfare at unprecedented speed […]The amount of misinformation that we deal with, especially in an election year, is significant and it’s growing. It’s not just from the Russians. The Chinese, the Iranians […] So that’s one of the biggest challenges, I think, that all democracies are now facing.”\n\nSen. Kelly delivers remarks at the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa.\n\nKellyclosedbystressingthat American alliancesremainthe country’s most critical national security asset: “We had friends that would come to our defense and those alliances, when it comes to our national security and the national security of our friends and neighbors, is so critical. It is by far the most critical thing. And when those alliances get weaker, we are all less safe.”\n\nWatch the full conversation here.\n\nWhile in Odesa, Kelly also observed a Ukrainian Navy demonstration of the V-BAT, a ship-launched drone developed by American defense tech company Shield AI, built specifically for surveillance missions in GPS-denied and communications-jammed environments, conditions that define the front lines of the war in Ukraine.\n\nSen. Kelly speaks with Ukrainian Navy officials about the V-BAT drone system.\n\nKelly discussed with Ukrainian Navy personnel how the V-BAT system is being used in their war with Russia and discussed potential areas for deeper U.S.-Ukraine collaboration on military technology.\n\nKelly also travelled to Moldova, where he had the chance to sit down with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatîi, and National Security and Defense Adviser Stanislav Secrieru to discuss Moldova’s path to joining the European Union and Moldova’s resilience in the face of Russian threats, addressing energy independence in the region.\n\nKelly reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to countering Russian influence in Europe.\n\nSen. Kelly sits down with Moldovan President Maia Sandu.\n\nSen. Kelly and Moldovan President Maia Sandu [top] and Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi [bottom].\n\nSen. Kelly and Marine Security Guard Detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Chișinău, Moldova.\n\nWhile in Moldova, Kelly met with the Marine Security Guard (MSG) detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Chișinău, taking a moment to thank the Marines protecting the embassy for their service.\n\nSen. Kelly and Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Chișinău, Moldova.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-we-cannot-give-ice-and-geo-group-a-blank-check-for-more-cruelty-and-chaos/", "title": "Senator Kim: We Cannot Give ICE and GEO Group a Blank Check for More Cruelty and Chaos", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Senate Republicans push legislation forward to give billions more to ICE and CBP, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) continues standing up for detainees and their families at Delaney Hall, and demanding accountability for ICE’s lawlessness.\n\n“If people are concerned about what’s happening at Delaney Hall, let us try to stop this legislation. Let us shine a light on this and be able to make sure the American people understand that what is happening in Delaney Hall is a direct result of the lawless actions that this Republican Congress has pushed forward through these reconciliation bills, by giving them a blank check, without any accountability,” said Senator Kim.\n\nWATCH & SHARE\n\n(On: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Substack, BlueSky, and Threads)\n\nWATCH – In Floor Remarks, Senator Kim emphasized immediate ways to hold ICE and Geo Group, the private company who runs Delaney Hall and profits off this misery, accountable by:\n\nSurge the medical support into Delaney Hall – “One doctor for 800 people is not enough.”\n\nGive people access to the courts – “When someone’s there at Delaney Hall, eight months, ten months, 12 months are beyond, with no sense when it’s going to end, that’s on us…The American people are paying for this. People deserve their day in court, and the American people deserve to not have their money wasted by a process that is so clearly broken.”\n\nImmediate investigations into conditions inside Delaney Hall – “The nearly billion dollars going to GEO Group for Delaney Hall, that’s your taxpayer dollars. You should know where it’s going and how they’re spending it.”\n\nSenator Kim added: “How we move forward is a choice. A choice between a status quo of corporate profit and cruel policies or moving forward to enforce our laws with humanity.”\n\nIn his remarks, Senator also called out GEO Group, one of the largest private prison corporations in America, for profiting off of the misery of those detained and fueling the Trump administration’s corrupt and broken immigration system.\n\nLast week, Senator Kim led members of the New Jersey Democratic Congressional delegation in sending a letter to Secretary Mullin and Acting Attorney General (Acting AG) Todd Blanche outlining a series of demands for immediate action and accountability, and to end ICE brutality and inhumane detention at Delaney Hall in Newark.\n\nThe letter built on months of work by Senator Kim to close Delaney Hall and end inhumane detention across the country, including his oversight visits this past week and previous inspections and direct conversations with those detained. The Senator also filed a series of reforms to rein in the Trump administration’s lawless ICE, including specifically to end inhumane detention at Delaney Hall, and introduced a package of legislation to end warehouse detention nationwide and prevent taxpayer dollars from funding ICE’s lawlessness.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-colleagues-secure-probe-into-flawed-misleading-tax-filing-program", "title": "King, Colleagues Secure Probe into Flawed, Misleading Tax Filing Program", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — After urging the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to initiate a probe into the Free File program, a current partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and private tax preparation companies, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), secured confirmation from GAO Acting Managing Director David Pownerthat it will launch a new investigation into the problematic program. The probe comes amidst the Trump administration’s decision to end the Direct File program — an effort to offer free direct online tax filing assistance to taxpayers without private company involvement.\n\nGAO previously evaluated the Free File program and highlighted the need for the government to develop new ways for lower- and middle-income Americans to file their taxes for free in April 2022. In response, the Biden administration created the Direct File program, which allowed Americans, including taxpayers in Maine, to file their tax returns online, for free with no hidden or surprise fees, and directly with the IRS.\n\n“We have serious concerns that Free File cannot efficiently, effectively, and securely serve the taxpayers who are statutorily entitled to free tax filing services,” wrote the lawmakers to GAO on May 17th.\n\n“GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority. We anticipate that staff with the required skills will be available shortly to initiate an engagement,” responded GAO.\n\nThe new GAO investigation will help evaluate the program’s user experience, accessibility, accuracy, and costs, and address broader concerns surrounding Free File’s underperformance and the difficulties that low- and middle- income Americans encounter when trying to truly file their taxes for free.\n\nSenator King has consistently advocated for tax fairness. Earlier this year, he introduced the Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (Stop CHEATERS) Act which would restore and revitalize the IRS with additional funding for tax enforcement focused upon high-income tax evasion, technology operations support, systems modernization, and taxpayer services like free tax-payer assistance. In December last year, Senator King urged the Trump Administration to help Americans get more responsive service and expedited refunds by restoring staff and resources at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), the independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps taxpayers resolve issues within the IRS.\n\nThe full text of the Senators’ May 17th letter to GAO can be found here.\n\nGAO’s response can be found here and below.\n\n+++\n\nThe Honorable Ron Wyden\n\nRanking Member\n\nCommittee on Finance\n\nUnited States Senate\n\nThe Honorable Angus S. King, Jr.\n\nUnited States Senate\n\nThe Honorable Elizabeth Warren\n\nUnited States Senate\n\nThank you for your letter requesting that the Government Accountability Office update its April 2022 report, \"IRS Should Develop Additional Options for Taxpayers to File for Free.\"\n\nGAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority. We anticipate that staff with the required skills will be available shortly to initiate an engagement. Your request has been assigned to Mr. Cardell D. Johnson, Managing Director, Strategic Issues. Mr. Johnson or a member of his team will contact the staff points of contact to discuss the request, your needs, and the engagement objectives, scope, and methodology in accordance with GAO’s protocols. As applicable, we will also be in contact with the cognizant Inspector General’s office to ensure that we are not duplicating efforts. If an issue arises during this coordination, we will consult with you regarding its resolution.\n\nSincerely yours,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-armstrong-applaud-nominations-of-us-attorneys-for-oklahoma/", "title": "Lankford, Armstrong Applaud Nominations of US Attorneys for Oklahoma", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) today applauded President Trump’s nominations of Christopher Nassar to serve as US Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma and Robert Troester to serve as US Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.\n\n“Bob Troester has led the Western District with distinction for years, and Chris Nassar has spent his career going after some the worst criminals in northern Oklahoma. Oklahomans deserve strong, experienced leadership in both districts, and these nominations deliver exactly that. We look forward to their swift confirmation in the Senate.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-presses-chief-of-the-forest-service-on-uranium-mining-in-carson-national-forest/", "title": "Luján Presses Chief of the Forest Service on Uranium Mining in Carson National Forest", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Full video of the exchange is available here.\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, questioned Tom Schultz, Chief of the Forest Service, regarding the proposal to conduct uranium mining within the Carson National Forest by the Canadian-based uranium company, Gamma Resources Ltd. During the exchange, Senator Luján pressed Chief Tom Schultz on Gamma Resources Ltd. and emphasized his commitment to protect communities in Northern New Mexico and the Chama Watershed from uranium mining and mineral development in the region.\n\nSenator Luján pressed Chief Tom Schultz on mining applications made by Gamma Resources, to which Chief Tom Schultz stated no application has been approved:\n\nSenator Luján: If what you can confirm, is there a mining company from Canada whose name is Gamma Resources, who has made applications and is going to start mining uranium in New Mexico in the second quarter of 2027? Have you approved such a thing?\n\nChief Schultz: No. We have not approved anything like that.\n\nSenator Luján: Sounds like to me like they’re lying then. If you’ve not approved it, I don’t know how a president of a Canadian company who has changed their name three times, that is in the financial hole, which is why they’re hiding their name, is telling shareholders, hey, give me some money because we’re going to go mine. And they haven’t even gotten approval yet.\n\nSenator Luján also expressed his commitment to protect communities in Northern New Mexico and the Chama Watershed:\n\nSenator Luján: Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to take this opportunity today to make it clear to everyone that’s listening, including everyone in this room, this mine is not welcome in New Mexico. This mine and company from Canada, who again has changed their name three times to hide their name and they’re in a financial hole, are coming in and making false statements. Where I come from, it’s called a lie. It’s either true or it’s not true.\n\nSenator Luján continued: And he’s trying to convince people to give him money so he could come to the United States and go mine uranium in a place where the United States should care. Not just because of this community, but the water that flows from this is going to have impacts with compacts with New Mexico and Texas and agreements between the United States and Mexico with water flow. That could all be jeopardized by what’s going on in this place.\n\nSenator Luján continued: So I just want to be abundantly clear after coming from a town hall that I had out in the community where they’ve been organizing, Democrats, Republicans, Libertarian, ranchers that are in this area, very conservative constituents of mine, they’re saying hell no, this is not going to happen.\n\nSenator Luján concluded: Something that my constituents that live in these communities was offended by is the way that this company characterized this, I don’t even know what to call it, bamboozle. They called it low hanging fruit for uranium mining. That’s what they think of these people and that’s what they think of this land.\n\nSenator Luján has been leading the fight to protect communities in Northern New Mexico and the Chama Watershed from uranium mining and mineral development in the region. Senator Luján plans to introduce legislation to withdraw the Chama watershed from all forms of mineral entry.\n\nIn May, Senator Luján convened local, state, and Tribal officials, community members, ranchers, farmers, acequia members and Land Grant Members to hear their concerns regarding the uranium drilling and mineral development proposal in the region. Senator Luján also toured the area that is being proposed for uranium drilling and mineral development in the region.\n\nIn April, Senator Luján led a letter to Carson National Forest Supervisor James Duran expressing strong opposition to a proposal to conduct uranium drilling within the Carson National Forest. Additionally, a large coalition of leaders, advocates, and lawmakers backed Senator Luján’s push to protect the Chama Watershed and surrounding communities in Northern New Mexico.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-aftermath-of-steward-health-bankruptcy-in-massachusetts-sen-markey-leads-colleagues-to-demand-labor-dept-retract-rule-allowing-private-equity-investments-in-401ks", "title": "Following Aftermath of Steward Health Bankruptcy in Massachusetts, Sen. Markey Leads Colleagues to Demand Labor Dept. Retract Rule Allowing Private Equity Investments in 401(k)s", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (June 2, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-08), wrote to Keith Sonderling, Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL), raising the alarm for a proposed rule that would expose Americans’ retirement savings to greater risk by opening the door to expanded private equity investments in 401(k)s and other retirement plans. This extractive private equity model has led to the collapse of Steward Health Care, hospital closures, mismanaged nursing homes, and rising costs for firefighters across the Commonwealth.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We are concerned that DOL is opening up Americans’ hard-earned retirement savings to risky private equity investment at a time when global private equity fundraising has been at its lowest level in a decade, shrinking by 11 percent in 2025 alone. Beyond the risks to individuals’ retirement savings, the proposed rule threatens broader aspects of life in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, Bay Staters are no stranger to the damaging effects of unfettered private equity firms on hospitals, health care systems, supplies chains for municipalities, housing, and other critical areas across the Commonwealth. The gutting and collapse of Steward Health Care, owned by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, is one of the most prominent examples of private equity mismanagement with a wide impact.”\n\nThe lawmakers concluded, “The DOL should not promulgate a rule under which workers may have their retirement savings used to underwrite a model of finance that actively exacerbates the affordability crisis in Massachusetts. Likewise, DOL should not allow workers to have their savings used to supercharge a model that makes their financial outlook more precarious. We urge you to withdraw this proposed rule to ensure that the hard-earned retirement savings of Americans are protected with the full weight of ERISA, as Congress intended.”\n\nIn October 2025, Senator Markey introduced the Stop Medical Profiteering and Theft (MPT) Act, legislation that would put regulatory guardrails in place to protect health systems from predatory leaseback deals with real estate investment trusts (REITs). Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy after being tied to unsustainable rents charged by a REIT, Medical Properties Trust. Many REIT leases include automatic, expensive rent increases that can lead to health systems diverting resources away from patient care to rent payments or, in some cases, bankruptcy.\n\nIn September 2024, Senator Markey released his report, “The Steward Health Care Report: How Corporate Greed Hurt Patients, Health Workers, and Communities,” which spotlighted patient and worker experiences, hospital quality data, and information on hospital closures in Massachusetts and around the country due to Steward’s mismanagement. That same month, Senator Markey fought to have the Senate vote to refer Steward Health CEO Ralph de la Torre for criminal contempt, which it did unanimously, for failing to respond to a subpoena issued by the Senate HELP Committee. In September 2025, Senator Markey wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi urging enforcement of the Senate’s criminal contempt referral of Dr. de la Torre.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-decries-security-concerns-conflicts-of-interest-with-trump-proposal-to-give-weapons-usable-plutonium-to-private-companies", "title": "Senator Markey Decries Security Concerns, Conflicts of Interest with Trump Proposal to Give Weapons-Usable Plutonium to Private Companies", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (June 2, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-Chair of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, today wrote to President Trump urging him to cancel the Department of Energy’s (DOE) plans to give 20 metric tons of weapons-usable plutonium—enough for approximately 2,000 nuclear bombs—to private industry for commercial energy use. If implemented, this would be the first time the U.S. government has made weapons-grade plutonium available to private companies. These plans go against long-standing bipartisan U.S. nuclear security policy, raise serious weapons proliferation concerns, make little economic sense, and raise conflict of interest issues. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright recently served on the Board of Directors of Oklo, one of the companies that may receive plutonium.\n\nIn the letter, Senator Markey wrote, “For five decades, the United States has avoided the commercial use of plutonium and opposed the spread of technology to separate (“reprocess”) plutonium from used reactor fuel. We did so to prevent nations with nuclear power plants (such as Iran) from being able to extract plutonium from that fuel, which they—or terrorists into whose hands it could fall—could use to make nuclear weapons.”\n\nSenator Markey continued, “I am concerned that your Administration is moving forward with plans to transfer plutonium to Oklo not because these proposals make sense for the United States, but because Oklo stands to benefit financially and Secretary Wright is acting in his former company’s interest. Secretary Wright’s close ties to the company present an appearance of impropriety.”\n\nIn the letter, Senator Markey requested answers by June 15, 2026, to questions that include:\n\nWhy should the U.S. government facilitate the transfer of plutonium to private industry and the development and export of proliferation prone reprocessing technologies?\n\nWhat safety and security measures are planned for the transport of weapons-grade plutonium to private actors?\n\nWhat role did Secretary Wright play in the selection of Oklo for the Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program?\n\nDoes Secretary Wright currently have a financial stake in Oklo, and does he stand to benefit in any way from Oklo’s role in this program?\n\nOn September 23, 2025, Senator Markey wrote to Trump raising concerns about Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s close relationship with Oklo Inc., a nuclear technology company that suggests a conflict of interest within the Administration that could compromise U.S. national security by providing weapons-usable plutonium to private industry. On September 10, 2025, Senator Markey and Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08) and Don Beyer (VA-08) wrote to President Trump expressing concern over DOE’s plan to transfer at least 20 metric tons of weapons-usable plutonium to private industry for commercial energy use.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-border-patrol-must-be-funded-to-stop-violent-illegals/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Border Patrol Must Be Funded to Stop Violent Illegals", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Washington Watch with Tony Perkins\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Tony Perkins on Washington Watchto discuss the Senate’s continued efforts to pass ICE and Border Patrol funding, the thousands of illegal immigrants still in the country, Trump’s border wall, and the STOP Act to protect minors from harmful transgender procedures.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn funding ICE and DHS:\n\n“Well, they don’t call us the most deliberate body in the world for nothing, and these lunches without any cameras on us- that’s when the real debates occur. And Tony, we are the party of law and order, and it’s time to fund ICE; it’s time to fund Border Patrol. Our friends across the aisle — not one of them are going to vote to fund police; they are the ‘defund the police’ party. So it is time for us to move on. We still got some crying and gnashing of teeth yet to do, but we’ll get there. It may be this week, it may be next week, but we’re going to get there.”\n\nOn illegal immigrants still in the country:\n\n“Yeah, it is, and I don’t have to remind you or your listeners that there are thousands, maybe tens of thousands of violent terrorists still out there in this country that need to be removed, not to mention the violent illegal aliens on top of that as well. So we need to fund ICE, and we need to fund Border Patrol. These folks, they pretty well have bottled up the border, but they’re also stopping all that fentanyl from crossing the border, as well, it’s not just the people. So yes, I think we can hear the siren that it’s time to get our job done. It’s time to stop arguing and get on with the job here and vote to fund ICE and border patrol.”\n\nOn the Trump border wall:\n\n“Yeah, it is amazing. And quietly — don’t tell anybody — but we’re building the Trump wall. I don’t know if it’s going to be taking one or two years yet to finish it, but we funded that as well. So we’re quietly making progress, so even if, heaven forbid, a Democrat president gets elected, at least we have a wall to start with as well. But it is amazing, people soon forget. But again, we’re the party of law and order, we’re the party of secure the border, the Democrats are the party of defund the police.”\n\nOn the STOP Act to protect minors from transgender procedures:\n\n“Yeah, well, Tony, first of all, thank you for standing beside us right now, and your listeners for standing beside us for such a time as this. We’ve been called to stand up and right the wrong here. When I was elected, I knew I would have to fight to protect the sanctity of life and to protect our Second Amendment, but I never dreamed that I would have to protect children — young adolescents in this case — from child abuse. And make no mistake about it, that’s what this is: this is child abuse. These children in no way are ready to make such a big, permanent, irreversible decision in their lifetime, and that’s why we introduced this bill to give them some type of civil recourse, so even 1, 2, 5 years after the procedure was done, they could go back and sue the doctor and the hospital where it was done as well. But this is child abuse. I think, you know, 100 years from now, when they’re writing the history of medicine, this will be the darkest chapter. They’re going to look at this and say, ‘What?! What was that barbaric generation doing then?’ Tony, these procedures are going to cause irreversible damage. I’ve taken care of women with mastectomies, and one of the problems they get is lymphedema. So, the veins in their armpits swell up much like varicose veins, and chronic pain from it. The bottom surgeries, I can’t imagine. It would be PG-13 for me to describe what problems that’s going to cause, but these are irreversible. These people are going to end up with infertility, if nothing else. It is absolutely child abuse, and we’re here to stand up and say ‘No more. This is not right. These kids are not ready to make that type of lifelong decision.’\n\n“Yeah, you’re spot on, Tony. We have won a couple of cases now, and that’ll become, you know, the precedent, for lack of a better term, and it will lead to more and more and bigger lawsuits. And I think the pain and suffering on this part of this is going to be tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions of dollars. And these people have, you know, reasonable complaints — no one told them they were going to have chronic pain, that they’re going to have chronic swelling in their armpits, just the scar tissue itself causing pain. No one told them that they were going to have infertility along with this. And Tony, I want to stop and just say that you and I care about these people as individuals. We care about their hearts, we care about their souls, and we want to help them. There’s something else going on; I guarantee it. I took care of probably thousands of young, adolescent girls going through different crises, one or another, and I’m just telling you, it’s a very stressful time. They’re doing it alone, and we’re here to help them.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-launches-america-250-resource-page-for-kansans/", "title": "Senator Marshall Launches America 250 Resource Page for Kansans", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today announced the launch of a new America 250 resource page on his official Senate website, giving Kansans a one-stop guide to the historic events and patriotic celebrations planned in Washington, D.C., as the United States marks 250 years of independence.\n\n“America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I want every Kansan to be able to experience it,” said Senator Marshall. “Whether you’re planning a family trip to the National Mall on July 4th or just want to take in a Smithsonian exhibit, this page is your guide to making the most of this incredible milestone in our nation’s history.”\n\nThe page, www.marshall.senate.gov/services/america-250/, covers major celebrations including the Salute to America fireworks over the National Mall on July 4th, the Great American State Fair running June 25 through July 11, and the National Gallery Block Party on June 6-7. It also highlights Smithsonian exhibitions open now, Library of Congress programming, and historic site events at locations like Mount Vernon and the National Archives, which will feature George Washington’s copy of the Constitution and William Stone’s 1823 Declaration of Independence.\n\nKansans planning a trip to the nation’s capital are encouraged to contact Senator Marshall’s office for assistance with Capitol tours, flag requests, and other constituent services at marshall.senate.gov.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-senate-colleagues-call-to-halt-implementation-of-trumps-illegal-executive-order-to-eliminate-vote-by-mail/", "title": "Merkley, Senate Colleagues Call to Halt Implementation of Trump’s Illegal Executive Order to Eliminate Vote-by-Mail", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Direct Commerce Secretary to Explain Department’s Involvement with USPS and Elections, and Preserve Documents for Congressional Oversight\n\nWashington, D.C. — Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley joined his Senate Democratic colleagues to demand U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick oppose the Department’s involvement in President Trump’s illegal executive order (EO) attacking vote-by-mail and interfering with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The Senators also demanded that the Commerce Department halt implementing the executive order and preserve and prepare all records and documents related to Commerce’s involvement in its drafting and implementation for congressional oversight purposes.\n\nThe Senators’ letter to Lutnick follows his prominent public appearance in the Oval Office where he briefed President Trump on the contents of the executive order prior to the President’s signing of the order, which requires states to submit voter data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), orders the USPS to refuse to deliver lawful ballots unless states comply, and threatens penalties for election officials and mail carriers. Despite the Department of Commerce lacking any authority over USPS or elections, Section 4 of the executive order states that DHS and USPS “shall coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.”\n\n“We were greatly alarmed by your central role in EO 14399, as evidenced by your presence and remarks at the White House when President Trump signed EO 14399,” wrote the Senators. “Despite the Department having no authority over the USPS or role in administering federal elections, EO 14399 directs USPS and several federal agencies to ‘coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.’ In addition, we are aware of nonpublic reports that you and your office had a key role in drafting and internally advancing this illegal and unconstitutional order. It is deeply disturbing for the Secretary of Commerce to attempt to illegally interfere with lawful mail ballots in states that do not cooperate with President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to ‘take over the voting.’”\n\nThe Senators also emphasized that tens of millions of Americans rely on USPS and vote-by-mail as a safe and trustworthy method to vote in federal and state elections. Nearly 1 in 3 American voters voted by mail in the 2024 general election cycle, and USPS securely delivered more than 99 million ballots to and from voters – including free mail delivery to rural and remote communities. The Senators flagged that Trump’s vote-by-mail executive order would severely restrict the use of absentee and mail-in voting among American voters, and any actions from the Department of Commerce to implement the executive order would be an unlawful attempt “to interfere with lawfully cast ballots in federal elections.” President Trump himself has voted by mail at least three times in recent elections, including in 2026.\n\n“We demand that the Department follow the law and cease any effort to ‘coordinate’ or ‘implement’ this EO,” the Senators continued. “We also formally request that you and all Department employees involved in the drafting, legal analysis, or other preparation or consideration of EO 14399, or any other assertion of Department control over the USPS, take immediate steps to preserve and retain all Department records and documents related to those topics. In addition, we request that the Department begin organizing these materials to facilitate Congressional oversight into the extent of the Secretary’s and Department’s involvement in this attempt to interfere with mail and absentee ballots in the 2026 general election.”\n\nIn their letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Senators also noted that the Secretary failed to respond to a previous Senate letter pushing back against Trump’s plans to privatize USPS services and any efforts to move USPS functions to the Department of Commerce.\n\nThe letter was led by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, along with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.).\n\nIn addition to Merkley, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).\n\nFull text of the letter is available by clicking here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick:\n\nWe write to demand you follow the law and refrain from taking any action to coordinate or implement President Trump’s Executive Order 14399 (EO 14399) “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” issued on March 31, 2026. We also formally request that the Department of Commerce (Department) retain and preserve all records and documents related to EO 14399 and organize these materials in preparation for congressional oversight.\n\nOn April 21, 2025, 8 U.S. Senators contacted you with strong opposition to any action to bring the United States Postal Service (USPS) under the control of the Department and potentially privatize its services. Any attempt by the Department to seize control over USPS would be illegal, and there are many serious policy concerns as well. Political interference in USPS would harm Americans and businesses who rely on the USPS for services, including the tens of millions of citizens who vote by mail or absentee ballots in U.S. elections. To date, the Department has failed to respond to that letter.\n\nWe were greatly alarmed by your central role in EO 14399, as evidenced by your presence and remarks at the White House when President Trump signed EO 14399. Despite the Department having no authority over the USPS or role in administering federal elections, EO 14399 directs USPS and several federal agencies to “coordinate with the Secretary of Commerce in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation of this order.” In addition, we are aware of nonpublic reports that you and your office had a key role in drafting and internally advancing this illegal and unconstitutional order. It is deeply disturbing for the Secretary of Commerce to attempt to illegally interfere with lawful mail ballots in states that do not cooperate with President Trump’s unconstitutional attempt to “take over the voting.”\n\nPresident Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to “ban” mail voting, and he signed EO 14399 in pursuit of that goal, despite the fact that nearly 1 in 3 American voters—roughly 48 million citizens—voted by mail in the 2024 general election. Vote-by-mail is safe, secure, and convenient, and it has been used successfully across the political spectrum over many election cycles. It is particularly popular in Florida, where President Trump himself recently voted by mail in a March 24, 2026, special election, casting a mail ballot for at least the third time in recent years.\n\nFor tens of millions of other American voters, however, EO 14399 would severely restrict their use of absentee and mail-in voting. It attempts to require the USPS to refuse to deliver mail-in or absentee ballots unless the recipient is on a new federally approved list, a directive without any basis in law or the Constitution. The process by which USPS and federal agencies “shall coordinate” with the Secretary of Commerce “in effectuating all relevant aspects of the implementation” of this EO has not been publicly explained, but the implications are grave for the future of free and fair elections. Given your past statements regarding USPS, the text of the order, your role at the EO signing, and reports about your involvement in drafting the order, there is a clear danger that you will abuse your position to try to interfere with lawful mail ballots in upcoming federal elections.\n\nAs a result, we demand that the Department follow the law and cease any effort to “coordinate” or “implement” this EO. We also formally request that you and all Department employees involved in the drafting, legal analysis, or other preparation or consideration of EO 14399, or any other assertion of Department control over the USPS, take immediate steps to preserve and retain all Department records and documents related to those topics. In addition, we request that the Department begin organizing these materials to facilitate Congressional oversight into the extent of the Secretary’s and Department’s involvement in this attempt to interfere with mail and absentee ballots in the 2026 general election.\n\nTo better understand the extent of the Department’s involvement in this EO, we request an initial response to this letter no later than June 15, 2026. That response should confirm that the Department will adhere to the record preservation request and has begun to organize the relevant materials in anticipation of future requests. To better inform future requests, the initial response should include:\n\nA full explanation of the extent of the Secretary’s and the Department’s involvement in drafting and implementation of EO 14399;\n\nA full explanation of the Department of Commerce’s legal authority to “coordinate” USPS and federal agency implementation of EO 14399;\n\nA list of the Department of Commerce political appointees involved in the consideration, drafting, and implementation of the EO 14399;\n\nA list of all steps that the Department has taken to implement EO 14399 to date, including any meetings or communications between the Secretary or other Department political appointees with USPS or federal agencies regarding implementation of EO 14399.\n\nWe urge you to be mindful that no EO can grant the Secretary of Commerce any authority to “coordinate” the “implementation” of an illegal and unconstitutional attempt to interfere with lawfully cast ballots in federal elections. You and the Department are also bound by the Federal Records Act and other federal records laws, which require notification of violations and carry potential criminal penalties for violations involving the willful removal or destruction of documents. We look forward to your response no later than June 15, 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/news-release-senators-moody-sullivan-lead-effort-to-uncover-shady-health-care-billing-practices-that-lead-to-high-levels-of-medical-debt/", "title": "NEWS RELEASE: Senators Moody, Sullivan Lead Effort to Uncover Shady Health Care Billing Practices That Lead to High Levels of Medical Debt", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to uncover improper health care billing practices that lead to high levels of medical debt. Instances of high medical debt continue to be a top concern for Americans, and there are reports that indicate hospital bills charged to uninsured patients that end up as medical debt are often well in excess of the actual cost of providing the service.\n\n“We are writing to request you investigate and provide recommendations to Congress for addressing inappropriate health care billing practices that lead to high levels of medical debt,” said the Senators. “Despite efforts by Congress and President Trump to insulate patients from ‘surprise’ medical bills in the No Surprises Act, after four years of runaway inflation and increasing health costs under the Biden administration, instances of high medical debt continue to be a top concern for our constituents.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nWhile most medical debt sent to collections is under $300, approximately 14 million Americans owe over $1,000. Three million have incurred medical debt that exceeds $10,000, representing almost 80 percent of the aggregate medical debt owed in the United States.\n\nHigh hospital bills have been a key factor for those suffering from high levels of medical debt. Almost 70 percent of Americans with medical debt under $1,000 reported having no hospital bills at all, but over 70 percent of those with debt over $1,000 reporting owing debt to hospitals, according to a 2022 survey.\n\nJust last month, an investigation found “facilities on average charge the uninsured almost five times what Medicare pays for the same procedure.”\n\nSenators Moody and Sullivan are directing HHS to investigate root causes of instances of inordinately high medical debt and provide recommendations to Congress.\n\nRead the letter here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=23214809-4E5D-492E-8E37-A159F77D7906", "title": "VIDEO: Sen. Moran Urges the Senate to Confirm Jeffrey Kuhlman as U.S. District Judge for Kansas", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the Senate floor yesterday in support of the nomination of Jeffrey Kuhlman, a Great Bend native, to serve as a United States District Judge for the District of Kansas. The Senate is scheduled to vote on Mr. Kuhlman’s confirmation later today.\n\n“Mr. Kuhlman has demonstrated a strong commitment to the rule of law, a deep respect for the Constitution and a clear dedication to serving the people of Kansas,” said Sen. Moran. “His experience both inside and outside the courtroom has prepared him well for the responsibilities of the federal bench, and I’m confident in his professional competence and judicial temperament.”\n\nIn February, Sen. Moran applauded the nomination of Mr. Kuhlman after meeting with him during the White House’s selection process. In April, he introduced Mr. Kuhlman during his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. In addition to Mr. Kuhlman, Judge Anthony Powell and Mr. Tony Mattivi have also been nominated to the federal bench for Kansas and await confirmation by the full Senate.\n\nClick HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks\n\nSen. Moran’s full remarks as delivered:\n\n“Madam President, thank you. The Senate will shortly consider – in fact, tomorrow we’ll vote on cloture and nomination, confirmation of the nomination of Jeffrey Kuhlman to be a Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. I rise this evening to urge my colleagues to support his confirmation.\n\n“During my time in the Senate, I’ve had the opportunity to vote on the confirmation of the three current Kansas District Court Judges. With each nominee, I weigh the candidate’s temperament, principles, experience and commitment to administer equal justice under the law.\n\n“In addition to the three current District Court Judges in Kansas, there are three additional vacancies in the District Courts of Kansas. Mr. Kuhlman is the first of the three Kansans the Senate will be considering to fill those vacancies.\n\n“I certainly had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Kuhlman. I encouraged the White House to make his nomination to be a judge, and I was impressed – I would not have done that but for my sincere and real impression of his expertise, his legal experience and his commitment to serving the people of Kansas.\n\n“I’ve always had a desire to see – growing up in a small town in rural Kansas – that there might be federal judges who could come from small towns, and I’ve always been looking for someone who practices law in a small town in our state, that has federal court experience.\n\n“Mr. Kuhlman is a native of western Kansas. He grew up in a town, in a county seat town called Ness City, not too far from my hometown and it has a population of just a little over 1,000 people. And maybe this doesn’t matter to everyone or to most people, but I want people who grew up in that manner to know that there’s a future, that there’s things that they can do, and that there’s not a handicap to be a small-town rural Kansas kid.\n\n“In helping select candidates for the White House, I had the goal of making certain that we select qualified candidates from across the state, but I also was always interested in, could there be a rural person?\n\n“Jeffrey earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Kansas State University before receiving his law degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.\n\n“After law school, Mr. Kuhlman returned to Kansas and was selected to serve a two-year clerkship for, what soon became Chief Judge, Judge Eric F. Melgren. In that role, he gained experience – he gained valuable and hands-on experience across all phases of federal litigation. Jeffrey then entered private practice as a litigation associate at a Wichita firm: Hinkle Law Firm.\n\n“Mr. Kuhlman now has been a partner at Watkins Calcara in Great Bend, where his practice focuses on civil litigation, including municipal law, constitutional matters, commercial disputes and personal injury cases.\n\n“Mr. Kuhlman and his wife, Lauren, who is originally from Albert – even a smaller town, they’re raising their five young children in Great Bend – another small town in Kansas.\n\n“Mr. Kuhlman has demonstrated strong commitment to the rule of law, a deep respect for the Constitution and a clear dedication to serving the people of Kansas.\n\n“His experience both inside and outside the courtroom has prepared him well for the responsibilities of the federal bench, and I’m confident in his professional competence and judicial temperament.\n\n“I’m pleased to support his nomination, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to confirm Mr. Jeffrey Kuhlman as a U.S. District Judge for Kansas. I believe he would meet all the qualifications and desires by members of the United States Senate. Madam President, I yield the floor.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-mullin-why-are-you-refusing-to-obey-court-orders", "title": "Murphy to Mullin: Why Are You Refusing to Obey Court Orders?", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Tuesday questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Murphy confronted Mullin on his agency’s repeated violations of the law, resulting in more than 10,000 court rulings against DHS, and pressed Mullin on whether he’d commit to obey and implement court orders.\n\nMurphy opened the hearing by pointing out Mullin’s failure to rein in the lawlessness at DHS: “At your confirmation hearing, you [promised] that you would get DHS out of the headlines. We took you at your word - but nothing has really gotten better…The reason why Democrats and Republicans were not able to find agreement on the underlying DHS appropriations bill is because never before in the history of our nation has a federal agency been run so far off the rails as the Department of Homeland Security. Every day this agency is breaking the law at scale and wasting billions of taxpayer dollars. DHS does not implement the law any longer. It makes up the law.”\n\nMurphy laid out the gross mismanagement of taxpayer dollars by DHS: “This agency is spending money like stone drunk sailors. Let's just take the massive detention centers that you are building. In Social Circle, Georgia, DHS allegedly paid almost $129 million for a property previously valued at $29 million. In Socorro, Texas, A property previously valued at $11 million was sold to DHS for around $123 million - a 1,000% markup. Somebody is getting rich, fabulously rich, off of those deals… When President Trump came into office, ICE's budget was $10 billion. Today, with the obscene cash infusion this Republican Congress has given your agency, ICE’s effective annual budget is now 11 times that - $115 billion - and with these real estate deals and these contractor deals, at times the agency seems to be lighting this money on fire.”\n\nMurphy highlighted how DHS has engaged in the type of pay-for-play corruption that has defined the Trump administration : “Geo Group was a small contractor in 2024, net income of about $31 million. But then Geo Group made enormous contributions to the president's political operations, and a revolving door started between Geo Group and DHS. Tom Homan worked for Geo Group, now works for DHS. David Venturella, Geo Group executive, is now poised to be the next head of ICE. And guess what happened in just a year, as its executives have gone to work for the agency, as the political contributions flow to the president, their revenue went from 31 million to…wait for it… $254 million. An 800% jump in just one year.”\n\nVowing not to support funding for an agency which systematically refuses to follow the law, Murphy outlined the reforms Democrats demand at DHS: “For Congress to approve of this budget, you must assure us that this Sherman's march of illegality ends. You must stop padding the pockets of immigration industry CEOs. You must rein in this out-of-control overspending. But, as I stated at the outset, the worry is the opposite is about to happen… Do not ask us to fund an agency that just makes up its own law.”\n\nIn a shocking admission, Secretary Mullin refused to commit to follow court orders that find ICE and CBP’s actions illegal:\n\nMurphy: I mean, I think it's an easy thing to say. Will you, or will you not implement court orders?\n\nMullin: If we didn't think that…if we didn't think courts were politicized, then I would probably be able to answer that. But we see courts over and over again that use their bench for their political opinion, not just the rule of law.\n\nAs Murphy implored his Senate colleagues to recognize the danger of an executive agency openly dismissing the authority of the courts, Secretary Mullin doubled down:\n\nMurphy: I think if you're a Republican or Democrat on this committee, you should be really, really freaked out.\n\nMullin: We should be really concerned about the rulings that come out of the courts, and how often they get overturned.\n\nMurphy: Our federal system falls apart if you’re telling me that you…\n\nMullin: They fall apart when you have a judge just make his political opinion from a bench. They're outside the law too. Not all judges are above the law, but sometimes they think they are…\n\nMurphy made the ultimate consequences of the Secretary’s argument clear: “I agree that there is politics involved in judicial decisions. I do not think that gives an excuse to either a Democratic or Republican administration to ignore those court orders. I think that's actually the end of our republic if the administration willfully ignores a court order because they disagree with it or its motivation. That’s the difference between you and I.”\n\nA transcript of Murphy’s opening remarks, initial exchange with Mullin, and closing exchange with Mullin is available below.\n\nMurphy’s Opening Remarks\n\nThank you, Chair Britt. Thank you, Secretary Mullin, for being here today.\n\nMr. Secretary, I think you were crazy to have taken on this job, but at your confirmation hearing, you did promise that you would get DHS out of the headlines. We took you at your word, but nothing has really gotten better.\n\nIn fact, you spent the first two months of your tenure threatening to suspend international arrivals in states represented by Democrats. Not only would that throw our entire air travel system into chaos, it's completely illegal, which underscores the main issue of this hearing.\n\nThe reason why Democrats and Republicans were not able to find agreement on the underlying DHS appropriations bill is because never before in the history of our nation has a federal agency been run so far off the rails as the Department of Homeland Security. Every day this agency is breaking the law at scale and wasting billions of taxpayer dollars. DHS does not implement the law any longer. It makes up the law.\n\nDon't take my word for it. 10,000 times in the short 18 months this administration has run DHS, judges have overturned this agency's immigration decisions. Essentially every case that gets before a judge gets overturned. The agency has locked up American citizens, it has killed peaceful protesters just for getting in the way, it has applied a completely made-up set of immigration laws and deported hundreds of thousands of immigrants who broke no laws, were playing by the rules with legitimate claims to stay in the United States. A federal judge recently cited DHS for violating 96 different court orders in one single state. Not that this agency violated the law 96 different times in that state. No, on 96 occasions, the DHS was caught violating the law, was ordered to obey the law, and 96 times ignored the judge in one state. That is stunning, and it should be unacceptable to anyone on this committee who claims to care about the rule of law.\n\nTo make matters worse, this agency is spending money like stone drunk sailors. Let's just take the massive detention centers that you are building in Social Circle, Georgia, DHS allegedly paid almost $129 million for a property previously valued at $29 million. In Socorro, Texas, a property previously valued at $11 million was sold to DHS for around $123 million - a 1,000% markup. Somebody is getting rich, fabulously rich, off of those deals. Or take the company Geo Group. Geo Group was a small contractor in 2024, net income of about $31 million. But then Geo Group made enormous contributions to the president's political operations, and a revolving door started between Geo Group and DHS. Tom Homan worked for Geo Group, now works for DHS. David Venturella, Geo Group executive, is now poised to be the next head of ICE. And guess what happened in just a year, as its executives have gone to work for the agency, as the political contributions flow to the president? Their revenue went from $31 million to, wait for it, $254 million. An 800% jump in just one year.\n\nWhen President Trump came into office, ICE's budget was $10 billion. Today, with the obscene cash infusion this Republican Congress has given your agency, ICE’s effective annual budget is now 11 times that - $115 billion - and with these real estate deals and these contractor deals, at times the agency seems to be lighting this money on fire.\n\nBut for this committee that should be unacceptable, because the money that is being wasted, it is earned by plumbers and security guards and teachers. They entrusted to us to spend it wisely. We swear an oath when we arrive here to assure that their money is not used to fund unconstitutional or illegal behavior every single day. This agency has violated the Constitution and the law. This cannot continue.\n\nFor Congress to approve of this budget, you must assure us that this Sherman's march of illegality ends. You must stop padding the pockets of immigration industry CEOs. You must rein in this out-of-control overspending.\n\nBut, as I stated at the outset, the worry is the opposite is about to happen. You are reportedly considering suspending international arrivals at airports in states represented by Democrats, you will say that is because you disagree with our state's immigration policies. And that is your right to disagree. But the law unquestionably does not give you the right to close international travel in states that don't have the same political leanings as your party.\n\nAnd so I will say the same thing that I said to your predecessor in this forum: I know that you do not like our nation's immigration law. You believe that it lets in too many people. You don't like states' immigration laws that treat immigrants fairly. But the law is the law. Your disagreement with it does not give you the permission to just make up a different law. If you want more authority, if your agency wants more authority, if you want stricter authority, come to Congress and ask for it. Do not ask us to fund an agency that just makes up its own law.\n\nMurphy’s Initial Exchange\n\nMurphy: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.\n\nThis is from a federal court decision regarding ICE's activities in Minnesota:\n\n“ICE is not a law unto itself. ICE has violated nearly 100 court orders. This list should give pause to anyone, no matter his or her political beliefs, who cares about the rule of law.\n\n“ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.”\n\nThat's not a Democratic-appointed judge, that is a Republican-appointed judge describing the scale of illegality. I understand your MO and others in the administration's MO is to attack us personally or to claim that we're ‘inciting violence’ when we point out the widespread illegality, but this is a Republican-appointed judge who is saying the exact same thing that I am saying.\n\nThis is a really important discussion for us to have, because this is, whether you want to believe it or not, at the root of our disagreement is that it is very hard for us to figure out how to fund an agency that is violating the law.\n\nAgain, that's not me saying it. That's a Republican-appointed federal judge. Now, this widespread violation of court orders admittedly largely happened before you got on the job, and as a senator, you always struck me as somebody who cared about the rule of law, and so maybe the easiest question is this:\n\nWhen DHS gets a court order telling them that something they are doing is either illegal and unconstitutional, prior to you taking office, the approach was to ignore that court order. That's what the judge is saying. 94 times you got a court order, you didn't implement it. Now that you are on the job, can you commit to us that if a court judges something ICE is doing, something DHS is doing as illegal - unconstitutional - tells you to stop that - you will comply with the court order?\n\nMullin: Ranking Member Murphy, I will tell you that we will never break the Constitution, and we're not going to break the law, but we're going to enforce our nation's laws, and we're going to enforce the laws that you guys passed and that we implement. We will never go outside that, and if we do, we'll hold each other accountable for that.\n\nMurphy: But that doesn't sound like the same thing as committing that you will obey a court order. Obviously, the entire structure of the federal government gives the power to the federal courts to divine whether you are obeying the law or not. I mean, I think it's an easy thing to say. Will you, or will you not implement court orders?\n\nMullin: If we didn't think that…if we didn't think courts were politicized, then I would probably be able to answer that. But we see courts over and over again that use their bench for their political opinion, not just the rule of law. And we can see that because we see how many times court orders…\n\nMurphy: You’ll pick and choose which court orders you obey based upon whether you believe that appointee to have a political agenda?\n\nMullin: No, no. Don’t put words in my mouth.\n\nMurphy: What are you saying then?\n\nMullin: What I'm saying is we'll enforce the law, and we're never going to break the Constitution.\n\nMurphy: You just said that you will not follow every court order, because you know -\n\nMullin: Chris, or Senator, don't they'll start putting words in my mouth. That's not what I said. I said I will never break the Constitution. We're going to enforce the law.\n\nMurphy: Will you implement court orders when they tell you to stop?\n\nMullin: You're making an assumption on court orders. I haven't -\n\nMurphy: Will you or will you not?\n\nMullin: I am going to enforce the law, and I'll never break the Constitution.\n\nMurphy: I think if you're a Republican or Democrat on this committee, you should be really, really freaked out.\n\nMullin: We should be really concerned about the rulings that come out of the courts, and how often they get overturned.\n\nMurphy: Our federal system falls apart if you’re telling me that you-\n\nMullin: They fall apart when you have a judge just makes his political opinion from a bench. They're outside the law too. Not all judges are above the law, but sometimes they think they are. That's why we see lower courts get overturned by higher courts constantly.\n\nMurphy’s Closing Exchange\n\nMurphy: Thank you, Madam Chair, I'd like to enter into the record a lawsuit that was filed today by the New Jersey Department of Health, in which they are asking for access to Delaney Hall, because they have, in fact, been denied access to the medical unit, the sleeping areas, and the bathing and toileting areas, so it doesn't actually appear that the lack of violations is due to a finding that the conditions are sufficient, but that actually they are being denied access.\n\nDoes that change your assessment of whether you've done enough due diligence here, and maybe, more importantly - and I said you may want to look into this - but can you commit to us to making sure the department has access to that?\n\nMullin: Well, we give them access to the things we are contracted with them, and required to do: which is the health, the food, the preparation, the facilities.They don't always have unfettered access to the detention center, and if it's within their contract, we'll help them, but there is a difference between federal facilities, because they're not able to get to all federal facilities, and federal, and federal privatized systems too, where they are required by law to have access. We'll always allow them to have access. But because they want to politicize it, and the governor wants to politicize it by saying that they weren't allowed access. It's not true, and I would suggest they spend more time in their own prisons.\n\nMurphy: Endless. Any time somebody disagrees with you, whether it's a member of this committee, whether it's a state public health agency, whether it's a federal court, they are politicizing the Department of–\n\nMullin: Sir, that's exactly what you're doing.\n\nMurphy: Homeland Security. I've just been sort of chilled by our interaction from earlier on this question, and I don't want to put words in your mouth, so I asked you whether you-\n\nMullin: Then don't put words.\n\nMurphy: I'm just gonna read back what you said. I said, ‘will you or will you not implement court orders,’ and your answer to me was, ‘if we didn't think the courts were politicized, then I'd be able to answer that, but we see the courts over and over again use their bench for political pain.’ I just asked–\n\nMullin: That's a true statement. Tell me I’m wrong on that one. Is that not right, or wrong?\n\nMurphy: I'm asking you, this is honestly–\n\nMullin: Because I remember when, I remember when–\n\nMurphy: We certainly, let me ask–\n\nMullin: I remember when we were putting the questions against President Biden, you were…\n\nMurphy: I have limited time. Can I ask the question? I'm asking you a legitimate question. There is no end to this. If Republican administrations don't implement court orders that they believe to be politicized, then Democratic administrations will not implement court orders that they believe to be politicized. That's–\n\nMullin: That’s exactly what the Biden or Biden administration–\n\nMurphy: But do you see that as a desirable result? Shouldn't both Republican and Democratic administrations implement court orders regardless of what they believe to be the political–\n\nMullin: Senator Murphy, what I would love to see is the courts actually do their job and not play politics, but you saw it, as you felt, during the Biden administration. And we definitely see it right now. If you want to start talking about court orders that was issued against the Biden administration versus Trump administration, we can start talking numbers, but we also see that the upper courts always overturn… or a lot of times overturned, these lower courts. So, you tell me if they're being politicized. We both.. well they are.\n\nMurphy: I agree that I have questions as to whether certain courts are making–\n\nMullin: And what I've made it very clear is that we're going to enforce the law and never break the Constitution.\n\nMurphy: I’m going to ask for additional time. I agree that there is politics involved in judicial decisions. I do not think that gives an excuse to either a Democratic or Republican administration to ignore those court orders. I think that's actually the end of our republic if the administration willfully ignores a court order because they disagree with it or its motivation. That’s the difference between you and I.\n\nMullin: No, that's not actually true, because there were several court orders that was put in against the Biden administration, specifically towards immigration and our border, and I didn't hear you one time speak out against the Biden administration for ignoring that.\n\nMurphy: Well, I mean, actually, actually, that's not true. I can really, I will say, I will say, I will send you endless statements from me about how I believe the Biden administration was going above and beyond the ability that the law allowed them on immigration policy.\n\nLet me ask you a final question: the nonprofit security grant program – really important program in Oklahoma and in Connecticut. Wish it wasn't necessary, I assume you wish it wasn't necessary, but it provides grants to churches and to synagogues and to Jewish community centers and to mosques to provide security. You've recommended a lower amount in this budget, and maybe most concerningly, we haven't gotten FY25 grants out the door. I know you believe this is an important program in Connecticut. It's vitally necessary. We don't get nearly as many needy applications filled. as we would like. Just a commitment to work with us to try to get that number as high as we can? If we can eventually get a budget done, and a commitment to try to get those ‘25 grants out the door as quickly as possible.\n\nMullin: We will work with that, with you on that. Absolutely.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-rubio-how-are-you-going-to-reopen-the-strait-bring-down-food-and-gas-prices-for-americans", "title": "Murphy to Rubio: How Are You Going to Reopen the Strait, Bring Down Food and Gas Prices for Americans?", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday questioned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. As families face a fourth month of rising prices for gas and basic goods due to the Iran war, Murphy demanded Rubio provide clarity on the Trump administration’s plan to open the Strait of Hormuz and restabilize the global economy. Murphy also pressed Rubio on whether the Trump administration was entertaining offering Iran sanctions relief in exchange for re-opening the Strait of Hormuz.\n\nWith Iran negotiations deadlocked, Murphy called out the Trump administration’s flailing, mixed messages and the president’s open disinterest in making a deal: “It has been indecipherable, the information coming from the administration, especially in the past several weeks, as we get signals that a deal is imminent. The president said yesterday he's bored by the negotiations. He doesn't care whether we get a deal… What is going to get the strait reopened? Because this is kind of the only question that matters for American consumers right now, and every day we get wildly different signals from the president as to whether he even is engaged in this question as to whether the strait is going to reopen.”\n\nMurphy slammed the Trump administration for escalating hostilities with Iran to an unprecedented level, pushing the US and world economy into crisis in the process: “Despite the differences that existed between Republicans and Democrats prior to this administration on how to approach Iran's nuclear program, the theory was basically the same, that we were going to impose significant harm on the Iranian economy in order to force them to the table to negotiate. What is happening now is fundamentally different. This war and the administration's decision to blockade, has now held the entire world economy and the US economy hostage…”\n\nMurphy secured a firm commitment from Rubio that Iran would not receive sanctions relief simply for re-opening the Strait of Hormuz:\n\nMurphy: So you will not give them sanctions relief just in exchange for reopening the strait?\n\nRubio: No - that's not been discussed, that's not been offered.\n\nA full transcript of Murphy and Rubio’s exchange is below.\n\nMurphy: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for being with us today. Despite the differences that existed between Republicans and Democrats prior to this administration on how to approach Iran's nuclear program, the theory was basically the same, that we were going to impose significant harm on the Iranian economy in order to force them to the table to negotiate.\n\nWhat is happening now is fundamentally different. This war and the administration's decision to blockade, has now held the entire world economy and the US economy hostage to the ability to negotiate an agreement with Iran. This is why the entire country is seized by the question of when there will be an agreement, because apparently until there is an agreement, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. There is a cost to the Iranian economy, but now there is a devastating cost to the US economy. It has been indecipherable, the information coming from the administration, especially in the past several weeks, as we get signals that a deal is imminent. The President said yesterday he's bored by the negotiations. He doesn't care whether we get a deal. I think it's really important for us to understand what your bottom lines are, what you're asking for in this negotiation, what commitments you need Iran to make in order for you to release the blockade, and we hope for them to release the blockade as well.\n\nSo give us a little insight into what your bottom lines are. What is going to get the strait reopened? Because this is kind of the only question that matters for American consumers right now, and every day we get wildly different signals from the president as to whether he even is engaged in this question as to whether the strait is going to reopen.\n\nRubio: Yeah, I think your question gets right to the heart of the matter. So, I think that's a good question. Let me first bifurcate some things. The only reason there's a blockade, the only reason why there's a US blockade, is because Iran has closed the strait, they're firing on commercial ships, and they've mined large segments of Hormuz, international waters, and so the blockade is only against Iranian ships, and it's very simple. The notion is, if no one's ships are going to get out, then Iran's ships aren't going to get out either. Is that we can't live in a world in which they get to close the straits and tell everybody, pay us a toll, or we'll blow you up, but their ships get to go out unfettered, so that's the reason why there's a blockade. There wouldn't have been a blockade if Iran had agreed to do what they said they would do when the ceasefire kicked in, which is they were going to open the straits.\n\nSo, let me just focus on the straits for a moment. Number one, what they're doing is unlawful and illegal. There isn't a country on earth, other than Iran, maybe Oman that flirted with it, who's in favor of what Iran is doing in the straits. The Chinese are against it, the Russians are against it, everyone is against it, the whole world is against it. So, condition number one is they have to reopen the straits, and reopening the straits means the following: ships can sail through international waters the way they can do through other choke points around the world without being fired upon, without paying a toll. That's condition number one.\n\nMurphy: But the strait is closed because of our decision to invade Iran. This is a consequence of our military action. So, I guess I'm not interested in litigating that question. We all know why the strait is closed, because you took military action against Iran, and we knew ahead of time that that would be their likely response. The question is, how are we going to get it reopened? Are you going to drive a bargain that is so tough and so hard that the strait remains closed? How are we going to get it open?\n\nRubio: The first thing, that is a predicate to anything else happening, the straits have to be reopened. The way to think about it is this: if Iran wants to be able to move its oil again, through the straits, they will have to reopen the strait. If they refuse to do so, then we have other options available to us, but we would prefer to negotiate the opening of this-\n\nMurphy: Tell us about the negotiations. What do you need from them in order to get the strait reopened? We need the strait reopened tomorrow.\n\nRubio: Well, what needs to happen is very simple. They need to announce that they will no longer fire on commercial ships that are going through or threaten to fire on ships, because in many cases ships just won't move, they won't go, not because they got fired on, but because of the risk of being fired upon, and so they have to announce very clearly the straits are now open. We're not charging a toll. We will help remove the mines that they put in there, and they will not fire on ships.\n\nMurphy: But the president says they also need to make commitments on their nuclear program. That's what I'm asking. What commitments do they need to make in order for the strait to be re-opened?\n\nRubio: The second thing they have to agree to as part of this, so in addition to the straits, that's the predicate that opens the door to phase two. Phase two is they have to commit to very specific negotiations on highly enriched, disposition of the highly enriched uranium that still is buried deep in a mountain somewhere. And they have to agree on negotiating severe and long term limitations, and/or cancelation of enrichment-\n\nMurphy: In the second phase of negotiations?\n\nRubio: Well, obviously these are highly technical matters, so I don't think you could work those out in five days, that would require a team of experts to meet over a 30, 60, 90 day period and work out the details. But they have to commit to their willingness to do that. For example, they have to commit to say we will dispose of the enriched uranium, and the question now is, what are the mechanisms by which we do so? That can be negotiated.\n\nMurphy: Final question, in order to get to that second phase, are you willing to release sanctions or release frozen money that the United States is withholding from Iran?\n\nRubio: No. Right now, everything that's been discussed with them is that any sanctions relief - now, remember, there's international sanctions, there's congressional sanctions, there's executive sanctions, some we can release and some we cannot - but any sanctions relief is condition-based, which means it has to be in return for the reason why those sanctions were put in place in the first place, which is their nuclear program. So, yeah, look, Iran is being sanctioned because they enrich uranium. Iran is being sanctioned because they've highly enriched uranium. Iran is being sanctioned because of their nuclear activities. If they agree to give up those things, there would be sanctions relief associated with their commitment and compliance with those agreements.\n\nMurphy: So you will not give them sanctions relief just in exchange for reopening the strait?", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-presses-mullin-on-urgent-need-for-ice-border-patrol-reforms-admins-claims-about-policy-changes/", "title": "Senator Murray Presses Mullin on Urgent Need for ICE, Border Patrol Reforms & Admin’s Claims About Policy Changes", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the conduct of ICE and Border Patrol, Republicans’ refusal to enact reforms into law, and the Trump administration’s claims about changes it has already made.\n\nIn opening comments, Senator Murray said:\n\n“Well welcome, Mr. Secretary. I think from where I sit, I think it is pretty fair to say that DHS under President Trump has been a debacle. From day one, we saw rampant abuse of power and corruption.\n\n“From awarding millions in no-compete contracts, to companies with direct family ties to DHS officials, to blatantly politicizing disaster relief and slow walking or outright blocking funding to blue states like mine, to making this country less prepared for disasters and leaving communities in the lurch. And then you have the absolutely shameful, unacceptable, un-American conduct we have seen from some of ICE and Border Patrol members.\n\n“After Republicans gave nearly $200 billion last summer in their Big Ugly Bill—with effectively no strings attached, President Trump and Stephen Miller built up a paramilitary force, and essentially promised it immunity, and set it loose on some of our American communities.\n\n“We all witnessed the consequences: a family heading home from a basketball game that was teargassed. A priest in Chicago shot in the head and body with pepper balls. An American citizen dragged out of the house in the freezing cold, in his underwear. Renee Good, Alex Pretti, others murdered in broad daylight. Those actions shock the conscience—and have shocked the world, which is horrified by what’s unfolded on American streets.\n\n“So, going back, as we negotiated the FY 26 DHS funding bill, I fought very hard alongside my Democratic colleagues to secure very basic reforms to make sure nothing like that happened again. Steps like, requiring body cameras—and ensuring that the footage is retained and available, restoring basic training and hiring standards, requiring warrants, ending racial profiling, banning enforcement actions in sensitive locations, like schools, hospitals, and houses of worship. Taking off the masks and requiring visible identification.\n\n“Those are very basic protocols the American people overwhelmingly support—and by the way, police departments follow every day. But unfortunately, after weeks of back and forth—and at times, good discussions and good progress—Republicans did ultimately walk away from the talks to enshrine those protections into law.\n\n“And they chose to instead circumvent Democrats through reconciliation and are now trying to fund ICE and Border Patrol for the remainder of Trump’s presidency—not just this year—without any oversight or accountability measures in place. This is exactly what led to the horrors that we did witness in Minneapolis and across the country.\n\n“And I want to be very clear, Secretary Mullin, I’m watching closely to see what steps you now take as the new DHS Secretary. And I have to say—I have yet to see you take back the reins from Stephen Miller.\n\n“Because even now—we are seeing some outrageous proposals. You plan to withdraw CBP officers from airports in cities that don’t roll over for Trump—that is insane—it is not only dangerous, it would also spell economic crisis for blue and red states.\n\n“Meanwhile, DHS is already on track to break last year’s record for people dying in custody. And last week, ICE agents tear gassed a United States Senator who was simply working to peacefully mediate between ICE and protestors after federal law enforcement, we know, shoved a different Senator to the ground last year. And you continue to deport upstanding community members instead of the worst of the worst.\n\n“Accountability is desperately needed—and I know we will all keep fighting for that.”\n\n[URGENT NEED FOR ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES]\n\nSenator Murray pressed Secretary Mullin on changes the administration claims it has made to immigration enforcement tactics in the course of negotiations that occurred earlier this year over common-sense reforms to the way ICE and Border Patrol have operated.\n\nMURRAY: So let me ask you, throughout our negotiations over the [FY]26 bill, the White House and Border Czar Tom Homan told us we didn’t need to put any reforms into law, because DHS was already making changes like ending the roving patrols, restoring stronger training standards, requiring body cameras to be worn by all agents and officers.\n\nAnd I know that at your confirmation hearing, you said you did not support the warrantless search and seizure policy the administration put in place and you reportedly were recently talking about legislation to require judicial warrants, restore training standards, and protect sensitive locations from raids.\n\nBut while you and Tom Homan say you’ve made some of those changes, the American people haven’t seen the proof of that.\n\nSo, I want to ask you today, what are your current training requirements for agents?\n\nMULLIN: Thank you for the question. I want to remind the Senator that I was part of negotiating those reforms and I think you’re aware of that, so I actually know what happened during those.\n\nMURRAY: I know you were not in the room, but I do know you were aware of them.\n\nMULLIN: No, I was very involved in it.\n\nMURRAY: But you were not in the room.\n\nMULLIN: No, I was very involved in it.\n\nMURRAY: I was in the room; you were not in the room. I know you were not in room.\n\nMULLIN: I was very involved in it because we were talking with the House and you know—\n\nMURRAY: It doesn’t matter; I asked you a question. What are the training requirements?\n\nMULLIN: Senator, you know that we agreed to all the stuff you said and the fact is you guys walked away because you had primary elections.\n\nMURRAY: No, Mr. Secretary, we walked away because you would not agree to put it in writing.\n\nMULLIN: We had agreed, we had asked for three and we had asked for nine and we agreed to nine. But you would never get to yes, so we walked away and did reconciliation because we were never going to get to yes between Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries and you know that to be a fact. And you can’t pull the wool over my eyes because I was part of negotiating.\n\nMURRAY: Mr. Secretary, you can give your side, I’m telling you I was in the room and we turned—I want to ask you what are your training requirement?\n\nMULLIN: It’s interesting I was involved in that too, if you want to start talking about training, we’re going to—July 1st—we’ll go back to the 71, 72 hours of training. The training policy is going to change a little bit because we’re going to be doing crowd control and fit today’s needs, but all training is willing to change back-and-forth. When you start talking about warrants, I was very clear in my confirmation that judicial warrants are used when we are entering a residence unless we’re in pursuit of a criminal or the criminal continues to evade by going from one place to the next to the next to the next and we’re trying to lock the person down, but I was very clear when we started discussing that. And on the sensitive locations, it has been asked multiple times, we’re not actively being at sensitive locations. We do sometimes have to pick up a felon that is around a sensitive location, but we are not actively patrolling those, and I think you know that to be true.\n\nMURRAY: Okay and can you give this committee in writing what your current training requirements are? You said as of July 1st—if you could give that to us so we can see what those are.\n\nMULLIN: Yes.\n\nMURRAY: How about the updated departmental protocols for agents engaging with protestors?\n\nMULLIN: I’m sorry?\n\nMURRAY: You have an updated Department protocol for agents who are engaging with protestors, can you describe that?\n\nSENATOR BRITT: And the time has expired, so if you could get to your answer quickly then I’d appreciate it.\n\nMURRAY: Well then let me just ask you then, if you could give the Committee in writing that answer, whether or not you have ended roving patrols, and whether or not every officer and agent in the field is now wearing a body camera, in writing so we can see what your protocols are.\n\nMULLIN: We don’t have the money for all the cameras, we had it in the funding bill but since you guys decided not to vote for it, we don’t have the money to put it on all of our officers. But if you remember during the funding bill, we had $20 million set up for it and its currently unfunded because Democrats are refusing to fund CBP. [NOTE: The enacted FY26 appropriations bill did include $20 million specifically set aside for body-worn cameras. See Sec. 109(a).]\n\nMURRAY: We had $20 million in it, and I will tell you this, that that was not enough but what I’d like to know is if you’d respond to that in writing what your current policies are so that we know that they are actual policies being implemented.\n\nMULLIN: We’ll respond to you in writing.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-working-across-the-aisle-to-strengthen-wildfire-response-in-georgia/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Working Across the Aisle to Strengthen Wildfire Response in Georgia", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working across the aisle to strengthen wildfire response in Georgia.\n\nSen. Ossoff is cosponsoring the bipartisan Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act to help ensure quick response times to wildfires in Georgia and across the Nation.\n\nThe bill, first introduced by Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), would establish a 30-minute national standard response time for wildfires on Federal land. This new standard aims to improve wildfire response time for Federal forest land across Georgia.\n\n“In recent years, the State of Georgia has seen unprecedented wildfire activity threatening lives and property,” Sen. Ossoff said. “This bipartisan bill will ensure that firefighters and first responders are able to quickly respond to these emergencies and keep our communities safe.”\n\nSen. Ossoff continues to work to protect Georgians from fires and support first responders.\n\nIn March, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to help the City of Valdosta purchase a fully equipped quick-response vehicle for the Valdosta Fire Department.\n\nAlso in March, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to help the City of Valdosta purchase a burn building with an attached 4-story training tower.\n\nIn 2024, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock delivered new Federal resources to strengthen local Fire Departments and upgrade public safety through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program.\n\nAlso in 2024, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which re-authorized key grant programs that provide Federal funding to Georgia’s fire departments.\n\nClick here to read the Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act of 2025.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-leads-colleagues-in-opposing-education-secretary-mcmahons-attacks-on-english-learners/", "title": "Padilla Leads Colleagues in Opposing Education Secretary McMahon’s Attacks on English Learners", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators on the dissolution of the Office of English Language Acquisition: “Dissolving specialized infrastructure does not eliminate the Department’s legal obligations to multilingual learners; it weakens the federal government’s capacity to fulfill them.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) led 19 of their Senate colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s attacks on English learners and the dissolution of the Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA). The Senators emphasized that OELA provides resources and guidance to help ensure English learners and immigrant students can achieve English proficiency for academic success.\n\nIn their letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, the Senators stressed that every child deserves access to a high-quality education and an opportunity to succeed, regardless of the language they speak at home, expressed outrage over the Administration’s continued efforts to undermine the rights of English learners, and argued the Department should be focused on expanding its expertise and support for English learners, not dismantling it.\n\n“We write to express our strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to undermine the rights of English learners, including through the formal dissolution of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) at the U.S. Department of Education (the Department),” wrote the Senators. “We are deeply concerned that these actions combined with significant workforce reductions implemented by the Department will impact the Department’s capacity to fulfill its statutory responsibilities under these laws and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which will have devastating and lasting consequences for the education of more than five million English learner students nationwide.”\n\nThe Senators also highlighted the history of OELA, which Congress initially established to ensure that English learners across the nation receive “coordinated federal leadership, oversight, and support.” They further expressed that distributing its functions across multiple offices creates significant risks of inefficiencies, gaps in oversight, and diminished technical assistance for students across the country.\n\n“Dissolving OELA also threatens the nation’s capacity to prepare and sustain the multilingual educator workforce required to serve English learners effectively,” continued the Senators. “State and educator preparation programs rely on OELA-administered grants, technical assistance, and policy guidance to strengthen bilingual teacher preparation pathways, support multilingual teacher candidates, and expand dual-language programs. At a time when school districts across the country face persistent shortages of multilingual educators, weakening federal infrastructure further destabilizes efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers equipped to support multilingual learners.”\n\nPadilla and his colleagues then reiterated their commitment to ensuring all students from diverse backgrounds have access to high-quality education and opportunities to succeed, regardless of the languages they speak at home. The Senators concluded their criticism of McMahon’s decision to dissolve OELA by asking a series of oversight questions regarding the agency’s obligations to English learners in accordance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Civil Rights Act.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Cortez Masto, and Schatz, the letter was signed by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nPadilla has been a leading advocate opposing the Administration’s continued assault on the Education Department. In December, Padilla, Cortez Masto, and Schatz led 21 Senators in a letter condemning the unlawful transfer of OELA from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor and demanded the Trump Administration restore longstanding guidance to support English Language Learners. Padilla also joined multiple letters slamming the Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education including condemning outsourcing core Department of Education functions to other agencies and firing half of the Department’s workforce. Padilla also led a letter to the Department to reverse its decision to end federal funding for Minority-Serving Institutions.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to undermine the rights of English learners, including through the formal dissolution of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) at the U.S. Department of Education (the Department). This dissolution follows the unprecedented use of Interagency Agreements (IAAs) to transfer significant programmatic responsibilities of the Secretary of Education under authorization and appropriations laws to the Department of Labor (DOL), including those under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). We are deeply concerned that these actions combined with significant workforce reductions implemented by the Department will impact the Department’s capacity to fulfill its statutory responsibilities under these laws and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which will have devastating and lasting consequences for the education of more than five million English learner students nationwide.\n\nToday, English learners make up one in ten elementary and secondary public school students – of which a majority are U.S. citizens. These students attend school in every state—in city, suburban, town, and rural classrooms alike. English learners, as with all public school students, have the legal and moral right to access a meaningful, rigorous, and high-quality education.\n\nSections 209 and 216 of the Department of Education Organization Act require the establishment of OELA, whose Director “shall report directly to the Secretary [of Education]” (20 U.S.C. 3420). OELA is charged not only with supporting implementation of Title III of the ESEA, but also with providing national leadership so that English learners and immigrant students attain English proficiency and academic success. OELA has historically served as the Department’s central hub of expertise on English learner education, housing career staff with deep knowledge of Title III implementation, language acquisition, and the unique needs of English learners.\n\nOn February 13, the Department notified Congress of its plan to dissolve OELA and reassign its functions. Without a dedicated office and specialized team to coordinate this work, the administration of programs risks becoming fragmented, inconsistent, and less responsive to the needs of states, school districts, and students. Distributing OELA’s functions across multiple offices and to another agency with limited experience with these statutory responsibilities creates a significant risk of funding disruptions, inefficiencies, gaps in oversight, and diminished quality of technical assistance.\n\nDissolving OELA also threatens the nation’s capacity to prepare and sustain the multilingual educator workforce required to serve English learners effectively. State and educator preparation programs rely on OELA-administered grants, technical assistance, and policy guidance to strengthen bilingual teacher preparation pathways, support multilingual teacher candidates, and expand dual-language programs. At a time when school districts across the country face persistent shortages of multilingual educators, weakening federal infrastructure further destabilizes efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers equipped to support multilingual learners.\n\nFederal law is not optional. School districts and states are obligated to serve English learners under Title III-A of ESEA, and to protect them from discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Department remains statutorily responsible for administering the programs that Congress has assigned to OELA through multiple authorization and appropriations laws, including (1) Title III, Part A, English Language Acquisition Program, (2) Native American and Alaska Native Children in Schools (NAM), (3) National Professional Development (NPD), and (4) the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA). States depend heavily on consistent, high-quality technical assistance from the OELA to implement and continuously improve their English learner programs, effectively use Title III funds, support educators, and meet federal requirements. Research consistently demonstrates that multilingual learners experience stronger academic outcomes, greater school connectedness, and increased access to opportunity when schools are adequately staffed with educators prepared to support language development and multilingual instruction.\n\nDissolving OELA and rolling back monitoring and guidance does not relieve states of those obligations—it simply eliminates the federal support to meet those obligations. At the same time, the Administration has disrupted critical support systems for schools and states by freezing English learner funding and rescinding longstanding civil rights guidance that districts rely upon to serve multilingual learners lawfully and effectively. These actions have also contributed to heightened fear and instability among immigrant-origin students and families, including through the revocation of prior guidance designating schools as protected areas from immigration enforcement. Taken together, these actions weaken the federal government’s ability to meet its statutory obligations to English learners and undermine the support systems states and school districts depend upon to serve them\n\nEven as the Department weakens institutional support for English learners, federal law is clear: all students acquiring English as a second language retain the right to a meaningful educational access and support. Therefore, we request a written response answering these questions within 30 days:\n\nWill the Department publicly release a transition and implementation plan detailing how statutory responsibilities formerly administered through OELA will be maintained, monitored, and evaluated moving forward?\n\nWhich specific offices and staff will be responsible for administering each program previously administered by OELA, including the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA)? Who will serve as the primary point of contact for current grantees and states?\n\nHow will the Department ensure the provision of consistent, high-quality technical assistance to states in the absence of a centralized office staffed with subject-matter experts in English learner education? How will the Department make sure that the staff providing technical assistance will have necessary subject-matter expertise?\n\nWhat steps has the Department taken to ensure that any office or agency assuming these responsibilities will comply with all statutory requirements and faithfully carry out the intent of Congress in serving English learners? To that end, please specify any compliance or enforcement actions that the Department (including OCR) has taken since January 20, 2025, to ensure that English learners are being appropriately served.\n\nPlease share the findings of your analysis of the capacity of DOLto effectively carryout activities assigned to it under the IAA with the Department with respect to ESEA requirements related to and programs for English learners.\n\nWhat role will DOL play in administering Title III programs, and what is the timeline for the transfer in program administration to DOL? Please document the cost to taxpayers for carrying out interagency agreements that shift administration of Title III programs from OELA and the Department to DOL. How many staff from the Department will be detailed to the DOLrelated to Title III ESEA program administration? How has the Department considered the burden of the planned change of grant and payment systems on state and local education systems, which it recently acknowledged when it decided to continue to distribute July 1 formula funds through the Department’s G5 system?\n\nHow and when will the Department publicly communicate its plan for maintaining statutorily required functions and technical assistance without disruption?\n\nEvery child deserves access to a high-quality education and an opportunity to succeed, regardless of the language they speak at home. Multilingual learners are not a marginal population; they are a vital part of the nation’s schools, workforce, economy, and civic future. Congress established OELA to ensure that English learners receive coordinated federal leadership, oversight, and support. Dissolving specialized infrastructure does not eliminate the Department’s legal obligations to multilingual learners; it weakens the federal government’s capacity to fulfill them. At a moment when states and school systems are working to improve student outcomes that have fallen over the past decade, strengthen multilingual education and address persistent educator shortages, the Department should be focused on expanding its expertise and support for English learners, not dismantling it.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-hegseth-blockade-of-military-promotions-across-navy-and-air-force", "title": "Reed Condemns Hegseth Blockade of Military Promotions Across Navy and Air Force", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC—Following reports this week from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has personally blocked and delayed the promotions of dozens of senior Navy and Air Force officers — in addition to earlier removals of senior Army officers — U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n“These reports describe an outrageous pattern that is both unlawful and corrosive to the military we rely on to defend this nation.\n\n“Secretary Hegseth has blocked or delayed the promotions of dozens of top-performing officers across every military branch without justification. These officers were all selected for promotion through a rigorous, merit-based process by boards of their peers who reviewed countless officers and chose the best.\n\n“Under U.S. law, only the President may remove an officer from a promotion list. Secretary Hegseth has refused to explain why or how he believes he has the authority to terminate or delay these officers’ careers.\n\n“Women and minorities make up fewer than twenty percent of the general officer corps, yet they account for nearly sixty percent of those Secretary Hegseth has fired or sidelined. That disparity does not happen by accident, and it is a betrayal of the meritocracy that defines our military.\n\n“These officers have served our nation honorably for decades. They deserve answers, and so do the thousands of young leaders under their commands who are wondering if they should continue to serve.\n\n“This assault on our military promotion system is unacceptable. It weakens our nation by preventing some of our best and brightest officers from advancing based on opaque criteria that appears to have nothing to do with performance. I am pressing the Department of Defense for immediate answers and urge my Republican colleagues to do the same.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trumps-cynical-pick-for-acting-top-spy-chief-is-dangerously-unqualified", "title": "Reed: Trump’s Cynical Pick for Acting Top Spy Chief is Dangerously Unqualified", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after President Donald Trump tapped Bill Pulte, who currently serves as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and has no background in intelligence, national security, or the military to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to replace Tulsi Gabbard who is stepping aside at the end of the month, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee and an ex officio member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement:\n\n“This is a cynical pick of a dangerously unqualified individual. President Trump’s desire to surround himself with unqualified ‘yes men’ is one of the factors that misled our nation into disastrous war with Iran. The President should have expert professionals leading our nation’s intelligence agencies, but he prefers sycophants who will put personal fealty to him above the constitution.\n\n“DNI is not a part-time job. Mr. Pulte is the most unqualified person in the history of U.S. intelligence to be tapped for this critical role. He lacks both the experience and temperament to lead the department that oversees all eighteen American intelligence agencies.\n\n“The DNI is intended to educate and inform the president about pressing intelligence matters, not just tell him what he wants to hear or serve as a partisan attack dog. The DNI is supposed to ensure the analytic independence of the intelligence community and speak truth to power when necessary. There is zero evidence Mr. Pulte can fulfill either of these tasks.\n\n“Mr. Pulte has misused his role at FHFA to ignore the law and pursue trumped up allegations against the president’s perceived critics. It is alarming to think what he might do as DNI and raises questions about the DNI’s role in election security. It’s unlikely the guy pushing frivolous schemes like a 50-year mortgage at FHFA will suddenly start providing serious, thoughtful leadership as DNI.\n\n“Republicans who care about national security and U.S. intelligence should be embarrassed by this move and speak out against it. DNI is too important a role to cede to a partisan sycophant with no experience. Our nation deserves better and this could put U.S national security at risk.”\n\nAccording to President Trump’s social media post, Mr. Pulte will keep his post at FHFA while he serves as acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. If formally nominated, Mr. Pulte would need to be confirmed by the full U.S. Senate to hold the position full time.\n\nThe Trump cabinet now has acting officials leading the U.S. Department of Justice; the U.S. Department of Labor; and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/el-senador-rick-scott-habla-sobre-los-pr-ximos-pasos-para-venezuela-y-cuba-con-el-secretario-marco-rubio-en-la-audiencia-del-comit-de-relaciones-exteriores-del-senado", "title": "El Senador Rick Scott habla sobre los próximos pasos para Venezuela y Cuba con el Secretario Marco Rubio en la audiencia del Comité de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Durante una audiencia del Comité de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado sobre la solicitud anual de presupuesto del Departamento de Estado, el Senador Rick Scott preguntó al Secretario de Estado Marco Rubio sobre los planes de la administración respecto a las acusaciones contra Nicolás Maduro de Venezuela y Raúl Castro de Cuba.\n\n\"Quiero felicitar el liderazgo del Secretario Rubio en América Latina y su trabajo para limpiar nuestro hemisferio, incluyendo llevar a Maduro ante la justicia y exigir responsabilidades a Delcy Rodríguez\", dijo el Senador Scott.\n\n\"La acusación de Raúl Castro reavivó la esperanza de una Cuba libre con rendición de cuentas gubernamental, mejores condiciones económicas y libertad política. También envió un mensaje al mundo: Estados Unidos no permitirá un régimen enemigo a solo 90 millas de nuestras costas.\"\n\nEl Senador Scott ha sido un defensor vocal de una Cuba libre. En febrero de 2025, reintrodujo la Ley de Negar Ganancias a la Oligarquía Militar en Cuba y de Restringir las Actividades del Aparato de Inteligencia Cubano (DEMOCRACIA) para responsabilizar al ilegítimo régimen comunista cubano mediante severas sanciones y una presión financiera sin precedentes. El Senador Scott lideró esta legislación junto con el Secretario de Estado Marco Rubio en el pasado Congreso.\n\nEl Senador Scott ha liderado durante mucho tiempo los esfuerzos en el Congreso para responsabilizar al régimen de Maduro y enfrentar las amenazas que representan sus redes criminales y terroristas, incluyendo la designación del Cartel de los Soles y el Tren de Aragua como Organizaciones Terroristas Extranjeras. El Senador Scott también ha pedido de forma constante la máxima presión contra Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez y otros funcionarios del régimen, ha apoyado a la oposición democrática venezolana, ha abogado por la liberación incondicional de presos políticos y ha advertido sobre las alianzas del régimen de Maduro con Irán, Cuba, China y organizaciones criminales transnacionales que amenazan la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos.\n\nVea el intercambio completo del Senador Scott con el Secretario Rubio AQUÍ o haz clic en la foto de arriba:\n\nMOMENTOS DESTACADOS\n\n¿POR QUÉ ES IMPORTANTE PARA ESTADOS UNIDOS QUE EL RÉGIMEN IRANÍ NO OBTENGA UN ARMA NUCLEAR?\n\nEl Secretario Rubio dijo: \"Si el Estrecho les da ventaja, imagina qué ventaja les darían las armas nucleares para hacer... Esa es la palanca que intentaban construir. Si alguna vez obtuvieran un arma nuclear, no solo tendrían un arma nuclear, no solo controlarían el estrecho, sino que podrían actuar con impunidad, porque no podríais tocarles, no podríais hacer nada al respecto.\"\n\n¿EN QUÉ PUNTO ESTAMOS EN EL PROCESO PARA ESTABLECER LA DEMOCRACIA EN VENEZUELA?\n\n\"Han pasado cinco meses, y creo que Venezuela está en un mejor lugar hoy, y en una mejor trayectoria que hace cinco meses. Ahora, ¿está donde debe estar? ¿Es donde debe acabar al final? La respuesta es, por supuesto, no. En última instancia, para hacer una transición real, deben tener elecciones multipartidistas, libres y justas\", dijo el Secretario Rubio.\n\n\"Los venezolanos allí ahora, bajo las autoridades provisionales, [no] [suponen] la amenaza para Estados Unidos que [ellos] representaban hace cinco meses, cuando era una base abierta de operaciones para operativos iraníes, para la inteligencia cubana y para otros que la usaron como base de operaciones contra los intereses nacionales, pero tenemos mucho trabajo por delante. Estamos lejos de donde queremos llegar.\"\n\n¿CUÁL ES EL ESTADO DE NUESTRAS RELACIONES CON CUBA TRAS LA ACUSACIÓN DE MADURO?\n\nEl Secretario Rubio dijo: \"El desafío fundamental que tenemos aquí es... para que [Cuba] no siga siendo un estado fallido, que supone una amenaza para Estados Unidos, necesitan reformas sistémicas y serias. Necesitan reformas económicas, y la pregunta es, ¿pueden reformarse realmente, dado el pueblo que actualmente está al mando, tanto de GAESA como de su gobierno? Y creo que la respuesta es que sí pueden. Realmente no creo que este sistema sea capaz de reformarse a menos que nuevas personas tomen el control o se imponga una nueva mentalidad.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-rick-scott-discusses-next-steps-for-venezuela-cuba-with-sec-marco-rubio-at-senate-foreign-relations-committee-hearing", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Discusses Next Steps for Venezuela, Cuba with Sec. Marco Rubio at Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the State Department’s annual budget request, Senator Rick Scott asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the administration’s plans regarding the indictments of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and Cuba’s Raúl Castro.\n\n“I want to commend Secretary Rubio’s leadership in Latin America and his work to clean up our hemisphere, including bringing Maduro to justice and holding Delcy Rodríguez accountable,” said Senator Scott.\n\n“Raúl Castro’s indictment sparked renewed hope for a free Cuba with government accountability, improved economic conditions, and political freedom. It also sent a message to the world: America will not allow an adversarial regime just 90 miles off our shores.”\n\nSenator Scott has been a vocal supporter of a free Cuba. In February 2025, he reintroduced the Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act to hold the illegitimate communist Cuban regime accountable through severe sanctions and unprecedented financial pressure. Senator Scott led this legislation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio last Congress.\n\nSenator Scott has long led efforts in Congress to hold the Maduro regime accountable and confront the threats posed by its criminal and terrorist networks, including championing the designation of Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles and Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Senator Scott has also consistently called for maximum pressure against Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez and other regime officials, supported Venezuela’s democratic opposition, advocated for the unconditional release of political prisoners, and sounded the alarm on the Maduro regime’s alliances with Iran, Cuba, China and transnational criminal organizations that threaten U.S. national security.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS\n\nWHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO AMERICA THAT THE IRANIAN REGIME DOESN’T GET A NUCLEAR WEAPON?\n\nSecretary Rubio said, “If the Strait gives them leverage, imagine what nuclear weapons would give them leverage to do… That is the leverage that they were trying to build. If they ever got a nuclear weapon, not only would they have a nuclear weapon, not only would they control the straits, they would be able to act with impunity, because you wouldn't be able to touch them, you wouldn't be able to do anything about them.”\n\nWHERE ARE WE IN THE PROCESS TO ESTABLISH DEMOCRACY IN VENEZUELA?\n\n“It's been five months, and I think Venezuela is in a better place today, and in a better trajectory today than it was five months ago. Now, is it where it needs to be? Is it where it needs to ultimately wind up? The answer is, of course, no. Ultimately, in order to truly transition, they have to have multi-party, free, and fair election,” said Secretary Rubio.\n\n“The Venezuelans there now, under the interim authorities, [do] not pose the threat to the United States that [they] posed five months ago when it was an open base of operation for Iranian operatives, for Cuban intelligence, and for others who used it as a base of operation against the national interests, but we have a lot of work to do. We are nowhere near where we want to get to.”\n\nWHAT’S THE STATUS OF OUR RELATIONS WITH CUBA POST-MADURO INDICTMENT?\n\nSecretary Rubio said, “The fundamental challenge we have here is… in order for [Cuba] not to continue to be a failed state, which poses a threat to the United States, they need systemic and serious reform. They need to have economic reforms, and the question is, can they possibly reform, given the people who are currently in charge, both of GAESA and of their government? And I think the answer is, they can. I really don't believe this system is capable of reform unless new people take over or a new mindset takes hold.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/sens-rick-scott-ashley-moody-introduce-the-florida-freeze-disaster-assistance-act", "title": "Sens. Rick Scott, Ashley Moody Introduce the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody introduced the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act, which would deliver $3.5 billion in much-needed direct relief to Florida’s agriculture community in response to the state’s recent freeze in March.\n\nCongressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) is leading this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nSenator Scott said, “Florida farmers and ranchers produce the best food in the world, but this freeze has been tough for them, and the entire agriculture industry. Our state feeds families and creates jobs across the country. Put simply, everyone needs relief here, and that’s why I’m proud to lead this bill in the Senate alongside my fellow Floridians in the House. Our farmers and ranchers are resilient; they will bounce back. It’s time to provide them with the assistance they need to do that.”\n\nSenator Moody said, “While lots of Floridians experienced the historic freeze earlier this year, our farmers were especially hard hit with significant damage to many of their crops. I’m glad to see this important legislation that provides emergency funding to deliver disaster assistance through State-administered block grants. I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers have what they need to succeed when it comes to feeding Florida and the rest of the nation.”\n\nCongressman Scott Franklin said, “Florida agriculture operates differently than much of the country, and our disaster response policies need to reflect that reality. When a severe freeze hits Florida, many specialty crops and multi-year commodities face years of production losses, replanting costs and long-term financial impacts. Too often, growers are forced into a slow, one size fits all federal process that fails to reflect the realities of Florida agriculture. My legislation builds on proven disaster response models by giving states more flexibility to deliver targeted relief, cut unnecessary bureaucracy and help producers recover. For many growers, this is about preserving operations their families have spent generations building.”\n\nSpecifically, the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act would:\n\nProvide $3.5 billion in emergency supplemental funding to the USDA to deliver aid through state-administered block grants\n\nHelps compensate producers for losses of revenue, quality and production caused by freeze and cold weather events\n\nCovers prevented planting and damage to trees, bushes and vines & explicitly includes compensation for multi-year crop losses\n\nDirect assistance to counties that received USDA freeze disaster designations issued on March 4, 2026\n\nRequire states to request assistance funding through USDA\n\nWinter freezes pose a severe threat to Florida’s agricultural sector. This past winter, Florida’s agricultural producers faced consecutive weeks of subzero temperatures during the states peak berry, corn-growing and citrus season, amounting to over $3 billion in damages of seasonal crops. Senator Rick Scott is committed to ensuring that Florida’s agricultural community has the support they need to rebuild and come back stronger than ever.\n\nSupporting Organizations include: Florida Farm Bureau; Florida Citrus Mutual; Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Florida Strawberry Growers Association; Florida Sugar Cane League; Florida Tomato Exchange\n\nClick HERE to read the full bill text.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/06/02/rosen-leads-democrats-demanding-trump-administration-to-reverse-rule-authorizing-social-media-review-for-tourists/", "title": "Rosen Leads Democrats Demanding Trump Administration to Reverse Rule Authorizing Social Media Review for Tourists", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Express Concerns Over Negative Impacts On International Tourism Into the U.S.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) in a letter demanding that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Markwayne Mullin withdraw a proposed rule requiring travelers to disclose up to five years of their social media history prior to traveling to the United States, and end the State Department’s new practice of social media screening of non-immigrant visa applications. International tourism into the U.S. has already been impacted by Trump’s policies, with states like Nevada seeing the lowest number of visitors in 2025 in any year since the pandemic. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that travel and tourism to the United States brought in roughly $1.3 billion in spending in 2024 alone, accounting for 2.5% of the national GDP.\n\n“These policies are further reducing already declining tourism to the United States at a time when our country should be working to welcome more tourists ahead of major international events like the World Cup,” wrote the Senators. “Reduced international tourism is already harming hotels, restaurants, airlines, and the many other industries that rely on tourism in the United States.”\n\n“With this in mind, we urge the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw its proposed rule, ask the Department of State to end its practice of screening the social media history of non-immigrant visa applicants,” continued the Senators.\n\nYou can read the full letter HERE\n\nSenator Rosen has fought to protect Nevada’s tourism economy at the federal level. She recently released a video addressing the negative impact Trump’s actions have had on Nevada’s tourism industry. Senator Rosen also called for a Senate hearing to examine the state of the American tourism industry following a year of Trump’s reckless economic and immigration policies. Additionally, Senator Rosen introduced the bipartisan American Decade of Sports Act, which aims to boost tourism to the U.S. through major sporting events, such as the World Cup.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/06/02/rosen-slams-secretary-rubio-for-not-being-present-at-the-high-stakes-iran-negotiations/", "title": "Rosen Slams Secretary Rubio for Not Being Present At the High Stakes Iran Negotiations", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch the Full Exchange HERE\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) slammed Secretary of State Marco Rubio over his absence from the negotiations with Iran in Pakistan. In April, while Secretary Rubio was watching fights with President Donald Trump in Miami, Vice President JD Vance was in Pakistan failing to negotiate a deal with Iran alongside Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both of whom do not have Congressional approval to be America’s diplomats.\n\nBelow are excerpts from Rosen’s Remarks:\n\nSenator Rosen: “I’d like to remind the American people that, as the Secretary of State, your main duty as America’s chief diplomat is to maintain our relations with foreign nations. This is why I was shocked to see that you were at a party with President Trump in Miami instead of accompanying Vice President Vance to Pakistan for the negotiations to end the Iran War…”\n\n“In fact, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner – both of whom were never confirmed by this body to be America’s diplomats – accompanied the Vice President and were in the negotiations. Even Iran’s Foreign Minister was there, yet you were not. I just feel that’s embarrassing for us and it’s embarrassing for you.“\n\n“Mr. Secretary, Congress represents the American people, and we have the power to confirm who represents America abroad. We confirmed you to be in the room where the negotiations are happening and it is just unthinkable that you are not, that you are missing such high-stakes negotiations or that you are not involved.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sens-schiff-kelly-slotkin-introduce-legislation-to-prevent-trumps-politically-directed-slush-fund-prevent-future-weaponization-of-doj/", "title": "ICYMI: Sens. Schiff, Kelly, Slotkin Introduce Legislation to Prevent Trump’s Politically Directed Slush Fund, Prevent Future Weaponization of DOJ", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Schiff, Kelly, and Slotkin held a press conference to announce the legislation. The livestream can be viewed here.\n\nWashington, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced the Drain the Slush Fund Act, new legislation that would shutter President Donald Trump’s so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund and prevent taxpayer dollars from being paid to the President or his allies including those convicted of crimes or those related to the insurrection on January 6, 2021.\n\nThe Drain the Slush Fund Act would also prevent future presidential abuse of the Department of Justice’s Settlement Fund by banning any settlements or payments stemming from a claim or lawsuit filed by the President of the United States or the Vice President. The introduction of the bill will prevent any abuse or corrupt settlements from this fund or any in the future.\n\nRead more about the bill here and see coverage below:\n\nCBS News: Senate Democrats launch campaign to kill what DOJ calls its “anti-weaponization” fund\n\nSenate Democrats are launching a coordinated effort to kill the Trump administration’s $1.7+ billion “anti-weaponization” fund. In a “Dear Colleague” letter released Monday, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will use a variety of strategies, from floor action to oversight, to block President Trump’s “nearly $2 billion MAGA slush fund.”\n\n“If Republicans return to reconciliation, we will be ready with amendments to shut the fund down,” Schumer wrote. “If they try to bury the issue, we will force them to the Senate floor. If they try to sneak behind appropriations, we will fight them there, too. There will be no escape hatch. No fake guardrails or backroom promises to hide behind.”\n\nIn addition, a trio of Democratic Senators are introducing a bill Monday to shut down the fund and prevent taxpayer dollars from being paid to the president or his allies, including those convicted of crimes or related to the January 6th attack on the Capitol. The measure, dubbed the Drain the Slush Fund Act, is sponsored by Sens. Adam Schiff, of California, Mark Kelly, of Arizona, and Elissa Slotkin, of Michigan.\n\n“As Republicans return to Washington to provide further funding for this and other mistaken priorities, we’re going to hold them accountable,” Schiff said. “And as Senators who have actually seen their government weaponized against them, we want to make it clear: We will not allow a single payout from this so-called weaponization fund to be paid.”\n\nLast week, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Justice Department from moving forward with work on the new fund. A department spokesperson said it “remains extremely confident in the legality of the Anti-Weaponization Fund which is supported by ample precedent, including Obama-era settlements.”\n\nThe $1.776 billion fund would provide taxpayer-funded payouts to people who allege the legal system has been “weaponized” against them. It’s part of an agreement between President Trump and the federal government to settle his lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department over the leak of his tax returns.\n\nSenate Republicans are considering adding potential guardrails to the fund as part of a broader $72 billion reconciliation package for immigration enforcement agencies. GOP leaders scrapped votes on the party-line measure last month after a contentious meeting over the DOJ fund with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.\n\n“They (Trump administration) need to help with this issue, because we have a lot of members who are concerned,” Majority Leader John Thune told reporters at the time.\n\nBlanche will return to Capitol Hill this week for an oversight hearing before a House Appropriations subcommittee.\n\nThe New Republic: Democrats Are Starting to Fight Back Against Trump’s MAGA Slush Fund\n\nThree Democratic senators introduced a bill Monday to kill Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” slush fund.\n\nSenators Adam Schiff of California, Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan introduced the “Drain the Fund Act,” which they said would block taxpayer dollars from being funneled to Trump and his allies, including individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 riot, public figures who spread election misinformation, and the leader of a violent hate group.\n\n“As Republicans return to Washington to provide further funding for this and other mistaken priorities, we’re going to hold them accountable,” Schiffsaid in a statement. “And as Senators who have actually seen their government weaponized against them, we want to make it clear: We will not allow a single payout from this so-called weaponization fund to be paid.”\n\nThe bill would also ban settlements stemming from suits brought by the president or the vice president, and be retroactive to January 20, 2025. That would functionally undo the recent settlement for Trump’s failing $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Services that produced the fund, and blocked the president from future audits.\n\nLast week, a federal judge issued a restraining order to ensure that no taxpayer dollars would be “irreversibly disbursed” from the fund before the legal battle could play out.\n\nBut the bill is only part of the plan. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that Democrats would introduce an amendment to their $72 billion budget reconciliation bill in order to shut down the fund. “If they try to bury the issue, we will force them to the Senate floor. If they try to sneak behind appropriations, we will fight them there, too. There will be no escape hatch. No fake guardrails or backroom promises to hide behind,” Schumer said.\n\nThe Hill: Senate Democrats unveil bill to block Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund\n\nDemocratic Sens. Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Adam Schiff (Calif.) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.) on Monday introduced legislation to block the Trump administration’s “anti-weaponization” fund, which the Department of Justice (DOJ) scrapped earlier in the day.\n\nThe bill, dubbed the Drain the Slush Fund Act, would bar the use of taxpayer money for payments to President Trump, his associates, individuals convicted of crimes or those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.\n\nThe bill would also put restrictions on the DOJ’s settlement fund, prohibiting settlements or payments arising from claims or lawsuits brought by a sitting president or vice president. That restriction would be retroactive to the day of Trump’s second inauguration.\n\nThe DOJ on Monday abandoned the $1.776 billion fund it created last month as part of a settlement agreement in Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). That was after federal judges in Virginia and Florida on Friday temporarily halted the fund from making payouts and reopened the president’s suit against the IRS, respectively.\n\nThe department wrote on the social platform X that while it “disagrees strongly” with the decision by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia, it will abide by her ruling.\n\nWhen acting Attorney General Todd Blanche unveiled the fund last month, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle pushed back. Democrats largely slammed it as a “slush fund” for those involved in Jan. 6, while some Republicans argued similarly — with Senate Republicans taking Blanche to task during a May 21 meeting on the fund.\n\nIn unveiling their legislation, Kelly, Schiffand Slotkin slammed the fund, with Kelly calling it “theft in broad daylight,” Schiff referring to it as “one of the most brazenly corrupt schemes we’ve ever seen from a U.S. president” and Slotkin saying it is “an unprecedented misuse of taxpayer money.”\n\nThat particular trio sponsoring the bill is notable. Earlier this year, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro unsuccessfully sought a grand jury indictment of Kelly, Slotkin, and four House Democrats with military or intelligence backgrounds for recording a video urging military members and intelligence officers to refuse illegal orders.\n\nKelly, a retired Navy captain, is also embroiled in a legal fight with the Pentagon, which has tried to reduce his rank in the wake of the video.\n\nSchiff, meanwhile, was the subject of a DOJ probe into alleged mortgage fraud last year.\n\n“As Republicans return to Washington to provide further funding for this and other mistaken priorities, we’re going to hold them accountable, and force a vote on this language to shut down the slush fund once and for all,” Schiffsaid in a release. “Americans see the cost of this corruption coming out of their own pockets.\n\n“And as Senators who have actually seen their government weaponized against them, we want to make it clear: we will not allow a single payout from this so-called weaponization fund to be paid.”\n\nLos Angeles Times: Trump’s $1.8-billion fund unravels amid court setbacks, bipartisan pushback\n\nCalifornia Sen, Adam Schiff,along with Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, introduced the “Drain the Slush Fund Act.”\n\nThe White House declined to comment on whether the administration would also make changes to the tax immunity clause.\n\nWASHINGTON — The Trump administration is backing away from plans to create a $1.8-billion fund to compensate people who claim the government was weaponized against them, a retreat that comes amid a cascade of legal setbacks and a revolt within members of the Republican Party.\n\nBut Senate Democrats say the concession is not enough, and are pushing legislation to ensure no president can ever attempt the creation of such a fund again.\n\n“If Republicans are serious about ending this brazenly corrupt scheme, they should have no problem voting for legislation banning any president from creating such a slush fund in the future,” Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) wrote Monday in a post on X.\n\nSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) added that Democrats plan to force a vote on a measure to ensure that Trump and Republicans are “truly abandoning this corrupt scheme.”\n\n“Trump’s word is nowhere near enough,” Schumer wrote on X. Earlier in the day, Schumer vowed to force a floor vote to make Republican lawmakers take a public stance on the issue.\n\nSchiff,along with Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, introduced the “Drain the Slush Fund Act” on Monday. The bill, if approved, would bar any payout arising from a lawsuit filed by a president or vice president, language that is designed to permanently foreclose the fund, or anything like it, from being put in place by a future administration.\n\nThe White House did not comment on the president’s thinking. But in a statement, the Department of Justice said the decision to scrap the fund was in response to a federal judge’s ruling last week that temporarily blocked payouts from the fund while legal challenges remain pending. The department said it “disagrees strongly” with the move, but stopped short of saying it would challenge the decision.\n\n“This fund was open to anybody who was so weaponized, targeted, or persecuted, whether they were Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independent, or otherwise,” the statement read. “The Department will abide by the Court’s ruling.”\n\nU.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who was nominated to the bench by President Clinton, a Democrat, has scheduled a June 12 hearing for argument on whether to extend the order blocking the fund.\n\nWhile the court ruling is not permanent, the unraveling over the fund is a notable defeat for Trump, who has cast it as a long-overdue reckoning for Americans he says were targeted by “an evil, corrupt and weaponized Biden administration.” For Republicans who publicly criticized the fund, it may come as a relief as the concept had been widely seen as a political liability heading into the midterm elections.\n\nThe Department of Justice created the fund to settle a lawsuit Trump personally brought against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns. The settlement also includes a clause permanently barring the IRS from pursuing any tax claims against Trump and his businesses that were filed before May 19 — a provision that, according to an analysis by Forbes, would save Trump and his family more than $600 million.\n\nThe White House declined to comment on whether the administration would also make changes to the tax immunity clause. The Democrats’ bill does not address that provision.\n\n“Congress doesn’t need to pass a law to remind the Acting Attorney General [Todd Blanche] that he doesn’t have the authority to grant a blanket pardon for tax crimes by the president, much less when the AG is his personal attorney,” a Schiffspokesperson said in a statement. “The attempt at IRS immunity is corrupt and undoubtedly illegal — and we look forward to seeing it exposed as a fraud.”\n\nBeyond Trump’s own legal disputes with the IRS, the fund was structured to accept claims from anyone who said they had been targeted by the government, a category the administration made clear could include those who were convicted for attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.\n\nTrump pardoned and commuted the prison sentences of 1,500 people who were charged in connection with the attack, and neither he nor Vice President JD Vance ruled out the possibility that those individuals would be able to receive money from the fund.\n\nKCAL CBS: Challenging Anti-Weaponization Fund\n\nYuccas: Also, in Washington today, Senate democrats are ramping up efforts to block the Trump administration’s $1.7 billion dollar anti-weaponization fund. Three Democratic Senators, Adam Schiff, Mark Kelly, and Elissa Slotkin are introducing the Drain the Slush Fund Act. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned he has several plans to counter potential Republican moves and said, “No matter what Republicans do, we will force them to vote on it.”\n\nScripps News: Under Pressure, Trump Admin Backs Off ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund, For Now\n\nReed: Democrats yesterday making clear that they’re going to take the lead on this one, they’re going to force a vote on a bill at some point in the coming days to try and outlaw to try and prevent this weaponization fund from ever coming back or being legal in the future, a law that would potentially affect to future presidential administrations as well. Here’s Senator Adam Schiff in a press conference yesterday.\n\nSchiff (in clip): There will be no hiding from this issue, and our Republican colleagues need to understand that they can join us in disavowing this kind of self-dealing corruption or they’re going to own it. It is not personal to this president and vice president, it would prohibit any future president from doing the same thing. And for that reason, I would hope that we would have our colleagues join us in it.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/schmitt-joins-missouri-delegation-urging-approval-for-new-federal-relief-for-recent-missouri-tornadoes/", "title": "Schmitt Joins Missouri Delegation Urging Approval for New Federal Relief for Recent Missouri Tornadoes", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) joined the Missouri congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major federal disaster declaration. This comes after the devastating tornadoes and storms that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026.\n\nThe delegation wrote, “We write to support Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s May 22 request for a major federal disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, following devastating tornadoes, straight-line winds, severe storms, large hail, and flooding that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026. If approved, this declaration would promptly authorize federal aid for affected residents and compensate local governments for their emergency response and recovery expenses in 12 counties throughout Missouri.”\n\n“These recent Missouri storms produced at least eight confirmed tornadoes and record-setting, nearly 5-inch hail. More than 140 households and significant public infrastructure have been affected across the dozen counties. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments by federal, state, and local officials have documented more than $36 million in eligible damages—triple Missouri’s threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance. The damage is well beyond the normal capacity of the affected communities to address without federal assistance,” they continued.\n\nThe delegation concluded, “We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of Governor Kehoe’s disaster declaration request so that Missouri families, local governments, and first responders can access the federal resources they urgently need.”\n\nSenator Schmitt joined Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07), Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03), and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01).\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-announces-30-million-grant-for-st-louis-lambert-international-airport/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Announces $30 Million Grant for St. Louis Lambert International Airport", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schmitt Led the Missouri Delegation in Requesting the Grant, Worked with Trump Administration to Secure the Funds\n\nST. LOUIS— U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced a $30 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration that will be used by St. Louis Lambert International Airport to help pay for the construction of a new electricity facility to consolidate its two terminals into one. The grant Senator Schmitt helped secure will modernize the oldest continuously running commercial terminal in the country.\n\n“This investment will help modernize critical infrastructure at Lambert Airport and will move St. Louis one step closer to building a world-class terminal that can serve the region for decades to come,” said Senator Schmitt. “Not only does it have to do with the future prosperity of this region, but it also has to do with the self-esteem of the region,” Schmitt said. “This is a great place in our country, a great American city, a region that has a lot to be proud of, and St. Louis deserves an airport that showcases all we have to offer.”\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Schmitt led the Congressional push for this grant with Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Mayor Cara Spencer.\n\nSince joining the Senate, Schmitt has been a strong advocate for securing federal dollars for Lambert International Airport, including over $7 million for the replacement of approximately 10 passenger boarding bridges and $20 million for airfield drainage improvements. This is not simply a terminal replacement. It is an opportunity to build the most efficient, passenger-focused airport facility in the Midwest. With continued federal partnership, Lambert can become a national demonstration project for modern airport design, efficiency, and passenger experience. As a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Schmitt has worked closely with federal partners in the Department of Transportation, including Secretary Duffy, Associate Administrator Edwards, as well as President Trump to make sure that Lambert International Airport receives the federal support it deserves.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-calls-on-international-olympic-committee-to-include-womens-nordic-combined-competition-in-upcoming-2030-winter-olympics", "title": "SCHUMER CALLS ON INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE WOMEN’S NORDIC COMBINED COMPETITION IN UPCOMING 2030 WINTER OLYMPICS", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schumer Says Many Young Women Train In Upstate NY For A Chance To Represent Team USA And Allowing Them To Participate Gives Overdue Recognition For Their Athletic Accomplishments While Boosting Tourism And Winter Sports In Lake Placid And The North Country\n\nCurrently Only Men Are Allowed To Compete In Nordic Combined – Which Combines Cross-Country Skiing And Ski Jumping – At Olympics Despite Increased Women’s Participation\n\nSchumer: Include Women’s Nordic Combined Competition In Olympic Games\n\nU.S. Senator Chuck Schumer called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to expand Nordic Combined in the Winter Olympics by including the women’s competition in the 2030 games. Nordic Combined is a winter sport in which athletes compete in cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Schumer explained that young women train in the North Country for a chance to represent Team USA, and allowing women to participate is a matter of fairness and opportunity.\n\n“Every year, women from across the country train at world-class facilities in Upstate New York like Lake Placid’s Olympic Ski Jumping Complex and Mt. Van Hoevenberg for a chance to represent Team USA in Nordic Combined. But they are excluded from competing on the Olympic stage because there is no women’s competition,” said Senator Schumer. “As American women excel at the Women’s World Championship, allowing women to compete is about more than fairness. It’s about recognizing their extraordinary athletic accomplishments. That’s why I’m calling on the IOC to right this wrong and allow women the same opportunities their male counterparts have.”\n\nMore women have been participating in Nordic Combined, with ten podium finishes in this year’s Nordic Combined World Cup. Team USA women athletes are already inspiring dozens of junior athletes training and competing in Lake Placid. Nordic Combined has been part of the Winter Olympics since the first Games in 1924, but it is currently the only Winter Olympic sport that does not allow women to compete. Schumer said ensuring female athletes have the same opportunity as their male counterparts to compete on the Olympic Stage is about fairness and equal opportunity.\n\nSchumer said adding women’s Nordic Combined to the Winter Olympics would not only expand opportunities for women athletes from Upstate New York and across the country but would also strengthen Lake Placid’s role as a premier destination for winter sports, helping attract more international competitions, tourism, and investment to the region.\n\nSchumer’s letter to IOC President Kirsty Leigh Coventry can be found HERE or below:\n\nDear President Coventry,\n\nFollowing the close of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the continued exclusion of Women’s Nordic Combined, I write to strongly encourage the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to expand and equalize Nordic Combined by including women’s competition in the 2030 Winter Olympic Games.\n\nWomen’s participation in Nordic Combined has grown steadily over the past several years, yet opportunities to compete at the Olympic level have not kept pace. While top American athletes like Alexa Brabec, Annika Malacinski, and Tara Geraghty-Moats have excelled in the recently established Women’s World Championship, they have been forced to watch from the sidelines as their male counterparts compete on the Olympic stage. The IOC has long been a global leader in advancing women’s inclusion, and this represents another critical opportunity to reinforce that commitment as a growing number of women athletes from an expanding range of nations reach the international Nordic Combined podium.\n\nFor New York, this issue is especially significant. The Olympic dreams of Nordic Combined athletes are shaped at New York’s world-class venues, Mt. Van Hoevenberg and the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, where young women train year-round with hopes of representing Team USA. With strong performances from American women on the world stage already inspiring the next generation, including Women’s Nordic Combined in future Olympic Games would maximize New York’s millions of dollars in investment by expanding training opportunities, attracting more national and international competitions, driving tourism, and reinforcing Lake Placid’s role as a premier destination for winter sports.\n\nExpanding this sport is not only about fairness and equal opportunity for women athletes and providing long-overdue recognition for their achievements, but also about supporting regional economic growth, sustaining year-round use of New York’s world-class facilities, and ensuring New York remains at the forefront of Olympic development in the United States. Adding Women’s Nordic Combined would provide meaningful opportunities for female athletes while inspiring more young women to pursue excellence in one of winter sport’s most demanding disciplines.\n\nI urge you to reconsider and approve the addition of Women’s Nordic Combined for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-chairs-hearing-on-the-blue-economy-advancing-american-fisheries-maritime-strength-and-coastal-economies", "title": "Sullivan Chairs Hearing on The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Strength, and Coastal Economies", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today chaired a Senate Commerce Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries Subcommittee hearing on “The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Strength, and Coastal Economies.” The hearing featured testimony from four expert witnesses, three of whom are Alaskan: Tommy Sheridan, director of the Alaska Blue Economy Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks; Jeremy Woodrow, executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute; and Nathan Wardwell, managing partner of JOA Surveys, LLC. Sen. Sullivan has led efforts in Congress to secure America’s place in the global Blue Economy through enforcement, environmental stewardship, infrastructure investment, and workforce development.\n\n“The Blue Economy supports millions of American fishermen, processors, mariners, sport fishermen, welders, scientists, engineers, military personnel, charter operators, tourism workers, and small business owners across the United States,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Yet workforce shortages remain one of the great challenges across nearly every sector. We are serious about advancing the Blue Economy. We must invest in workforce development, training, apprenticeships and educational opportunities to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals.”\n\nThe Blue Economy is vital to America’s economic strength, food security, and national security, especially in Alaska, which harvests over 60 percent of America’s commercial, sport, and subsistence seafood and holds more coastline than the rest of the country combined.\n\nClick here or the image above to watch the video.\n\nBelow is a transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s opening statement in the hearing.\n\n“Good morning. I want to welcome our distinguished witnesses. Apologize for my tardiness, but I think at least three of you understand. I just got in from Alaska last night, and you know what that's like. So welcome, especially to the Alaskans. And this is a subcommittee hearing that examines the importance of America's Blue Economy and the opportunities that presents for economic growth, innovation, job creation and national security.\n\nThe Blue Economy encompasses, the industry's activities and, of course, the communities that rely on our oceans, coasts, Great Lakes to create economic opportunities, support jobs, strengthen national security, and sustain coastal communities, including the American fishermen. The Blue Economy is also central to America's economic strength. In 2022, it generated more than $470 billion in goods and services and supported 2.4 million jobs.\n\nIt is one of the fastest growing sectors in America, in our economy and indeed the world, encompassing commercial fisheries and seafood, sport, fisheries, subsistence fisheries, maritime transportation, ports, tourism and recreation, and much more. For the United States, and especially for coastal states like my state, the great state of Alaska. These industries and community are not optional. They are essential.\n\nI always do a little bit of bragging about the great state of Alaska here, but when we talk about coastline, we have more coastline than the rest of the country combined. I have a colleague from Minnesota here; I respect a lot. She talks about her state having 10,000 lakes. My state has 3 million lakes. America is a maritime nation.\n\nOur economic success, food security, supply chains and national defense depend on safe, healthy and productive oceans. This hearing comes at a critical time as our nation races to strengthen our maritime industries and secure our place in the global Blue Economy, but so are other countries. The federal government is making significant investments in taking important steps to ensure America remains competitive and our coastal communities, continue to thrive.\n\nSeafood and of course, our fishermen coastal communities remains one of the pillars of the Blue Economy. Alaska is the superpower of seafood, I'd like to say, producing more than 60%. Harvesting more than 60% of all commercial, sport, and subsistence seafood in America, and providing roughly 10 billion meals of healthy protein wild Alaskan fish each year. Our fisheries support thousands of jobs, sustain coastal communities, and help feed both our nation and the world.\n\nPresident Trump's executive order on restoring American seafood competitiveness recognizes an important reality. Seafood competitiveness is economic security and even national security. At the same time, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing remains a major threat, not just a global fish stocks and fair competition, but to the economic and national security of the United States. That is why my bipartisan fighting foreign illegal seafood harvest, or the FISH Act, which strengthens enforcement and proves international coordination and targets foreign bad actors, particularly China, is so important to stop this illegal fishing, what Senator Whitehouse calls pirate fishing.\n\nWe passed that in the Senate recently, and I believe it's going to be passed in the House soon. That will be the most comprehensive IUU fish legislation in the history of the country.\n\nThis builds on the bill's Senator Whitehouse and I passed the Save Our Seas Act, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which were the most comprehensive ocean cleanup legislation in American history. And right now, in this committee, we are working on my comprehensive bycatch bill that we introduced last year.\n\nWe are hoping to mark that up. That will be the most comprehensive bycatch legislation in American history. Healthy oceans are both an environmental priority and an economic necessity and a national security issue. Tourism, charter fishing, wildlife viewing and countless small businesses depend on sustainable fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems. Alaska is also seeing exciting innovation through our growing mariculture industry, where kelp and shellfish growers are creating new opportunities and jobs in coastal communities.\n\nScience and data collection are foundational to the long-term success of the American Blue Economy. Fisheries, fishery surveys and stock assessments support sustainable fisheries management, and that is NOAA's key mission in this committee reminds them of that very regularly. Likewise, hydrographic services, including coastal mapping, charting and biometric surveys are essential for safe navigation, commerce and maritime operations across every sector of the American Blue Economy.\n\nAdvancing our Blue Economy also requires strengthening America's maritime transportation network; ports, marine highways, vessels, terminals, and logistics systems are essential to moving goods supporting coastal states, maintaining resilient supply chains while enhancing our national security. That is why the administration's maritime action plan is so important. Strengthening America's maritime transportation will require long term investment, workforce development, and strong public private partnerships that improve port capacity, modern infrastructure, support domestic vessel operators and ensure reliable transportation networks for coastal communities within and across states.\n\nTourism is another driver of the American Blue Economy. Visitors bring significant revenue directly to our local communities, making it important that America remains competitive as a global destination. That is why I introduced the Visit USA Act to fully fund Brand USA, the public private partnership responsible for promoting the United States as an international travel destination. Ultimately, this all comes back to people.\n\nThe Blue Economy supports millions of American fishermen, processors, mariners, sport fishermen, welders, scientists, engineers, military personnel, charter operators, tourism workers, and small business owners across the United States. Yet workforce shortages remain one of the great challenges across nearly every sector. We are serious about advancing the Blue Economy. We must invest in workforce development, training, apprenticeships and educational opportunities to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals.\n\nThe United States possesses some of the richest ocean resources in the world, the best managed fisheries in the world. With the right investments, policies and partnerships, we can unlock the full potential of America's Blue Economy while strengthening our economic and national security and supporting coastal communities for generations to come. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today, many of whom traveled far from the great state of Alaska like I did last night, and to opportunities ahead, challenges they face and the policies needed to ensure a strong and prosperous maritime future in Blue Economy for America.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-moody-lead-effort-to-uncover-improper-health-care-billing-practices-that-lead-to-high-levels-of-medical-debt", "title": "Sullivan, Moody Lead Effort to Uncover Improper Health Care Billing Practices That Lead to High Levels of Medical Debt", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Ashley Moody (R-Florida) are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to uncover improper health care billing practices that lead to high levels of medical debt. Instances of high medical debt continue to be a top concern for Americans, and there are reports that indicate hospital bills charged to uninsured patients that end up as medical debt are often well in excess of the actual cost of providing the service.\n\n“We are writing to request you investigate and provide recommendations to Congress for addressing inappropriate health care billing practices that lead to high levels of medical debt,” said the Senators. “Despite efforts by Congress and the Administration to insulate patients from ‘surprise’ medical bills in the No Surprises Act, after four years of runaway inflation and increasing health costs under the Biden administration, instances of high medical debt continue to be a top concern for our constituents.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nWhile most medical debt sent to collections is under $300, approximately 14 million Americans owe over $1,000. Three million have incurred medical debt that exceeds $10,000, representing almost 80 percent of the aggregate medical debt owed in the United States.\n\nHigh hospital bills have been a key factor for those suffering from high levels of medical debt. Almost 70 percent of Americans with medical debt under $1,000 reported having no hospital bills at all, but over 70 percent of those with debt over $1,000 reporting owing debt to hospitals, according to a 2022 survey.\n\nJust last month, an investigation found “facilities on average charge the uninsured almost five times what Medicare pays for the same procedure.”\n\nSenators Sullivan and Moody are directing HHS to investigate root causes of instances of inordinately high medical debt and provide recommendations to Congress.\n\nRead the letter here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=136039E3-9F71-4DFF-AE86-86331DD02CDF", "title": "Thune Commemorates C-SPAN’s 40th Senate Anniversary and Discusses Recent Work in South Dakota", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, as we begin our proceedings this morning, I want to take a moment to recognize a milestone here in the Senate.\n\n“On this day 40 years ago, C-SPAN broadcast the United States Senate for the very first time.\n\n“On June 2, 1986, the American people were able to turn on their televisions and see the Senate come to order and their senators engage in debate until the gavel dropped later that day.\n\n“Gavel-to-gavel coverage, Mr. President.\n\n“That’s the C-SPAN way.\n\n“And over the last 40 years, C-SPAN hasn’t missed a beat.\n\n“It’s captured 43,830 hours of Senate proceedings.\n\n“Broadcast 169,000 speeches by hundreds of United States senators who have served in these halls.\n\n“And captured the moments large and small – historic and human – that make up the United States Senate.\n\n“Mr. President, on that day, that first day 40 years ago, the Senate was considering an education bill.\n\n“And what a fitting topic of discussion for C-SPAN’s first day covering this chamber.\n\n“Education is C-SPAN’s entire mission.\n\n“C-SPAN urges its viewers to ‘Make Up Your Own Mind.’\n\n“And for 40 years, C-SPAN has enabled the American people to make up their own minds about what we do here in the Senate.\n\n“It’s helped countless American students see the legislative process in action.\n\n“And it’s ensured that what happens here is lost neither to the day’s news cycle nor to history.\n\n“And I trust that C-SPAN will continue to offer the American people a front-row seat to the Senate for many decades to come.\n\n“Mr. President, C-SPAN captures a lot of our work here in Washington, but just as important is the work that senators do back in our states.\n\n“Last week, the cameras were off here in the chamber, and senators were back at home hearing from the people that we all represent.\n\n“I spent last week back home in South Dakota, traveling around my state and hearing directly from South Dakotans.\n\n“I had a chance to catch up with the mayors of Webster and Lennox.\n\n“Mayor Danny Fergen of Lennox took me around his city.\n\n“He showed me new housing developments in Lennox.\n\n“I saw the city’s infrastructure needs.\n\n“And we went down Main Street to a few businesses, including El Mariachi restaurant.\n\n“Mr. President, I also spent some time up in northeastern South Dakota.\n\n“As I mentioned, I met with the mayor of Webster, Mike Grosek.\n\n“And I dropped by a few local businesses that are benefiting from the permanent tax relief Republicans delivered in the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n“I went to the Three22 Kitchen and Cocktails in Aberdeen and saw the Main Street expansion that the owners have undertaken, including the first rooftop lounge in the city.\n\n“I visited ‘Quite Possibly the Coolest Store Ever,’ the Hitch’n Post, a family-owned business that has been an icon in Aberdeen for over 50 years and was recently named one of America’s best western retailers.\n\n“And then over at the Meathouse in Andover, I had a conversation about the local agricultural economy … with the ranchers … who run that business and who take pride in their home-raised beef.\n\n“Mr. President, I’ve [also] valued the opportunity I’ve had lately to spend some time hearing from South Dakota’s young people.\n\n“This past month, I’ve been in classrooms in Winner, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls.\n\n“And we’ve had a number of school groups visiting Washington, D.C., as well.\n\n“I attended the Dakota Relays at the beginning of May and then the state track meet this past Friday.\n\n“And last week, I had the privilege of speaking at Boys State at Northern State University and then at Girls State at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.\n\n“Mr. President, it’s always a pleasure to get to talk with young people and to hear what’s on their minds and what their dreams are for their futures.\n\n“And I suppose, Mr. President, that’s because on any given day here in the Senate, that’s what our focus as Republicans boils down to: cultivating a brighter future for young people and for all Americans.\n\n“A future that’s secure.\n\n“With greater prosperity.\n\n“And more opportunities to get ahead.\n\n“That’s our focus here in the Senate, Mr. President.\n\n“And it’s what we continue to work toward every day.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=740AEA4A-0844-4EBA-92AD-A9C23BDB3419", "title": "Thune on Republicans’ Fight to Secure America", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhere to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Last Thursday was the 102nd anniversary of the Border Patrol in this country.\n\n“And as we celebrate 250 years for America, I think it’s interesting to also observe that we have had an agency like … Border Patrol defending our borders now for over 100 years.\n\n“And if you think about what they’ve done just in this last year, it’s pretty remarkable, because what we inherited from the Biden administration was the most open border that we’ve ever seen – literally millions of people crawling, pouring across the border, literally every single year, illegally.\n\n“And in a year’s time, Border Patrol has completely cleaned that up, to the point, as, I think it was the month of April, there was an entire year where there hadn’t been a single illegal released into the country.\n\n“And so a truly remarkable record and a tribute to the men and women, the dedicated men and women who make the Border Patrol work.\n\n“And Rodney Scott, the commissioner, has said that the mission of the Border Patrol has never changed; what has changed is that now their members, their agents, are able to do their jobs, the jobs that lawfully we ask them to do.\n\n“And so, tremendous change from one administration to the other, literally, in the time span of a year, Border Patrol has done just a truly incredible job of securing our southern border.\n\n“And that’s what we are committed to doing as Republicans here in the Senate, and we, as we move forward on the Secure [America] Act this week, intend to ensure that law enforcement – both ICE and CBP – have the resources they need to carry out the responsibilities that they are given by the American people.\n\n“And I believe the American people are on our side on this issue.\n\n“They do not want to defund the police, they don’t want open borders.\n\n“Those are Democrat policies.\n\n“Republican policies are to have the back of law enforcement to ensure they have the resources, the personnel, the technology – everything they need to keep our border secure – and to ensure that our nation’s laws are enforced, so that our communities in this country can be safe and secure for the people who live here, for our families.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-announces-13-million-to-reduce-the-dna-backlog-at-local-police-departments-and-crime-labs", "title": "Maryland Congressional Delegation Announces $1.3 Million to Reduce the DNA Backlog at Local Police Departments and Crime Labs", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) announced $1,322,514 in federal funding to help relieve backlogs of forensic biology and DNA testing impacting Maryland crime labs and local police departments. The funding will help these departments address staffing shortages, provide training, and purchase equipment to increase DNA processing capacity.\n\n“Backlogs in DNA processing can create roadblocks to solving many violent and non-violent crimes. This federal investment will equip local jurisdictions with the tools and resources to process evidence more efficiently and deliver accurate, timely results for the good of Maryland communities,” said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers announced the following grants:\n\n$417,514 to the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division in Pikesville to outsource approximately 168 CODIS-eligible cases to a private laboratory, acquire three mini centrifuges to replace outdated equipment, maintain support for STRmix probabilistic genotyping software, purchase DBLR software to improve the analysis of complex mixtures, and provide 20 continuing education opportunities for staff.\n\n$394,000 to the Baltimore Police Department Crime Laboratory to support the salaries of two sample processing scientists and two sample screening scientists, and to train forensic scientists to continue producing accurate DNA analyses.\n\n$298,000 to the Baltimore County Police Department Crime Laboratory to obtain training and software upgrades to strengthen staff expertise in DNA mixture interpretation and to purchase equipment such as pipettes, a PCR hood, evidence drying lockers, and tablets.\n\n$119,000 to the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory to outsource 11–17 DNA cases to an accredited and licensed laboratory and purchase 15 laptops and 5 rolling carts to enhance mobility, streamline documentation, and support software for DNA interpretation.\n\n$94,000 to the Prince George’s County Police Department, Forensic Science Division, to outsource DNA evidence from backlogged cases.\n\nThe funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) at the Department of Justice through the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program, which the lawmakers have continued to support with robust funding through Congress’s annual appropriations process.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-delivers-commencement-address-at-st-johnsbury-academys-2026-graduation-ceremony/", "title": "Welch Delivers Commencement Address at St. Johnsbury Academy’s 2026 Graduation Ceremony", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ST. JOHNSBURY, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) delivered a commencement address at St. Johnsbury Academy’s 2026 graduation ceremony. Senator Welch expressed support for St. Johnsbury Academy’s mission to cultivate communities that center on respect, are grounded in Vermont values, and embrace a diversity of ideas.\n\n“We’re all aware that right now, things are not going well. There’s an enormous amount of turbulence in civic life. And the question for each of us is: how do we stand up for the Vermont code of freedom and unity? It’s not a world where we want it to be the survival of the fittest. It’s not a world where we want to get ahead at the expense of others. It’s not a world where you can measure your worth by the size of your bank account. We want a world where the values that you have lived by in your four years here at St. Johnsbury—the values that Vermonters have lived by in rural America and here in this wonderful community of St. Johnsbury—really matter,” said Senator Welch.\n\nSenator Welch continued: “The people you disagree with can be your friends. They can have the same values you do; the same commitment to making Vermont a better place; the same desire that their children succeed and be happy. They can have that same animation, that same motivation that you have—even if you disagree. It’s been so important to me, especially in these times where there’s so much division, and where people take such—almost pleasure—in ridiculing those they disagree with to remember the acts of kindness I’ve received along the way so that those values—of friendship, of community, of freedom and unity—apply to all of us.\n\n“So, coming from St. Johnsbury, having been blessed with attending this extraordinary institution that has been here for 183 years, you have been so fortunate to have an education that’s equipped you with a lot of the skills you need, but it’s equipped you with the values that are going to be so essential to your happiness, your capacity to contribute, and to live a full life of purpose and a full life of friendship.”\n\nWatch a livestream of the event below:\n\nEarlier this month, St. Johnsbury Headmaster Dr. Sharon Howell shared her excitement about Senator Welch’s commencement address: “Peter Welch has been a champion of the Northeast Kingdom and clear in his appreciation for both St. Johnsbury Academy and the St. Johnsbury community. He has strong convictions about how people should treat one another as neighbors, Vermonters, and Americans, and he is as good a role model as I can imagine for our young people going into the world at this moment in our history. We are so fortunate that he is joining us to celebrate our 184th Commencement.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-support-vermonts-organic-farmers-and-producers/", "title": "Welch Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Support Vermont’s Organic Farmers and Producers", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legislation would make permanent the USDA grant program that helps organic food producers grow their businesses to meet rising market demand\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined the Domestic Organic Investment Act, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), which would give organic producers tools to increase capacity, modernize their operations, and expand their businesses to meet growing demand. The lawmakers’ bill would make a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program permanent that helps solve supply chain gaps for the organic market by providing grants to farmers and businesses.\n\nWhile certified organic sales have grown to over $76.6 billion in 2026, domestic organic acreage has not kept pace with demand for organic products. U.S. Representatives Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n“Vermont is proud to lead the nation in organic agriculture—13% of farmland in our small state is dedicated to producing world-class organic crops. While our farmers aren’t afraid of the hard work required to meet the rising demand for organic products, supply chain gaps have made it difficult for organic farmers to get shelf space that’s crucial to growing their business,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan push to support America’s organic farmers and keep Vermont’s organic industry strong for years to come.”\n\n“Maine’s organic agriculture industry continues to grow at a rapid pace with the support of federal investments and strong market demand. However, many organic producers still face challenges in expanding their operations and accessing new markets,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would make permanent the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant program and help organic food producers in Maine and across the country modernize their operations, expand their capacity, and better compete in today’s global marketplace.”\n\n“Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland, and to keep that legacy, we need to support our farmers and make sure they can meet the demands of families. With the demand for organic foods continuing to skyrocket, we need to make sure that any farmer who wants to grow their business, has the tools and resources to do it,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m working with Democrats and Republicans so more organic farmers can expand their operations, support good paying jobs, and continue to be the beating heart of our rural communities.”\n\n“I’ve heard directly from Wisconsin’s organic farmers about the challenges they face getting their products to market, and this bill delivers real solutions. By making this program permanent, we’re helping family farmers modernize, expand, and stay competitive in a rapidly growing industry. I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the people who feed our nation,” said Rep. Van Orden.\n\n“Oregon has long been a national leader in organic agriculture, yet too many of our growers still face hurdles when it comes to getting their crops onto grocery store shelves,” said Rep. Salinas. “Whether it’s the lack of modern processing facilities, storage capacity, or the technology needed to stay competitive, these gaps stop family farms across Oregon from reaching their full potential. This bill will invest in our organic growers, supporting local jobs, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring Oregon farmers remain at the forefront of a resilient, innovative organic economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their work to support organic farmers in Oregon and across the country.”\n\nThe Domestic Organic Investment Act would codify the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service. The development program will:\n\nIncrease the capacity of the domestic organic product supply chain for producers, handlers, suppliers, and processors of certified organic products;\n\nModernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems;\n\nImprove the capacity of eligible entities to comply with applicable regulatory requirements or quality standards required to access markets;\n\nExpand capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of certified organic products to create more and better markets for producers of certified organic products; facilitate market development for domestically produced certified organic products;\n\nConduct feasibility studies and market viability assessments to inform organic transition strategies and opportunities;\n\nAddress barriers to entry to organic product certification for historically underserved entities; and\n\nSupport market and promotional activities that help build commercial markets for certified organic products in the United States.\n\nThe Domestic Organic Investment Act is endorsed by Organic Valley, the Organic Trade Association, and the International Fresh Produce Association.\n\n“We are deeply grateful to the sponsoring lawmakers for introducing this important and timely DOIA legislation,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO, Organic Trade Association. “These infrastructure investments will remove long-standing barriers to give organic producers and manufacturers the capacity and resources they need to meet the rapidly growing consumer demand for the benefits of organic.”\n\nRead and download the full text of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-presses-forest-service-chief-on-how-u-s-forest-service-reorganization-plan-endangers-vermonts-forests/", "title": "Welch Presses Forest Service Chief on How U.S. Forest Service Reorganization Plan Endangers Vermont’s Forests", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Sen. Welch: Reorganization is always a tough issue, because it’s legitimate to have fresh eyes on the situation, but the consolidation has real impacts…We have a George Aiken Research Center that is in danger of being closed down. And I want to just point out that consolidation and moving people may ultimately result in some ‘efficiencies,’ but on the other hand, there is enormous value in having people assigned to be placed where they’re doing the work…So, can you speak to me about what’s going to happen to the George Aiken facility?\n\nForest Service Chief Schultz: Yes, sir. So, there’s been no determinations made on any closures. We’re still evaluating sites…What we’re looking at—all of these agreements, all of these structures—can we renegotiate some of those rates? How do we get our cost structure down? Like I said, our biggest issue right now is looking across all of our facilities, knowing that we have a shortfall and how can we best consolidate and save funds. So, there’s been no determination to close that site or that facility.", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-appointment-of-bill-pulte-as-acting-director-of-national-intelligence", "title": "Wyden Statement on Appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pulte Has No Intelligence Experience, Will Make Americans Less Safe and Weaponize Government Surveillance\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the longest-serving member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement on Donald Trump’s announcement that he will appoint Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence.\n\n“Trump is appointing his top political henchman to one of the most important positions for protecting the safety of Americans and preventing terrorist attacks like September 11th,” Wyden said. “Bill Pulte appears to be unscathed by intelligence or any semblance of ethics. Pulte has already used his post at a housing agency to persecute Trump’s political opponents, including Senator Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Leticia James and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook.\n\n“At the ODNI, Pulte will be intimately involved in overseeing FISA Section 702, where he could do vastly more damage and the potential for abuse is nearly unlimited. Bill Pulte’s appointment at ODNI is yet another reason that every single Democrat should refuse to reauthorize Section 702 without strong new safeguards for Americans’ rights.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-alsobrooks-introduce-bill-to-repeal-federal-excise-tax-on-heavy-trucks/", "title": "Young, Alsobrooks Introduce Bill to Repeal Federal Excise Tax on Heavy Trucks", "date": "2026-06-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) introduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act to repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy trucks.\n\nThe 12% excise tax on heavy trucks is the highest excise tax levied on any product in the country. By adding as much as $15,000 to $30,000 to the cost of a new heavy truck, trailer, semitrailer chassis, or tractor, the tax makes it more expensive for trucking companies and independent operators to modernize their fleets. Additionally, because the tax applies only to new vehicle purchases and not used trucks, it creates an incentive to keep older vehicles on the road longer, slowing the adoption of newer trucks that are safer and more fuel-efficient.\n\n“Repealing this tax is a simple step that can help the American trucking industry and consumers,” said Senator Young. “This tax hurts the small businesses and independent truckers that are the core of American trucking, and it promotes the usage of older, less efficient trucks. Cutting the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers will lead to newer, safer, and cleaner trucks on America’s roads.”\n\n“I am proud to partner with Senator Young in introducing the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2026 to repeal the excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This outdated tax incentivizes using older, less efficient trucks. Our bill supports a modern trucking industry allowing for the adoption of newer trucks that are safer and more fuel-efficient. In doing so, the bill supports small businesses, independent truckers, and our environmental goals – it just makes sense.”\n\n“First implemented over a century ago to fund America’s involvement in World War I, the FET currently adds tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of all new heavy-duty trucks and trailers, regardless of whether they run on diesel, alternative fuels, or zero-emission powertrains,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship—particularly for the family businesses and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks and trailers with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to U.S. manufacturing jobs. Our industry is grateful to Senators Young and Alsobrooks for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/06/03/joint-leadership-statement-on-successful-war-powers-resolution-vote/", "title": "JOINT LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL WAR POWERS RESOLUTION VOTE", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar released the following statement:\n\nMore than three months ago, Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth plunged America into a reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East without clear objectives, an exit strategy, public support or the authorization required by the United States Congress. Republicans have since spent billions in taxpayer dollars and carelessly put our brave men and women in uniform into harm’s way while causing gas prices at home to skyrocket out of control.\n\nFollowing repeated attempts to get sycophants in the Republican-controlled House to join us, House Democrats successfully passed our War Powers Resolution today to stand up for the American people and hold Donald Trump accountable. It is now time for Senate Republicans to do the right thing.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1635", "title": "Alford, Missouri Delegation Urge President Trump to Grant Gov. Kehoe’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Mark Alford joined the Missouri congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major federal disaster declaration, which would include Saline County. This comes after the devastating tornadoes and storms that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026.\n\nJoining Congressman Alford in the letter to President Trump are Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07), Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03), and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\n“Dear President Trump,\n\n“We write to support Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s May 22 request for a major federal disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, following devastating tornadoes, straight-line winds, severe storms, large hail, and flooding that struck Missouri from April 23 through April 28, 2026. If approved, this declaration would promptly authorize federal aid for affected residents and compensate local governments for their emergency response and recovery expenses in 12 counties throughout Missouri.\n\n“These recent Missouri storms produced at least eight confirmed tornadoes and record-setting, nearly 5-inch hail. More than 140 households and significant public infrastructure have been affected across the dozen counties. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments by federal, state, and local officials have documented more than $36 million in eligible damages—triple Missouri’s threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance. The damage is well beyond the normal capacity of the affected communities to address without federal assistance.\n\n“We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of Governor Kehoe’s disaster declaration request so that Missouri families, local governments, and first responders can access the federal resources they urgently need.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1637", "title": "Alford Leads Legislation to Strengthen Missing Persons Framework for Those With Disabilities", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) introduced the Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026. This critical legislation will enhance the national missing person alert system, as well as expand state-level first responder training and education, to more fully cover individuals with developmental disabilities and adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia.\n\nThis legislation will help prevent future cases similar to a tragic instance out of Cass County, Missouri where a teen with autism went missing and drowned. Earlier this year, the Missouri legislature passed similar legislation to create a “Purple Alert” system, which now awaits Governor Kehoe’s signature. This bicameral bill brings those efforts to the federal level.\n\n“Families in Missouri and across America should never have to wonder if our alert systems will find their missing loved ones with a developmental or cognitive disability,” said Congressman Alford. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act closes dangerous gaps in our national missing person framework, while ensuring first responders have the training and tools they need to bring vulnerable individuals home safely. Missouri led the way with RJ’s law, and now were bringing those efforts to the federal level. This is commonsense, life-saving legislation that I’m proud to lead.”\n\n“Strengthening our federal alert systems to better protect individuals with intellectual disabilities is commonsense,” said Senator Schmitt. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act will improve existing protocols for disability-specific emergencies and will equip our law enforcement with the tools they need to respond appropriately and save lives.”\n\n\"There are real gaps in our national missing-person alert framework that do not account for individuals with developmental, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities, leaving communities without timely notifications and law enforcement without the training or tools to respond,” said Congressman Smith. “Missouri has already taken action with RJ's Law, and it's time the federal government follows suit. This legislation will strengthen our nation’s missing-person alert systems to give first responders access to the training they need to act fast and save lives.”\n\nRead the text of the legislation here.\n\nBackground:\n\nIndividuals with developmental, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities face significantly higher risks when they go missing, and existing alert systems were not designed with their needs in mind. The current national missing person alert system (Ashanti Alert) criteria does not explicitly account for individuals with developmental disabilities, or adults with dementia or Alzheimer's disease—making clear the need to enhance our alert systems and expand first responder training for these cases.\n\nBy strengthening federal alert systems and providing additional training resources for first responders, this legislation will ensure vulnerable individuals are identified quickly, appropriate search protocols are activated, and communities receive timely, actionable information. These improvements will save lives and provide families and law enforcement with the tools they need to respond effectively.\n\nSummary of the Legislation:\n\nThe Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act strengthens existing national missing-person alert systems and directs states to provide specialized first-responder training and education for cases of missing individuals with disabilities by:\n\nAmending Kristen’s Act to expand the definition of “health care needs” by including developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia.\n\nAmending Kristen’s Act as well as the PROTECT Act to direct states to provide training and educational programs to better respond to missing adult and children with disabilities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1638", "title": "Alford Votes to Pass Interior & Environment Funding Bill Out of Committee", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Alford celebrated the House Appropriations Committee passing the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2027.\n\n\"I was proud to support our Interior and Environment funding bill as it advanced out of committee and take another step forward to delivering almost $4.5 million in responsible investments for the Fourth District,” said Congressman Alford. “This measure delivers on the American people’s mandate by unleashing domestic energy production, bolstering national security through responsible mining and critical minerals development, and cutting wasteful spending. By rejecting radical climate agendas, DEI mandates, and regulatory overreach while protecting public lands access for hunting, fishing, and recreation, we are putting American workers, families, and taxpayers first.\"\n\nThrough his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $4,471,352 in targeted federal investments for projects in the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:\n\n$2,500,000 for Water System Improvements in Knob Noster, MO to strengthen water distribution in the downtown area and other highly populated neighborhoods by extending water lines, modernizing the well house, as well as replacing fire hydrants and water meters.\n\n$1,971,352 for Water Distribution Improvements in Pleasant Hill, MO to ensure system reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term public health protection by replacing nine miles of water main.\n\nAdditional Alford priorities secured in the FY2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill include:\n\nProvisions to protect Missouri farmers’ safe usage of pesticides by requiring EPA Endangered Species Act pesticide reviews to consider usage data, existing conservation practices, and real-world studies, as well as ensuring these reviews are coordinated with USDA.\n\nLanguage to reduce the EPA’s pesticide application review backlog by speeding up application processing using new technologies, tools, and updated review methods for greater efficiency and effectiveness.\n\nA provision preventing the Department of the Interior from prohibiting access to federal lands for hunting, fishing, or recreational shooting, while ensuring temporary closures as well as state authority to manage fish and resident wildlife under state law and regulations remain permitted.\n\nLanguage blocking the EPA from regulating the lead content of ammunition, ammunition components, or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act.\n\nRead more highlights of the legislation here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/passed-ansari-bill-to-develop-standards-for-geothermal-energy", "title": "PASSED: Ansari Bill to Develop Standards for Geothermal Energy", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ansari.house.gov", "scraper": "ansari", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000381", "name": "Yassamin Ansari", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – This week, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Ranking Member of the Energy and Minerals Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee, saw her first bill pass the House of Representatives. The Geothermal Gold Book Development Act establishes clear, consistent procedures and guidelines for geothermal leasing, exploration, permitting, and development. The bill directs the Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to create a “Gold Book” for geothermal energy, mirroring gold books already in use in oil, wind, and solar sectors.\n\n“I’ve spent my whole career working on climate policy; it’s humbling to see my first passed bill as a freshman make it through the House with bipartisan support,” said Ansari. “Harnessing the Earth’s internal heat through geothermal energy is a commonsense, promising source of renewable power. And my bill will ensure that the fastest-growing energy source in the United States can be safely regulated and reviewed by a nationwide, standardized system.”\n\nWATCH Ansari speak about her legislation.\n\nThe bill covers a process for developing the Gold Book, including timing targets and deadlines, project guidelines and content, and other agencies or offices needed for consultation:\n\nWithin 1 year of enactment, BLM must develop standard procedures for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal permitting.\n\nWithin 180 days after that, BLM must publish the Gold Book for use by both field offices and geothermal operators.\n\nThe Gold Book must cover the end-to-end lifecycle of geothermal projects, including:\n\nLand use planning and lease sales\n\nExploration and geophysical operations\n\nPermitting and approval of lease operations\n\nEnvironmental compliance\n\nConstruction and maintenance\n\nDrilling and production operations\n\nAppeals processes\n\nAvailable categorical exclusions at each stage\n\nDevelopment of the Gold Book will involve input from:\n\nRelevant federal agencies, including BLM field offices\n\nPotentially outside stakeholders, including developers\n\nThe Gold Book must be reviewed at least once every 5 years and revised as necessary to reflect new best practices or policy changes.\n\nWATCH last year’s Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources hearing on Ansari’s legislation.\n\nFollow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=737", "title": "Rep. Balint Statement on House Passage of War Powers Resolution to End War in Iran", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted 215–208 to pass a War Powers Resolution directing the President to end U.S. military involvement in Iran without explicit authorization from Congress. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the vote, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke of the administration.\n\n“When I introduced a War Powers Resolution in April, it was because Congress cannot continue to sit on the sidelines while our country is dragged into an unauthorized war. Today’s vote is a long-overdue step toward reasserting our constitutional authority and ending a conflict that has already cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars.\n\n“The President has never explained the war and never received authorization from Congress, yet our service members are being put in danger and families across the country are bearing the cost of higher gas prices, rising costs of living, and the diversion of critical resources away from urgent domestic needs. That is unacceptable. While this resolution does not immediately end military operations, it makes clear that Congress will not be sidelined. The Senate must now act to bring our troops home and stop this madness.”\n\nRep. Balint originally introduced her War Powers Resolution on April 30, 2026, as part of a coordinated effort with members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus to force Congress to vote on ending U.S. military involvement in Iran and reassert its constitutional war powers authority. Rep. Balint has been vocal in her opposition to the war since its beginning, including when she slammed Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought in a Budget Committee hearing for the President’s request of $350 billion of additional funding for the war – the same cost of extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for another ten years.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415676", "title": "Thurs., June 4: Rep. Chris Smith to chair CECC hearing“The PRC’s Threats to Americans: Transnational Repression & State-Level Responses”", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Thursday, June 4th, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), will chair a congressional hearing on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) expanding use of transnational repression and malign influence in the United States, and the growing role of state and local governments in responding to these and other threats.\n\nWe will hear from victims about the tactics used to target them and their families, examine how federal, state, and local governments can better work together to protect Americans, strengthen law enforcement responses, and defend varied U.S. interests from the challenges posed by the PRC.\n\nWHAT: Congressional hearing on how PRC authorities and their proxies seek to intimidate, censor, and silence critics in the United States.\n\nWHEN: Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM\n\nWITNESSES: (Partial list)\n\nHon. Stephen J. Cox, Counsel to the Governor, State of Alaska\n\nHon. Eliot Bostar, Nebraska State Senator\n\nArthur Liu, Owner, Inter-Pacific Law Group\n\nAnna Kwok, Board Director and former Executive Director, Hong Kong Democracy Council\n\nWHERE: 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building and livestreamed here\n\nWHO: Chairman Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), other members of the CECC, and witnesses\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415678", "title": "IANS article on Smith's Tibet Atrocities Determination Act'US lawmakers seek Tibet genocide determination'", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By IANS\n\nPublished June 3, 2026 at 6:32 AM\n\nWashington, June 3 (IANS) Bipartisan lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced legislation requiring the State Department to determine whether China has committed genocide or crimes against humanity against Tibetans, adding fresh congressional pressure on Beijing over its human rights record.\n\nRepresentatives Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, and Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York, on Tuesday introduced the Tibet Atrocities Determination Act, which would require the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment assessing China's actions in Tibet.\n\nThe bill is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Republican Senator Rick Scott and Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley.\n\nIf enacted, the measure would require the State Department to investigate whether Chinese authorities have subjected Tibetans to arbitrary killings, serious bodily or psychological harm, inhumane living conditions, forced displacement, mass detentions, coercive sterilisation and abortions, and the removal of Tibetan children from their families and communities.\n\nThe legislation also calls for a review of Chinese government actions aimed at \"sinicising\" Tibetan Buddhism and repressing Tibetan language and culture. The report would draw on State Department findings and third-party analyses and recommend possible US responses, including sanctions, visa restrictions and diplomatic measures.\n\n\"For far too long, and with complete impunity, the Chinese Communist Party has been committing clear atrocities in Tibet against the Tibetan people,\" Smith said in a statement announcing the legislation.\n\n\"To marshal the clear and concrete actions needed to confront these crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable, we must disclose them by name, plainly and officially,\" he said.\n\n\"The United States must stand alongside them as they fight to stop the erasure of their religion, language, culture, and identity. They deserve the support of every nation committed to freedom and democracy.\"\n\nSuozzi said China's treatment of Tibetans and other minority groups posed a broader challenge to democratic values.\n\n\"The Chinese Communist Party's brutal transnational repression campaign, which targets Tibetans and other ethnic minority groups, is a threat to democracy everywhere,\" he said.\n\n\"I continue to stand with the Tibetans who are demanding independence and the freedom simply to be Tibetan - to speak their language, to practice their religion, and to live freely in their own country.\"\n\nHe added: \"Whether it's Tibetan Buddhists, Uyghur Muslims, or democracy advocates in Hong Kong, we need to stand up to China for its failure to promote basic human rights. We must call out oppression and religious persecution around the world.\"\n\nScott, the Senate sponsor, said the international community should not ignore what he described as abuses in Tibet.\n\n\"Communist China is an evil, despicable regime, and the world can't ignore the genocide happening right now in Tibet,\" Scott said.\n\nHe accused Chinese authorities of carrying out \"systematic killings, torture, forced sterilization, forced displacement, government sanctioned kidnapping, and a myriad of other crimes against humanity in its oppression of the Tibetan people.\"\n\nThe proposed legislation specifically directs the Secretary of State to examine evidence related to systematic killings, torture, psychological intimidation, forced indoctrination, mass detention, deprivation of basic necessities, enforced sterilisation, coercive abortion practices and the transfer of Tibetan children through China's \"colonial boarding school system.\"\n\nTibet has long been a source of friction between China and Western governments.\n\nThis article was published on June 3, 2026 and can be found online at:", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415679", "title": "Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at hearing on TurkeyCan Turkey Find Its Way Back to Freedom? Authoritarian Consolidation versus the Defense of Turkish Democracy", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s June 3rd hearing, entitled “Can Turkey Find Its Way Back to Freedom? Authoritarian Consolidation versus the Defense of Turkish Democracy”:\n\nWelcome to our witnesses, and to everyone joining us this morning. It’s good to see many Turkish Americans in the room. Thank you for your concern about the future of Turkey, and also for your contributions to the United States.\n\nThe title of today’s hearing poses a question of immense importance: can Turkey find its way back to freedom?\n\nMany people now fear that the Erdogan government may have taken Turkey near to a point of no return—that President Erdogan’s government has left democratic institutions so weakened, and power so concentrated, that it will be very difficult to restore civil and political freedom in its most basic aspects: rule of law, free and fair elections, judicial independence, religious freedom, and respect for internationally recognized human rights.\n\nBut the answer to the question will be given by the Turkish people themselves, and that is cause for hope. The Turks are a famously courageous people. Throughout Turkey’s modern history, men and women have defended democratic values, free institutions, and fundamental liberties—sometimes under difficult circumstances—but they made progress. Today, many continue that work, but the situation is more difficult.\n\nPerhaps the most dramatic indication of that is the number of political prisoners in Turkey, today estimated at well over 10,000, including journalists, lawyers, elected officials, academics, civil society leaders, and democracy activists, as well as those imprisoned in abusive use of counterterrorism laws used to target people with links to Hizmet or to banned Kurdish groups.\n\nOne of our witnesses, Serkan Golge, will recount his own harrowing tale of such repression. A U.S. citizen, he was imprisoned by the Turkish government for nearly three years, much of it in solitary confinement. Turkish authorities treated lawful conduct—including his education, the innocent location of his bank account, family relationships, and even possession of a one-dollar bill—as evidence of terrorism. As he writes, “the legal system that imprisoned me... began with a conclusion and then searched backward through my life for facts that could be arranged to support it.”\n\nEven in the case of Turks abroad, standing up for freedom and rule of law requires courage. One of the most disturbing features of the current situation is the government’s record of transnational repression. Freedom House has repeatedly ranked Turkey among the world's most prolific perpetrators of transnational repression, targeting perceived opponents, critics, and dissidents abroad, including Turkish Americans, who have been subject to surveillance, intelligence-gathering, as well as pressure, intimidation and harassment.\n\nOf the hundreds of people imprisoned in Turkey today, the most high-profile individual is Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. He was one of the most popular leaders of political opposition in Turkey, and a likely candidate for president—few credit the “independence” of the prosecutors and judges who arrested him and charged him with leading a criminal organization, along with other opposition figures and elected officials.\n\nHis arrest in March of 2025 came on the very day that his party was expected to nominate him as its candidate for the next presidential election. Since then, he has remained in prison while prosecutors have pursued a series of cases against him and many of his associates. More than 400 of his supporters have also been put on trial. This has marked a critical and ominous turning point—President Erdoğan had previously refrained from arresting his principal electoral rival.\n\nThis, more than anything, prompts the question whether Turkey can find its way back to freedom. The Turkish government appears to be moving from a system in which elections are unfair, but still winnable, for the opposition to one in which, as Andrew O’Donohue states in written testimony, “it has become increasingly doubtful that Turkey's government will allow voters to choose new leaders through elections.”\n\nOur witnesses will address the increasingly systematic use of legal and administrative mechanisms to sideline political opponents, as well as heavy restrictions on freedom of expression, prosecution of journalists, blocking of online content, criminalization of social media activity, and pressure on independent media.\n\nWe will hear about the increasingly systematic use of state institutions to neutralize political opposition and reconfigure the country so as to serve “the political survival, the prerogatives, and the personal preferences of a single individual,” as Henri Barkey will testify.\n\nDenial of religious freedom remains another serious problem. Crippling restrictions on Christian communities include the heavy interference in the internal life of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the continued closure of the Halki Seminary.\n\nYet, despite all of this, elections still matter in Turkey. Erdogan tilts the playing field, but opposition parties compete—and very often, they win. The opposition holds almost half of the seats in the Turkish parliament. Civic engagement remains strong. The desire for accountable government endures.\n\nAs the administration prepares for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, I urge the administration to remind the Turkish government that freedom, rule of law, and democracy are also matters of alliance strength, stability, and security, as Michael Rubin warns in his testimony, and to meet with the Turkish parliamentary opposition.\n\nStrong allies require trusted courts, predictable legal institutions, and confidence that prosecutions are based on evidence rather than politics.\n\nLikewise, NATO allies are strongest when voters have genuine choices and when opposition parties can compete fairly.\n\nAnd likewise, effective counterterrorism requires transparent evidence, fair trials, and public confidence in the justice system.\n\nI look forward to hearing from our witnesses about what the Turkish people can do to defend their freedom and the best of their culture and national traditions from the abuses we have seen in recent years—and what policies Congress and the U.S. government should pursue to support them.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415684", "title": "Tibetan Review article on Smith's Tibet Atrocities Determination Act'Companion House Bill asks US to investigate China's crime-against-humanity atrocities in Tibet'", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Tibetan Review\n\nPublished June 3, 2026\n\nA House companion resolution has been introduced in the US Congress on Jun 2, requiring the State Department to compile and submit a comprehensive report to Congress on whether the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has committed acts of genocide and/or crimes against humanity against Tibetans in Tibet.\n\nThis HR 9085, titled as Tibet Atrocities Determination Act, is the House companion legislation to S. 4432, introduced earlier this year on Apr 29 by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the Senate chamber.\n\nThe bicameral, bipartisan legislation specifically mandates the Secretary of State to investigate whether the PRC has subjected the Tibetan people to arbitrary killings, serious bodily or psychological harms, inhumane living conditions, forced displacement and mass detentions, coercive sterilizations and abortions, and the involuntary removal of Tibetan children from their families and communities, said the two Senators in a Press Release Jun 2.\n\nThe report, which the Secretary of State must submit to the appropriate congressional committees no later than one year after the enactment of the law, requires an evidentiary basis for the determination, including documentation of specific acts and policies; a review of actions and statements by the PRC government intended to sinicize Tibetan Buddhism or repress Tibetan language and culture that contribute to policies resulting in genocide or crimes against humanity against the Tibetan people.\n\nIt also requires findings from Department of State reports and credible third-party analyses, and recommendations for United States policy responses, including, but not limited to, potential sanctions, visa restrictions and diplomatic actions.\n\nRep. Chris Smith, Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), has said: “For far too long, and with complete impunity, the Chinese Communist Party has been committing clear atrocities in Tibet against the Tibetan people. To marshal the clear and concrete actions needed to confront these crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable, we must disclose them by name, plainly and officially. The United States must stand alongside them as they fight to stop the erasure of their religion, language, culture, and identity. They deserve the support of every nation committed to freedom and democracy.”\n\nLikewise, Rep. Tom Suozzi has said: “The Chinese Communist Party’s brutal transnational repression campaign, which targets Tibetans and other ethnic minority groups, is a threat to democracy everywhere. I continue to stand with the Tibetans who are demanding independence and the freedom simply to be Tibetan – to speak their language, to practice their religion, and to live freely in their own country. Whether it’s Tibetan Buddhists, Uyghur Muslims, or democracy advocates in Hong Kong, we need to stand up to China for its failure to promote basic human rights. We must call out oppression and religious persecution around the world.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://clarke.house.gov/reps-clarke-van-duyne-and-foushee-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-digital-content-creators-with-visual-artistic-protections/", "title": "REPS. CLARKE, VAN DUYNE, AND FOUSHEE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE DIGITAL CONTENT CREATORS WITH VISUAL ARTISTIC PROTECTIONS", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "domain": "clarke.house.gov", "scraper": "clarke", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001067", "name": "Yvette D. Clarke", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nJune 3, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) announce the introduction of the Creative Rights Ensuring Artists’ Technique and Originality Are Reserved (CREATOR) Act, legislation designed to safeguard visual artists from the unauthorized commercial exploitation of their unique and creative artistic styles in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).\n\nThe CREATOR Act reflects the Congressional Creators Caucus’ broader mission to support creators and to foster policies that promote innovation while protecting intellectual property rights, economic opportunity, and overall creativity. Specifically, the legislation would establish a new federal right that protects visual artists from the unauthorized commercial use and public distribution of AI-generated works that constitute a stylistic impersonation of their art. This legislation was inspired by the creators, artists, and stakeholders engaged through the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus, which Rep. Clarke co-founded alongside Rep. Beth Van Duyne, to elevate the voices of digital content creators and entrepreneurs in federal policymaking.\n\n“Creators and artists have been sounding the alarm about the misuse of their work and identities by AI systems,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “As AI continues to evolve rapidly, Congress must work to ensure resources and protections are in place to support content creators in succeeding in this new era of start-ups and meet the moment. Through the Congressional Creators Caucus, we have heard directly from individuals whose livelihoods depend on their intellectual property and creative expression. The CREATOR Act is a direct response to those concerns and represents an important step toward ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of the creators who drive it. I want to thank my colleagues for working on this bipartisan legislation and delivering on our promise to create an economy for the next generation of entrepreneurship in America.”\n\n“Since launching the Congressional Creators Caucus, I’ve had the privilege of hearing directly from an incredible and growing community of creators across this country,” said Congresswoman Van Duyne. “Artists, illustrators, and designers in every district are watching their livelihoods be undercut by AI tools deliberately impersonating them, but right now, the law has no answer for it. These are people who have spent a lifetime building their creative identity – they deserve protection. I have heard loud and clear that this is a growing problem across the industry, and the CREATOR Act is a direct response. I’m glad to be leading this bipartisan effort alongside Representatives Clarke and Foushee, taking direct aim at the bad actors who knowingly use AI to fake an artist’s identity for commercial gain.”\n\n“Creative jobs and workers must be supported as AI threatens to disrupt their livelihoods and exploit creative work. As we work to establish guardrails that protect our communities, ensuring that AI-generated content cannot deliberately replicate a visual artists’ distinctive style without consent is critical to protecting artistic expression, preserving our nation’s vibrancy, and advancing civil rights,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “AI companies are reshaping our economy and society faster than our laws have kept pace, often without adequate transparency or accountability, and Congress must make regulating this technology a priority. I’m proud to join Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Yvette Clarke in introducing the CREATOR Act to strengthen protections for artists from AI misuse and prevent the unauthorized commercialization of AI-generated imitations of their work. I look forward to continuing to push for legislation that puts people over Big Tech.”\n\n“AI has the power to supercharge human creativity — but only if creators have rights that match the realities of the technology. There are no existing frameworks that can defend against AI-driven style imitation, and in the age of AI, that gap leaves creators and artists increasingly vulnerable. The CREATOR Act closes that gap by establishing a federal right protecting visual artists’ signature styles from intentional, commercial AI-enabled impersonation and giving creators meaningful recourse. We commend Representatives Van Duyne, Clarke, and Foushee for introducing this legislation. The artists who power America’s $1.2 trillion creative economy have earned this protection, and we urge Congress to move quickly to advance this important bill,” saidLouise Pentland, Chief Legal Officer, Adobe.\n\n“As an illustrator, my identity and career come from years of dedication to my craft derived from personal experience. With my podcast, I amplified Latinx artists who have likewise spent years building their own inimitable style. When AI is used to replicate work without consent, it’s so much more damaging than just copying an image; it’s profiting unfairly off of someone else’s creative vision, skill, and dedication. The CREATOR Act would give artists like me a real legal right to protect our work, and I’m proud to support it,” said Fabiola Lara, a Philadelphia-based Illustrator.\n\n“For the past 10 years, I’ve worked to build a creative style and visual identity that reflects my story, perspective, and lived experience as a photographer and multimedia artist. My work is deeply personal to who I am and how I connect with others. Seeing AI systems replicate the work and likeness of creators without consent is terrifying, especially for independent artists whose creativity is directly tied to their livelihood. The CREATOR Act is an important step toward giving creators legal protection and accountability when AI is used to imitate or profit from our work without permission. I’m proud to support the CREATOR Act and grateful to Representatives Beth Van Duyne, Yvette Clarke, and Valerie Foushee for championing legislation that helps protect the future of creative work,” said Alexsey Reyes, Houston-based photographer and multimedia artist.\n\n“AI can now mimic a photographer’s visual identity with alarming precision, and the law has not kept pace. The CREATOR Act would give visual artists a layer of protection they’ve needed for a long time. I’ve been part of the Content Authenticity Initiative since its inception, and to me, this legislation is a critical next step in making that work matter in the real world,” said Andrew Scrivani, DC-based photographer, author, and multimedia artist.\n\n“The Graphic Artists Guild applauds Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Yvette D. Clark for their efforts to protect the rights of artists, illustrators, designers, and other creators as artificial intelligence technologies become increasingly integrated into creative industries. Artists deserve meaningful protections against the unauthorized use and exploitation of their distinctive styles, and they should have clear avenues for recourse when bad actors misuse generative AI systems to imitate or profit from their work without consent,” said the Graphic Artists Guild.\n\n“BSA commends Representatives Van Duyne and Clarke for their work and introduction of the CREATOR Act to support America’s visual artist communities. The legislation is an important step in the broader effort to protect visual artists from the intentional dissemination and sale of AI-generated outputs that unfairly compete and mislead the public,” said Aaron Cooper, Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Business Software Alliance (BSA).\n\n“The PLUS Coalition commends Representatives Van Duyne and Clarke for their bipartisan leadership in advancing protections and accountabilities as generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into creative, educational, cultural, research, and commercial industries. Their efforts recognize the need to balance innovation with meaningful safeguards and clarified boundaries for the broad ecosystem of stakeholders who create, preserve, manage, license, and rely on creative content. As AI technologies continue to evolve, stakeholders will benefit from readily apparent guardrails supporting informed decisions about the use of creative works, styles, identities, and intellectual assets; meaningful protections against unauthorized exploitation; and effective mechanisms to address misuse when it occurs. Fostering trust in the digital ecosystem is essential to sustaining a vibrant and innovative creative economy,” said Professor Jeffrey Sedlik, President, PLUS Coalition.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nRelated Materials\n\nExclusive: Bipartisan members introduce new bill to protect creators from AI style theft\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-votes-to-stop-illegal-iran-war", "title": "CORREA VOTES TO STOP ILLEGAL IRAN WAR", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Iran War Powers Resolution, which directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from Iran that have not been authorized by Congress:\n\n“This illegal war in Iran has gone on for 95 days, over twice as long as the four to six weeks promised by the Administration and 35 days over the threshold required for Congressional authorization. Sadly thirteen U.S. servicemembers have lost their lives and hundreds have been wounded because of this reckless war.\n\n“This is the fourth time I have voted to end this unjustified war. I am pleased this measure has finally passed the House and call on the President to immediately remove unauthorized U.S. troops from Iran.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6943", "title": "Dingell Introduces Legislation to Address Safety Defects that Allow Firearms to Discharge Without Pulling the Trigger", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) reintroduced the Defective Firearms Protection Act, a bill that would address safety defects in firearms similarly to any other consumer product by issuing safety warnings and recalls if necessary. Currently, firearms are excluded from the definition of a consumer product, which prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)from addressing safety issues in firearms. The timing of the bill coincides with Gun Violence Prevention Month.\n\n“Every product sold in America, except guns, is subject to federal health and safety regulations. This means that faulty firearms that misfire, discharge without a trigger pull, or fail in other ways that can kill, stay on shelves because nobody has the authority to pull them,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “The Defective Firearms Protection Act would fix that, targeting defective weapons that should never be on the marketplace in the first place. No industry should be above basic safety standards, because a gun that doesn’t work right is a danger to the person holding it and everyone around them.”\n\nThe Defective Firearms Protection Act would help prevent such accidents by removing barriers in current law that prevent the CPSC from addressing defective pistols, revolvers, or firearms.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4347", "title": "DelBene, Bonamici Introduce Bill to Boost Manufacturing Job Opportunities for Veterans", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced legislation to expand opportunities for veterans to gain long-term, good-paying manufacturing jobs by boosting training options for service members transitioning from military to civilian life. The Manufacturing Jobs for Veterans Act would invest $50 million into creating veteran manufacturing pilot programs that will offer targeted training and apprenticeships from employers and labor-management organizations.\n\nAccording to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 296,000 veterans are unemployed and struggling to find jobs. This includes approximately 6,000 veterans in Washington. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector faces a pressing need for skilled workers, with approximately 462,000 job openings and a projected 2 million vacancies in the next decade, largely due to a skills gap in advanced manufacturing.\n\nThis legislation would bridge this gap by expanding access to skills training for U.S. veterans in manufacturing career pathways, ensuring veterans have the tools needed to translate their military skills to the civilian workforce, and encouraging manufacturers to recruit, hire, and train our nation’s returning heroes.\n\n“Our veterans deserve access to well-paying, fulfilling jobs when they reenter civilian life,” said DelBene. “This bill aims to give veterans the tools they need to secure adequate employment, while addressing a growing shortage of skilled manufacturing workers. Veterans possess invaluable skills and expertise, and this legislation will help ensure they can thrive in a post-service career.”\n\n“We have a responsibility to care for veterans, and that includes helping them transition to quality civilian jobs when their service ends,” said Bonamici. “Creating more career pathways for veterans will help connect them with well-paying jobs and strengthen the companies that gain qualified employees. I’m grateful to lead this legislation with Rep. DelBene to support veterans.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4348", "title": "Trump Tries New Sham Effort to Reimpose Tariffs on Americans", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ICYMI: DelBene calls out administration’s top trade official weeks ago for ‘just going through the motions … when we all know how this ends’\n\nRelated News\n\nDelBene, Steube Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Employee Benefit Flexibility\n\nApril 15, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nDelBene Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Trump’s Latest Tariffs, Refund to Importers\n\nApril 9, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nDelBene Discusses Tariffs, AI with WA Small Businesses\n\nApril 2, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nAnniversary of Trump’s Tariffs Marked by Higher Prices, Weaker Economy\n\nApril 1, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/6/fitzpatrick-statement-on-iran-war-powers-resolution", "title": "Fitzpatrick Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "When it comes to the conflict in Iran, these two statements of fact remain: 1) The world is a safer place after Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been degraded, and; 2) We are a nation of the rule of law and three independent, co-equal branches of government.\n\nWe must keep the world safe, and we must also follow the law. The War Powers Act of 1973 states that any conflict exceeding 60 days must be brought to Congress. Today was the second War Powers Resolution that was brought to the House Floor following the expiration of this 60-day clock. The law, as it is currently written, requires that the matter now be brought to Congress. That is why I voted in favor of today’s resolution. We must follow the law.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7377", "title": "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Require President To Follow Constitution", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "fletcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fletcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000468", "name": "Lizzie Fletcher", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for a resolution to direct President Trump to terminate the use of the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly makes a declaration of war or authorizes use of military force against Iran (H.Con.Res. 86).\n\n“The United States Constitution states clearly that Congress has the sole authority and solemn responsibility to declare war. It is a foundational principle of American democracy, designed to ensure that the American people have a say in decisions of war and peace through their elected representatives.\n\n\"Since February, the President has refused to seek authorization from the American people for this war, has failed to come to Congress to make the case, and has failed to evidence of an imminent threat to the United States to justify this action.\n\n“Today’s vote is about whether the President of the United States must follow the Constitution. After four attempts—all of which I have voted for—the House has affirmed that principle. The Senate should now do the same.”\n\nH.Con.Res. 86 passed by a vote of 215-208. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-secures-full-funding-for-federal-agency-investigating-mill-incident-in-longview", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Secures Full Funding for Federal Agency Investigating Mill Incident in Longview", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier today, the House Appropriations Committee adopted Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s amendment adding over $5 million dollars to fully fund the Chemical Safety Board (CSB), the independent agency investigating the chemical tank failure at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview, WA.\n\nThe CSB is charged with investigating the facts, conditions, circumstances and the cause of any accidental chemical release that results in a fatality, serious injury or substantial property damage.\n\nThe President’s FY2027 budget proposed eliminating funding for the CSB. The amendment offered by Gluesenkamp Perez would fully fund CSB at $14 million, consistent with funding in FY2026. In FY2026, the President’s budget called for the elimination of the CSB’s funding entirely. The House bill would have funded CSB at $8.2 million, but was later upped to $14 million by the Senate.\n\n“The thing that’s really clear to me, from the conversations I’m having, is that families and workers deserve answers,” said Gluesenkamp Perez, “They need to know what happened here, and that in the future someone will be looking out for them so they make it home safe every night. The CSB is an important part of that, and they need the resources to do their job properly.”\n\nGluesenkamp Perez is a longtime advocate for American manufacturing and American workers. The CSB plays a critical role in ensuring that trades jobs are safe, and that manufacturing facilities stay open. Full funding means they will have the resources they need to appropriately conduct investigations and make recommendations to make sure we have a well supported skilled workforce.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6089", "title": "Rep. Jimmy Gomez Votes to End Trump’s War in Iran and Reassert Congress’s Authority", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following House passage of the Iran War Powers Resolution, Rep. Gomez released the following statement:\n\n“This was the fourth time I voted to end Trump’s reckless war in Iran, and today, after months of delays, procedural roadblocks, and even an attempt by Republicans to cancel the vote altogether, the American people’s representatives passed this resolution and made their position undeniable: Trump must end this war.\n\n“Trump blew past the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution, then tried to tell the American people this war was suddenly ‘over’ while U.S. troops remained deployed and military operations continued.\n\n“Families across the country have had enough. They are paying the price for Trump’s chaos through higher costs and growing uncertainty. American service members have paid the highest price of all, and more families have been forced to bear the unimaginable loss of a loved one because of this war. All while Trump refuses to take responsibility for the mess he created.\n\n“The American people’s representatives have spoken. The Senate should pass this resolution immediately and send it to the President’s desk. Trump is out of excuses and out of room to pretend this war exists outside the law. He must end it now.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6094", "title": "Rep. Gomez on What Comes Next Following Passage of the Iran War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Gomez breaks down the Iran War Powers Resolution and what it means moving forward:\n\nWatch full video here", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=22548673-F874-4371-9315-BFDD3C448AAA", "title": "Gooden Backs Trump Effort to Restore Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gooden.house.gov", "scraper": "gooden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000589", "name": "Lance Gooden", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in support of President Trump's renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in the ongoing lawsuit, The Cultural Landscape Foundation v. U.S. Department of the Interior.\n\nThe suit was filed in early May by the nonprofit The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), seeking to halt the Trump administration’s modernization and resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which began in mid-April.\n\n“Only in Washington would activists sue to stop the restoration of one of America’s most iconic landmarks,” said Rep. Gooden. “President Trump is working to restore beauty and pride to our nation’s capital, while his opponents would rather leave the Reflecting Pool deteriorating just to score political points against him.”\n\nDefending the administration’s right to proceed with the project, the Congressman’s brief highlights the lack of legal grounds for an emergency halt.\n\nIn the brief, Gooden asserts, “[The] Plaintiffs have not demonstrated the imminent, irreparable harm that equitable principles demand before a court grants extraordinary preliminary injunctive relief.” Gooden also argues that the disagreement over the shade of the sealant at the base of the pool “does not rise to the level of severity contemplated by the D.C. Circuit’s irreparable-harm standard.”\n\nThe brief was featured in anexclusive article by the Washington Reporter.\n\nThe text of the brief can be foundhere.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-backed-bipartisan-resolution-to-rein-in-trumps-war-of-choice-in-iran-passes-the-house/", "title": "Goodlander-Backed Bipartisan Resolution to Rein in Trump’s War of Choice in Iran Passes the House", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution, a bill Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander helped lead (NH-02). It passed the House 215-208 and rebukes President Trump’s unauthorized war of choice in Iran.\n\n“We did a good thing for our Constitution and our country today. Congress sent a very simple and unequivocal message to the Commander in Chief: if you are going to take America to war, you have to make your case to the American people and you have to get congressional authorization,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Going to war is the single most significant and consequential decision a government can make — and the costs are measured in lives lost and families forever changed. Today, we honored our Constitution and did the people’s work.”\n\nAs a co-sponsor of the bill and a Navy veteran, Goodlander has repeatedly pushed for greater congressional oversight over the war in Iran and led efforts to reassert congressional authority over war powers. She has co-sponsored multiple war powers resolutions and previously supported legislation to prohibit taxpayer funds from being used to fund the war.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/statement-gottheimer-commends-governor-sherrill-ag-davenport-for-decisive-action-against-violent-protests-at-delaney-hall", "title": "STATEMENT: Gottheimer Commends Governor Sherrill, AG Davenport for Decisive Action Against Violent Protests at Delaney Hall", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, June 3, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:\n\n“I want to commend Governor Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport for their decisive action to protect the community from out-of-state, lawless protestors at Delaney Hall Detention Facility. Instead of peacefully protesting in the designated areas, these groups have knocked over barriers and utilized combat gear, putting Jersey families, law enforcement, and federal workers in harm’s way – causing significant damage to surrounding neighborhoods. The unruly, out-of-state protestors have also prevented families from visiting loved ones at the detention center.\n\nThese acts of destruction and violence do not reflect our values as a state. While I believe deeply in free speech, I do not support violent protests, the destruction of property, or attacks that endanger Jersey families and law enforcement.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-reacts-to-dismissal-of-removal-proceedings-against-daca-recipient-karla-toledo", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Reacts to Dismissal of Removal Proceedings Against DACA Recipient Karla Toledo", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "***En Español Abajo***\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after the removal proceedings against Karla Toledo were dismissed. Karla is a DACA recipient who was detained by ICE in Tucson despite having active DACA status and having lived in the United States since she was brought to the country at one year old. Rep. Grijalva visited Karla immediately on the day of her detainment and later responded to ICE’s attempt to demonize her.\n\n“While I am very happy for Karla and her family, they should have never had to go through this incredibly traumatic ordeal. No one should have the sanctity of their home violated by masked agents storming in without a judicial warrant. ICE must be held accountable for their actions, as well as for their smear campaign against Karla following her detainment.\n\n“Karla’s case underscores the cruelty of this administration’s mass deportation agenda, which is now targeting DACA recipients. She has lived in this country since she was one year old and has dedicated herself to serving our community – helping recruit healthcare workers, serving on local boards, and volunteering her time to improve the place she calls home. We should be providing DREAMers like Karla with a clear pathway to citizenship. Instead, this administration is terrorizing our communities, separating families, and targeting people who have spent their lives contributing to the only country they have ever called home.”\n\nA video statement is available here.\n\nEn Español:\n\n“Aunque me alegra mucho que Karla y su familia hayan recibido esta noticia, nunca debieron haber pasado por una experiencia tan dolorosa y traumática. Nadie debería ver su hogar invadido por agentes con el rostro cubierto que entran sin una orden de un juez. ICE debe rendir cuentas por sus acciones y también por los ataques e intentos de difamar a Karla después de su detención.”\n\nEl caso de Karla demuestra la crueldad de la política cruel de deportaciones masivas de esta administración, que ahora también está afectando a personas con DACA. Karla ha vivido en este país casi toda su vida y ha dedicado su tiempo a servir a su comunidad: ayudando a reclutar trabajadores de la salud, participando en juntas locales y ofreciendo su tiempo como voluntaria para mejorar el lugar que considera su hogar. Deberíamos darles a los DREAMers como Karla un camino claro para obtener la ciudadanía. En cambio, esta administración está sembrando miedo en nuestras comunidades, separando familias y persiguiendo a personas que han pasado toda su vida contribuyendo al único país que conocen como su hogar.\n\nUna declaración en video está disponible aquí.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-statement-on-house-passage-of-iran-war-powers-resolution", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Statement on House Passage of Iran War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the below statement following the passage of the Iran War Powers resolution directing President Trump to cease unauthorized military hostilities in Iran:\n\n“Trump’s illegal and reckless war in Iran has already cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and claimed the lives of 13 servicemembers. At a time when families are struggling to afford groceries, gas, rent, and healthcare, Trump has chosen to pour billions of taxpayer dollars on yet another endless war while driving up costs for families here at home.\"\n\n\"More than three months after Trump launched this conflict, we are no closer to peace, no closer to greater security, and no closer to preventing a nuclear Iran. This war has been an absolute failure from the start, which is why House Republicans are beginning to join Democrats in demanding an end to it. The American people are tired of footing the bill for endless wars while their own costs keep rising.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=266EA7B5-A7D4-488F-99F1-011A8060838D", "title": "Congressman Rogers Advances $35 Million for Coal Country Economic Revitalization Projects & Infrastructure", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced $35 million for Kentucky projects passed a critical hurdle on Wednesday after being approved by the House Appropriations Committee in the fiscal year 2027 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill.\n\nThe federal funding bill invests in key infrastructure projects, champions American energy dominance, strengthens national security, reins in burdensome red tape and slashes unnecessary EPA funding.\n\n“This bill includes big wins for Eastern Kentucky, by creating jobs and spurring economic development where it’s needed the most, improving our water and wastewater systems, and protecting some of life’s simple joys, like hunting and fishing on federal lands,” said Congressman Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee. “We’re putting former coal mine lands back into productive use with innovative projects across Kentucky’s Appalachian region, ensuring that the future gets brighter every day in the mountains.”\n\nCoal country will also be infused with another round of funding in the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant program, first created by Congressman Rogers in 2016. The AMLER grant program will receive $135 million, including $29 million for Kentucky alone.\n\nIt includes four of Congressman Rogers’ Community Project Funding requests for 2027:\n\n$1.5 million for the Knott County Water and Sewer System Improvements Project, which will modernize water and wastewater treatment operations for homes, schools and businesses.\n\n$1.5 million for the U.S. 150 Corridor Waterline Project, to build a transmission line through Lincoln County to support water reliability and industrial growth.\n\n$1.5 million for the Pikeville Wastewater and Water Infrastructure Modernization Project, to replace corroded infrastructure in a major regional water supply hub.\n\n$1.5 million for the Middlesboro Wastewater System Improvements Project, which will expand capacity and modify the current wastewater treatment plant.\n\nKentucky’s rural counties with federal land will also benefit from the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which is fully funded with $650 million.\n\nThe bill now moves on for a vote in the House.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=881", "title": "Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Relieve Healthcare Provider Shortage by Boosting Job Opportunities for Veterans", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/", "domain": "hamadeh.house.gov", "scraper": "hamadeh", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001098", "name": "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, in keeping with his commitment to our nation’s service members and veterans, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced the Medic Education and Deployment into Civilian (MEDIC) Careers Act. This legislation aims to ease the healthcare provider shortage and provide more job opportunities for veterans.\n\nAs part of his continuing effort to work across the aisle for the benefit of our nation’s Service Members and Veterans, the Medic Education and Deployment into Civilian (MEDIC) Careers Act is co-led by Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. of Oregon (OR-03).\n\n\"This legislation is a no-nonsense, cost-effective solution to the critical healthcare provider shortage crippling our communities,\" said Congressman Abe Hamadeh. \"Even better, this bill will supercharge the Department of War's ability to help our veterans secure meaningful jobs with healthcare providers, putting America’s heroes to work where they’re needed most.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nNurses are the largest group of health care professionals, but because of an aging population and workforce, increased prevalence in chronic illness, and provider burnout, an estimated 275,000 additional nurses with every level of experience will be needed by 2030 to meet demand.\n\nMilitary medics provide emergency medical care and treatment in combat, as well as in hospitals, clinics, and field units. The required certifications to serve as a military medic vary across branches, and not all certification requirements have a civilian equivalent. Because of these varying requirements, existing transition assistance programs for service members are not always effective for health care personnel.\n\nIn 2023, more than 173,000 health care personnel served in the United States Armed Services, but lack of uniformity within the state-based civilian credentialing system can make it difficult to identify how military experience and training translates to the civilian health care workforce.\n\nAbout the Legislation\n\n• Identifies barriers to standardizing military medic credentials and experience within the individual branches of the armed forces and aligning those requirements with civilian credentials and requirements.\n\n• Identifies barriers to increasing the availability and accessibility of preparatory activities within DoD’s transition assistance programs, specifically within the health care sector.\n\n• Considers the potential impacts of states clarifying the civilian equivalents of certain military credentials and experience in health care and the implementation of certain programs to bridge military medic credentials and civilian health care credentials.\n\n• Update an existing Department of Defense grant program to support eligible civilian health care providers and service members in hiring, training or retraining, and retention efforts.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-and-house-democrats-force-successful-vote-on-war-powers-resolution", "title": "REP. HOYLE AND HOUSE DEMOCRATS FORCE SUCCESSFUL VOTE ON “WAR POWERS RESOLUTION”", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Hoyle and House Democrats, joined by some of their Republican colleagues voted to pass the “War Powers Resolution” on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in a rebuke to the Administration over its unconstitutional, illegal, and immoral war with Iran.\n\n“This war is unconstitutional, immoral, and a costly forever war that no American wants. According to the Constitution: The President does not have the authority to declare war. That authority rests solely with Congress,” said Rep. Hoyle.“Our friends and family are dying in an illegal war that has cost Americans 50 billion dollars. People are going hungry and losing their homes over rising costs and instead of addressing these issues, the Administration slaps them with a bill for a war they have no exit plan for. Enough is enough.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/06/03/jayapal-statement-on-iran-war-powers-vote/", "title": "Jayapal Statement on Iran War Powers Vote", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding how she would have voted had she been able to be present for today’s War Powers Resolution vote, which passed 215-208.\n\n“Today, I am in India with my mother due to an unforeseen health emergency that required my presence. Had I been in Washington, D.C., I would have voted YES on the War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s illegal war in Iran.\n\n“Since President Trump’s illegal war of choice on Iran began, I have been extremely clear over and over again that Congress alone has the power to declare war. This war has had disastrous effects for the American people and for the world in the nearly 100 days since Trump began it without congressional approval. Waged with absolutely no imminent threat and no endgame, this war has already killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and injured many more; killed thousands of civilians in Iran and Lebanon, and displaced millions more; wasted billions in U.S. taxpayer dollars that should have been spent on lowering healthcare and housing costs for Americans; and all while causing gas prices and grocery costs to skyrocket. The simple truth is that the American people are paying the price for Trump’s lawlessness.\n\n“Every day that this war continues is a violation of our Constitution. Today, Congress took a critically important step to reassert our power and stand against costly forever wars. Both the House and the Senate have now made clear in a bipartisan way: It’s past time for Donald Trump to end this war.”\n\nJayapal leads a War Powers Resolution that was introduced in April.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/03/joint-leadership-statement-on-successful-war-powers-resolution-vote/", "title": "JOINT LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL WAR POWERS RESOLUTION VOTE", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Know Your Immigration Rights\n\nIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.\n\nAsk for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.\n\nYour right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.\n\nAlways consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.\n\nThe New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/03/leader-jeffries-on-ms-now-todd-blanche-is-not-qualified-to-be-the-united-states-attorney-general/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “TODD BLANCHE IS NOT QUALIFIED TO BE THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL”", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s The Last Word, where he made clear that Donald Trump and sycophantic Republicans failed the American people with their reckless and unpopular war of choice, which is why Democrats successfully passed a War Powers Resolution to hold them accountable and remain committed to driving down the high cost of living.\n\nLAWRENCE O’DONNELL: Leading off our discussion tonight is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Mr. Leader, thank you very much for joining us tonight. I want to begin with your reaction to this breaking news of Todd Blanche, Donald Trump’s criminal defense lawyer, now being likely offered for Senate confirmation to the permanent role of Attorney General.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Good evening, Lawrence. Great to be with you. Todd Blanche is not qualified to be the Deputy Attorney General, the Acting Attorney General and he certainly is not qualified to be the United States Attorney General. The role of that particular position is to serve as the people’s lawyer. Todd Blanche has been acting like Donald Trump’s lawyer, which was his former position. But he has failed to transition in terms of behaving in the best interest of the American people. And we know this based on example after example, most recently his decision to help initiate the corrupt $1.8 billion slush fund, which they’ve only backed away from temporarily because of intense public pressure.\n\nLAWRENCE O’DONNELL: I want to get your reaction to what you see in the congressional map as of last night. I know this is difficult because California is still counting votes, but there was a redistricting in California specifically designed by the Democrats to deliver more Democrats from California to the House of Representatives. How is that looking as of today, if you can tell anything about it? And what about the rest of the map nationally?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: When it’s all said and done, we believe we’ll pick up an additional five seats in California. And in Texas, by way of example, the Republicans who claim that they’re going to pick up five seats will be fortunate if they gain two or three. So we’ll net more out of California than they’ll net out of Texas. And then when we go state after state after state, despite the Republican efforts to try to gerrymander the national congressional map as part of their toxic scheme to rig the midterm elections, they’re going to be unsuccessful. They will not get four seats out of Florida. They will fall far short of that. And of course, Democrats stand poised to pick up seats all across the country because Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress has been a failure. Costs haven’t gone down. Costs have gone up. Life has gotten more expensive. Republicans have gotten us into this reckless and costly war of choice over in the Middle East when Donald Trump promised to stop wars, not start them. And I think the American people increasingly recognize that, if they want a Congress that actually is designed to make life better for the American people, you’ve got to put Democrats in charge. We will actually focus on driving down the high cost of living and fixing our broken healthcare system.\n\nLAWRENCE O’DONNELL: You know, I sat on this program when I saw Speaker Johnson put the House in a recess because he didn’t think he had enough votes to defend against the War Powers Resolution that you were forcing a vote on in the House. I said at the time, if you put them into recess, when they come back, you’re going to have fewer votes. That’s what happens when House Members go home to districts, facing something very unpopular like Donald Trump’s war. It’s not—it didn’t seem to me there was any chance of Republicans coming back with more votes to support Donald Trump’s war, and that’s what we saw today.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: That’s absolutely right. This is an example of justice delayed not being justice denied. We’re thankful for the leadership of the once and future Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Greg Meeks, and all of the Members of the House Democratic Caucus who pushed this forward. The American people have turned against this war from the very beginning. It’s deeply unpopular. The war has actually made life more expensive for the American people. Gas prices are through the roof. This is already on top of a failing Trump-Republican economy and the Trump tariffs, which have caused prices to increase by thousands of dollars per year for everyday Americans. And as of the moment, Iran is in a stronger position than they were prior to the war being started, particularly because they have control of the Strait of Hormuz. And so, what we need at this moment is for Senate Republicans to do the right thing—now that the House has acted decisively—reclaim our authority as the only branch of government with the power to declare war. That hasn’t happened. We need to end this and end this now. And Republicans in the Senate can do the right thing by the American people over the next few days. And we’re hopeful that they’ll do just that.\n\nLAWRENCE O’DONNELL: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you very much for starting off our coverage tonight.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/06/03/lawmakers-call-for-investigation-into-prediction-market-platforms/", "title": "Lawmakers Call for Investigation into Prediction Markets", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – A group of lawmakers led by U.S. Reps. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) are urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate whether new online prediction market platforms are engaging in unfair and deceptive practices that mislead consumers.\n\nInternet-based prediction markets allow users to buy and sell contracts tied to the outcome of real-world events – effectively enabling a seamless way to gamble online. When two of the leading platforms began offering sports contracts in 2025, they created a billion-dollar industry in just one year. With their dramatic growth in popularity alongside major events like the World Cup and Super Bowl, the lawmakers are raising concerns that these prediction market companies advertise themselves to the public as sports gambling apps while presenting themselves to regulators as financial investment tools, misleading consumers and attempting to evade regulators.\n\n“In a world where sports gambling has become increasingly widespread, consumers deserve clear and honest information about the platforms they are using,” Rep. Mullin said. “These prediction market companies are presenting themselves differently to regulators than they are to the public, and that kind of contradictory messaging can mislead consumers about what rules and protections actually apply. We are urging the FTC to investigate these practices and ensure consumers are protected from this potentially deceptive activity.”\n\n“Prediction market companies and their unregulated gambling are building a new class of billionaires and ripping off our Tribes. These companies claim they’re not gambling platforms, but that’s not how they advertise themselves, and their false claims shouldn’t hold up in court. Regulators must close this loophole,” Rep. Vasquez said.\n\nIn legal filings, Kalshi and Polymarket – the leading prediction markets – have argued that these contracts are financial tools or investment products, and therefore should not be regulated as gambling. At the same time, the companies have advertised themselves to consumers using language associated with sports gambling, including claims about “legal betting” and “betting on sports without a sportsbook.” Polling shows this tactic misleads consumers, with the majority of Americans viewing it as gambling despite the fact that the companies are simultaneously attempting to evade state-based gambling regulations.\n\nThe letter requests detailed information from the FTC, including:\n\nWhether the FTC has taken or plans to take any investigative or enforcement actions related to prediction market platform conduct as possible unfair or deceptive acts or practices.\n\nWhether the FTC differentiates between the act of betting versus gambling while determining possible unfair or deceptive acts or practices.\n\nWhether the FTC considers public perception and legal filings of prediction market platforms when determining whether they have engaged in possible unfair or deceptive acts or practices.\n\nWhether the FTC received complaints about prediction market platforms.\n\nIn addition to Mullin and Vasquez, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Mike Levin (CA-49), Dina Titus (NV-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04). Full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/06/03/rep-mullin-votes-to-end-trumps-war-with-iran/", "title": "Rep. Mullin Votes to End Trump’s War With Iran", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) issued the following statement on the successful War Powers Resolution vote on June 3, 2026:\n\n“FINALLY. Today, House Democrats successfully pushed through our effort to stop Trump’s reckless and unpopular war with Iran – despite Republicans and Speaker Johnson who repeatedly tried to avoid this critical vote.\n\nTrump’s war has already taken the lives of U.S. service members and civilians, cost taxpayers billions, and driven extreme gas price hikes. But most Republicans would rather bend the knee to Trump than help families here at home.\n\nDemocrats’ War Powers Resolution is an important step – but we need to keep the pressure up, reassert congressional oversight on this unhinged president, and emphasize that the American people do not support Trump’s war.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406795", "title": "Latta Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability in Medicaid HCBS Programs", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://latta.house.gov/news", "domain": "latta.house.gov", "scraper": "latta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000566", "name": "Robert E. Latta", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) introduced the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, a bill requiring states to report on efforts to identify and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation promotes transparency and accountability while preserving state flexibility in administering HCBS programs.\n\nHome and community-based services (HCBS), authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, allow Medicaid beneficiaries to receive care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. While HCBS programs are vital to millions of Americans, their rapid growth and decentralized administration create vulnerabilities to improper payments and fraudulent activity.\n\nCurrently, there is no uniform federal requirement for states to regularly report specifically on HCBS fraud detection and deterrence activities. This bill would amend Section 1915(c)(2) of the Social Security Act to require states, on an annual basis, to submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services that includes a summary of any waste, fraud, or abuse detected in HCBS waiver programs and a description of actions taken to prevent, detect, and address such activities.\n\n“Home and community-based services (HCBS) play an important role in helping Americans receive care in the setting that best meets their needs. As these programs continue to grow, we must ensure taxpayer dollars are being responsibly used. The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act will increase transparency and accountability by helping states identity and address waste, fraud, and abuse while preserving the flexibility they need to administer these programs effectively,” Latta said.\n\nThe HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-2), Rep. Tom Barret (MI-07) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19).\n\nThis bill is supported by Americans for Prosperity, The Libre Initiative and Able Americans.\n\n\"Congratulations to Congressman Latta on offering a commonsense answer to a serious problem. Federal health care programs are rampant with waste, fraud, and abuse. This bill would help reduce those improper payments, within an important part of Medicaid, by arming policymakers with better data. AFP will be urging all Members of Congress to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 because it will benefit patients and taxpayers alike without any new spending, taxes, or mandates,” said Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow, Americans for Prosperity.\n\n\"The LIBRE Initiative is proud to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026. This legislation is not simply about saving taxpayer dollars, but at its core, it's about ensuring our most vulnerable fellow Americans receive the care they were promised. Over 5 million Americans rely on home and community-based services, including hundreds of thousands of Latino seniors who are the fastest growing elderly demographic in our country. In 2024 alone, Medicaid fraud units recovered over a billion dollars. When fraud goes unchecked, it is these families who suffer most,” said Sandra Benitez, Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative.\n\n“Able Americans supports Rep. Bob Latta’s HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, legislation that calls on states to increase transparency and accountability in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services. For millions of Americans with disabilities, HCBS is not optional—it is the support that allows them to live in their homes, remain connected to their families, participate in their communities, and avoid unnecessary institutional care. These services are a lifeline. But when waste, fraud, or abuse occurs, it threatens both taxpayers and the people with disabilities who depend on these programs for daily care. Able Americans applauds Rep. Latta for his leadership to protect Medicaid HCBS, safeguard taxpayers, and verify that states guard these critical services remain available for the people who need them most,” said Rachel Barkley, Director of Able Americans.\n\nThe HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 would:", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-fights-to-ban-drilling-off-of-california-and-florida-coasts", "title": "Rep. Mike Levin Fights to Ban Drilling Off of California & Florida Coasts", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "levin.house.gov", "scraper": "levin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000593", "name": "Mike Levin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch Rep. Levin’s Remarks Here\n\nWashington, D.C.—Today, during a House Appropriations Committee markup, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced an amendment to prohibit leasing activities for oil and gas off the coast of California and in the Eastern Gulf near Florida. The amendment was rejected by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee—including Republican Members who represent Florida.\n\nIn November 2025, the Trump Administration announced new offshore drilling plans for the nation that would include up to 34 offshore lease sales covering approximately 1.27 billion acres of United States coastline, including three lease sales in Southern California and three more throughout the rest of the state. The plan would also include 21 lease sales off the coast of Alaska and seven in the Gulf of Mexico, including two in the Eastern Gulf near Florida. The proposed leasing areas include waters used by the U.S. military for training, testing, and operations.\n\nSince entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has fought extensively for a ban on offshore drilling off the coast of California. In April 2025, he reintroduced he reintroduced the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act to ban offshore drilling along the Southern California coast. He also co-sponsored Rep. Jared Huffman’s (CA-02) West Coast Ocean Protection Act, which would ban offshore drilling throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. Rep. Levin’s bill has been endorsed by numerous environmental groups and cities throughout the 49th Congressional District.\n\nRep. Levin’s amendment would have prevented new offshore drilling leases off the costs of California and Florida in order to protect coastal economies, military installations, tourism, and the environment.\n\nRead Rep. Levin’s remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nI am proud to represent 50 miles of beautiful Southern California coastline and the vibrant coastal economy that relies on its clean and healthy ocean ecosystem.\n\nIt is well known how much our coastline supports the economy, from tourism, to recreation, to fisheries, to deepwater port commerce.\n\nBut what we do not talk about enough is the fact that our coastline is also home to a broad network of military installations, testing sites, and naval training areas that are essential to our military readiness, including Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in my district.\n\nIt’s not just California that relies on a healthy coastline; every one of us from a coastal state knows just how important the ocean is to our constituents and our military.\n\nWhich is why I am so concerned that the first proposal on the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Program would open waters off the coast of California and in the Gulf off of Florida to offshore drilling.\n\nLast year, the Interior Department proposed to expand drilling into the Eastern Gulf near Florida as well as the entire California coast, where no new drilling has taken place in more than 50 years.\n\nThe U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard all use at least one range off California or in the Gulf, and at least two dozen military bases rely on these waters in some capacity.\n\nSo I rise today to offer an amendment to prohibit leasing activities for oil and gas off the coast of California and in the Eastern Gulf near Florida.\n\nIn California, the waters off our shore are actively used by the men and women of our armed forces to train, test, and maintain the readiness that keeps this country safe and that keeps our adversaries in check.\n\nThe waters off Southern California are some of the most militarily significant in the world. This is where we project power into the Pacific.\n\nYet as you can see, the proposed leasing expansion in California overlaps significantly with areas that the US military uses for training and operations.\n\nThese offshore waters are where these service members rehearse the missions that matter most. Where next-generation systems get tested. Where readiness is built so that when the moment comes, our military is prepared.\n\nThat includes the amphibious assault exercises, ship-to-shore raids, small unit landings, and that are essential to how our servicemen and women train and certify for deployment.\n\nThese are not optional exercises. They are required before deployment.\n\nThe same is true on the Florida coast. The proposed drilling expansion in the Eastern Gulf would mean real impacts to military readiness.\n\nThe region acts as critical training ground and retired military leaders have been ringing the alarm bell about the risks that new offshore drilling would pose in the Gulf.\n\nFrom weapons and aircraft testing to training exercises, having access to open water in the Eastern Gulf is critical to our military operations.\n\nYet again, as you can see, the proposed leasing expansion significantly overlaps with military training and operations areas off the Florida coast.\n\nThink about what that actually looks like in practice.\n\nNew drilling creates new physical and logistical conflicts in some of the most sensitive testing ranges in the country. It creates conflicts between commercial activity and military necessity that simply should not exist.\n\nPermanent oil platforms cannot be moved for military exercises.\n\nThere is also an environmental dimension to this that cannot be ignored.\n\nThe risk of oil spills is very real, and one that our Southern California community experienced all too recently.\n\nA pipeline leaked just off the Orange County coast, releasing tens of thousands of gallons of crude oil into the ocean, making the shoreline unsafe for fishing and tourism for months.\n\nNow ask yourself: what happens when that kind of catastrophe occurs not off a tourist beach, but in the middle of an offshore range complex or an active training corridor?\n\nFor all these reasons, new drilling off the coasts of California and Florida opposition faces bipartisan opposition from communities and elected officials.\n\nI hope that everyone can stand by our colleagues from California and Florida to support my amendment to prevent new drilling in these sensitive areas.\n\nThank you and I yield back.\n\n##", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-leads-nj-democratic-members-in-demanding-answers-and-accountability-for-inhumane-conditions-and-systemic-medical-neglect-at-delaney-hall", "title": "Menendez Leads NJ Democratic Members in Demanding Answers and Accountability For Inhumane Conditions and Systemic Medical Neglect at Delaney Hall", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The effort comes amid an active hunger strike by individuals held at Delaney Hall; the Members demand immediate release of vulnerable individuals and medical compliance while fighting for permanent closure.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08) led members of the New Jersey Democratic Delegation in demanding answers and accountability for systematic, life-threatening medical neglect at Delaney Hall that led to an ongoing hunger strike at the facility. The effort comes after Menendez has made 15 oversight visits to Delaney to inspect medical conditions and speak with detained individuals and their family members.\n\nIn a letter to Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) Senior Officer David Venturella, the Members highlighted extensive violations of detention standards and ethical medical care. They demanded the immediate release of all medically vulnerable individuals and strict compliance with medical detention standards as an urgent, short-term measure until Delaney Hall is permanently closed.\n\n“In my repeated oversight visits to Delaney Hall, I have heard deeply concerning accounts of medical neglect,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “From denying critical access to care, to withholding prescription medications, to keeping people in medical isolation for months, these inhumane conditions have caused needless suffering and preventable harm to people detained at the facility. We are demanding the immediate release of vulnerable individuals and changes and accountability from DHS today. Our fight will continue until Delaney Hall is permanently closed.”\n\nThe Members’ effort centers on a pattern of egregious abuses documented during their numerous oversight visits. Individuals held at Delaney continue to suffer from dangerously delayed and denied medical treatment, the abrupt discontinuation of critical medications, inappropriate use of medical isolation, negligent chronic care management, and severe clinical staffing shortages.\n\nThe letter explicitly warns DHS and ICE that compliance with the 2019 National Detention Standards (“NDS”) is not optional, but rather a strict legal obligation designed to protect the health, safety, and dignity of those in immigration detention.\n\nSpecifically, the Members are demanding that DHS and ICE:\n\nPermanently close Delaney Hall;\n\nImmediately release all medically vulnerable individuals so they can continue their immigration proceeding safely in their communities;\n\nProduce critical records and documents regarding medical requests, hospital transfers, and staffing logs; and\n\nProvide comprehensive answers to inquiries regarding emergency medical care, access to prescription medication, hospitalizations, and facility operations.\n\nMenendez and the Members have vowed to exercise their full congressional oversight authority utilizing every tool at their disposal to investigate these violations until the health and safety of their constituents are secured. Menendez was joined by Congressmembers LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), and Nellie Pou (NJ-09) on the letter.\n\nSince coming to Congress, Rob Menendez has been a leader on fighting for immigrant rights and on oversight of detention centers. Congressman Menendez first spoke out against the proposed Delaney Hall in June 2024, and he has continued to lead efforts to close it down since. Congressman Menendez has made 15 visits to Delaney Hall, including eight visits in the last few weeks. He has repeatedly called for the closure of all immigrant detention centers in New Jersey.\n\nCongressman Menendez has also called for the end of ICE and led efforts to demand that ICE agents identify themselves when conducting enforcement operations. He previously led the New Jersey Democratic delegation in a letter demanding that DHS halt ICE’s warehouse detention plan in Roxbury. An initiative created by Congressman Menendez has united thousands of New Jerseyans in opposition to the Roxbury warehouse.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2890", "title": "Speaker Johnson: If Democrats Actually Cared About Affordability, They Would Vote to Root Out Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Government", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — This morning, at the House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson highlighted tax data that definitively shows the Working Families Tax Cuts delivers the largest share of tax relief to American families and workers – as Republicans said all along. Speaker Johnson also highlighted House Republican efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in state and federal government programs. Democrats, who pretend to care about making everyday life more affordable for Americans, are voting against all of it.\n\n“Democrats talk a big game about affordability, but they refuse to do anything to address the rampant fraud in the government, which makes government services more expensive for every American taxpayer,” Speaker Johnson said. “It's certainly no way to run a railroad as we say, and it's no way to run a daycare either, by the way.”\n\nWatch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.\n\nOn the Working Families Tax Cuts’ benefits for working families:\n\nContrary to Democrats’ false narratives that they have tried breathlessly to foist upon the people, here's the facts: this tax season was a great boost for hardworking American families. That's exactly how we designed it, and that is what the numbers now prove that we achieved. Let me tell you what it said. In total, the U.S. Treasury gave $82 billion back to the American taxpayer. And so, what that means is 70% of filers earning less than $100,000 received a big tax cut. And 96% of taxpayers who earn less than $200,000 got a big tax cut. 96% of the country, that's hardworking Americans who are struggling every day to make ends meet. We're working to make life easier for them and bring down their costs and work on affordability. This, of course, was all thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, the big beautiful bill, that we got signed triumphantly into law last July 4th. As you all remember, every single Democrat voted against the bill – every single one in the House and Senate. So, they can't take any credit for that. In fact, you can say rightfully that they would've prevented that great benefit for the American people. Among many accomplishments of the Working Families Tax Cuts, this consequential piece of legislation prevented the largest tax hike in American history, which would've happened by default.\n\nOn the Republican war on fraud:\n\nWe're talking about the war on fraud because it's a very important theme right now. It's being amplified around the country for obvious reasons because we're uncovering more and more. Elections have consequences. When you put people who are against fraud and vehemently dedicated to that as the people demand and expect, when you put Republicans in charge, we go root this stuff out. We bring it to your attention, and we eliminate it. And that's exactly what's happening. There's one thing that infuriates every conscientious American: it is the waste of their hard-earned taxpayer dollars. And so, we're working on that. Explosive reports have exposed staggering and brazen fraud in deep blue states like Minnesota and California, as you've heard addressed this morning. They have industrial-scale theft. I mean, it has gone on unabated for years. 83% of Americans in the latest poll say that they're concerned about fraud and government programs, and they want us to do something about it. And we are, we have been. We will continue to do. It clearly strikes a nerve with the American people.\n\nThe Government Accountability Office estimates that the US government loses – listen to this – loses as much as $500 billion in federal funds every year. A half of a trillion dollars is burned up and wasted because fraudsters and scammers are involved. That’s $4,000 per American household every year totally wasted. We could use that money so much better. Why does this matter? Because fraud is an invisible tax. What that does is it weakens the buying power of every American tax dollar. And you can bet that when Democrats are in charge, they're not going to be pointing out the fraud. They're not going to point their finger at the billions and billions of dollars stolen on their watch. They're going to be looking to raise more funds. They're going to try to raise more revenue to cover the fraud. That's what their response is. They want bigger government. They want higher taxes. They want more spending. And they’ll never talk about reforms again; they're voting against the reforms. And you're going to see that demonstrated again this week on the floor.\n\nOn Republican legislation to further root out waste, fraud, and abuse:\n\nOf course, the states are the ones in so many cases that are the purveyors of federal funds for the services they administer at the state level. And so, we have this trio of bills that you've heard about this week. We're going to close loopholes, crack down on abuse, hold negligent state leaders accountable. This is what you get when you vote for good government when Republicans are in charge. That's what we do.\n\nYou've heard about some of the highlights; we're going to put new guardrails on TANF funding, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, to mitigate improper payments and ensure states are paying their fair share for this critically important program. We're going to make sure the services get to the people who actually need and deserve it, and they're not wasted and stolen by people, by fraud. We're going to have additional measures to stop fraud and crime rings and so-called ghost students who are stealing federal student aid under fake or stolen identities. We're going to have a bunch of reforms that crack down on rampant abuse of childcare dollars, withholding federal funds from states that repeatedly misused them like we saw in Minnesota, strengthen fraud standards and state oversight. So much of that is going on. It will continue to go on, and we're going to hold these people accountable, and we're going to make sure the taxpayer dollars are spent well.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405717", "title": "Griffith Announces More Than $1.8 Million ARC Grant to SWVA Community College", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Southwest Virginia Community College, based in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, a $1,818,822 grant. This funding will support the expansion of career and technical education programs with a focus in advanced manufacturing and trade-based skilled technician training. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Local industries in Southwest Virginia rely on experienced, trained and skilled individuals.\n\n“This ARC grant for more than $1.8 million helps Southwest Virginia Community College expand education programs for students to access meaningful employment opportunities in the region.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to ARC, this funding is supported by the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative.\n\nThese educational programs are anticipated to serve 390 students.\n\nSouthwest Virginia Community College will engage and collaborate with regional partners and organizations, including the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405718", "title": "Griffith Announces $100,000 ARC Grant for Expanded Entrepreneur Access in the Ninth District", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, based in Wise, Virginia, a $100,000 grant. This funding will support the drafting of a strategic planning initiative to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Southwest Virginia business development is constrained by a lack of sufficient access to entrepreneurs and investors.\n\n“This ARC grant $100,000 helps the UVA College at Wise strategize a modeled plan that makes the region fertile ground for entrepreneurs and investors.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to ARC, this funding is supported by the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative.\n\nThis project will help expand entrepreneurial resources, address persistent gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and prepare the region for economic revitalization.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405719", "title": "Griffith Announces $97,472 ARC Grant for AI Study in the Ninth District", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Radford University, based in Radford, Virginia, a $97,472 grant. This funding will support the completion of two plans to assess how artificial intelligence can help with regional workforce development. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“As the United States adjusts to artificial intelligence, communities are increasingly looking to the technology to unlock growth in our economy and workforce.\n\n“This ARC grant for nearly $100,000 helps Radford University study how AI can benefit Southwest Virginia and New River Valley communities.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to ARC, this funding is supported by the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative.\n\nThis project will explore how AI can strengthen workforce diversification in the region and prepare students and worked for emerging AI-enabled careers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://owens.house.gov/posts/hearing-recap-owens-hearing-on-higher-education-in-the-age-of-ai", "title": "HEARING RECAP: Owens Hearing on Higher Education in the Age of AI", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://owens.house.gov/press", "domain": "owens.house.gov", "scraper": "owens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000086", "name": "Burgess Owens", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chairman Burgess Owens (R-UT) chaired the seventh hearing in a series examining artificial intelligence, titled “Building an AI-Ready America: Higher Education in the Age of AI.“\n\nIn his opening remarks, Chairman Owens began by acknowledging the seismic shift that AI represents across all institutions of higher education at every level and the need for thoughtful leadership grounded in a commitment to positive outcomes and learning.\n\n“Our global competitors are investing heavily in AI and integrating it into their educational systems. Employers are building their operations around it. Higher education has both opportunity and obligation to help lead this transition rather than simply endure it.”\n\nRep. Owens questioned Mr. Jonathan Fozard, Chief Information Officer, Florida State University, on how industry partnerships with Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services bridge the gap between classroom learning and employer expectations.\n\nMr. Fozard: “These partnerships with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon give students ubiquitous access across all disciplines — exposure to the tools in a secure and reliable way. Our framework is called RISE — built on Research, Instruction, Innovation, Security and compliance, and Engagement and student success. We feel our AI strategy must be built on those four pillars to be successful.”\n\nRep. Owens also questioned Dr. Dave Duke, Chief Product Officer for Higher Education at McGraw Hill, about how AI has affected the educational technology landscape.\n\nDr. Duke: “AI is now embedded in every daily workflow for students, instructors, and administrators. The vast majority of students are using artificial intelligence. Faculty adoption is uneven, but it is accelerating. Everyone from admissions counselors, financial aid representatives, other administrators are all using generative AI and the work that they do. Virtually every education infrastructure company, like McGraw-Hill has included AI-enabled products into their ecosystems. And so AI, as we sit here today, is now a requirement to provide the best learning possible.”\n\nFinally, Owens questioned Mr. Michael B. Horn, Author and Adjunct Professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education, about the role of college in the age of AI.\n\nMr. Horn: “It’s incumbent upon colleges to do is really show the outcomes, the connection to the labor market value that we know that families are expecting as a requirement for jumping into college. That’s number one. And number two, show the relevance, the real-world connections, the programs that you just heard about at Florida State, real connections with employers will go a long way to showing that we have their interests at heart, and that’s incumbent on every college to make sure that those connections are clear.”\n\nIn his closing remarks, Chairman Owens reflected on the transformative potential of AI for America’s students, drawing on his own family’s legacy in education where both of his parents were educators, as inspiration for getting this moment right.\n\nOwens: “I cannot wait to see the productivity we’re going to have from our kids coming into the future as they begin to understand how to apply critical thinking in this process… We need people that are smart, that are passionate, that have the intelligence and the wisdom to know the difference — and to know that you can lean in and have this collaborative effort to make sure that we all grow as a country. This is a very important time for our country’s future.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://owens.house.gov/posts/recap-rep-owens-testifies-on-anti-fraud-bills", "title": "RECAP: Rep. Owens Testifies on Anti-Fraud Bills ", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://owens.house.gov/press", "domain": "owens.house.gov", "scraper": "owens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000086", "name": "Burgess Owens", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon, Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) testified before the House Rules Committee on two anti-fraud measures, his No Aid for Ghost Students Act (HR 7892) and Rep. Mary Miller’s (IL-15) Stop Child Care Scams Act (HR 7726).\n\nThe bills passed out of the Rules Committee Tuesday night by a vote of 8-4 and now head to the House Floor for consideration and final passage.\n\nYou can watch all of Rep. Owens’ testimony here.\n\nThe Government Accountability Office estimates the federal government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion every year to fraud.\n\nRecently, the Department of Education under the Trump Administration began taking aggressive action against federal aid scams and has already blocked more than $1 billion of fraudulent aid last year. But in the case of the Department of Education, the Higher Education Act, as it is currently written, gives the Department broad authority to address fraud, but it does not require specific, continuing safeguards against “ghost student” fraud.\n\nThis legislation addresses that vulnerability by amending the law to ensure fraud protections are enshrined in statute.\n\n“Every dollar the federal government spends anywhere on anything has come from the pockets of the hard-working American taxpayer. That is why it is critically important that we ensure we are doing whatever we can to root out fraud and abuse in any program set up to do good.\n\nEducation is the great equalizer, and every dollar set aside to assist students who need financial aid to get an education that can open a wealth of opportunities to them should be protected. The American taxpayer deserves a government that is a wise steward of the funds they’ve been entrusted. My bill is one step among many that this Congress and this Administration are taking to ensure that.”\n\nRep Burgess Owens\n\nThe bill would specifically require the Department of Education to:\n\nUse an identity fraud detection system to review each application\n\nNotify the applicant if their FAFSA was flagged as suspicious\n\nVerify the applicant before federal student aid is disbursed\n\nEstablish guidelines for identity verification procedures\n\nReport to Congress within 30 days on what they have done to implement the above systems\n\nRequires a yearly audit of the system, paired with a report to Congress of the fraud identification system and its effectiveness.\n\nYou can find the full text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-03T06:40:39Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-03T06:42:22Z"}
{"url": "https://owens.house.gov/posts/rep-owens-holds-hearing-on-higher-education-in-the-age-of-ai", "title": "Rep. Owens Holds Hearing on Higher Education in the Age of AI", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://owens.house.gov/press", "domain": "owens.house.gov", "scraper": "owens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000086", "name": "Burgess Owens", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today at 10:15 am ET / 8:15 am MT, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, chaired by Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04), will hold its seventh hearing in a series examining artificial intelligence, titled “Building an AI-Ready America: Higher Education in the Age of AI.“\n\nWhat:\n\nSubcommittee hearing titled “Building an AI-Ready America: Higher Education in the Age of AI”\n\nWhen:\n\n10:15 am ET / 8:15 am MT, Wednesday, June 3, 2026\n\nWhere:\n\n2175 Rayburn House Office Building / Streamed live on the Committee’s YouTube channel\n\nWitnesses:", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1737", "title": "Ahead of Summer Travel Season, Rep. Pettersen Leads CO Dem Delegation in Demanding Answers from Trump as Gas Prices Surge Amid Iran War", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) led the Colorado Democratic delegation in demanding answers from President Donald Trump about his Administration’s plan to lower gasoline prices. Recent reports show Colorado is now one of the ten most expensive gasoline markets in the nation, with prices surpassing $4.76 per gallon — more than 60 percent higher than before the conflict and the highest increase in six decades.\n\nAnalysts warn prices could continue rising throughout the summer travel season, further straining family budgets already stretched by the rising cost of housing, groceries, and other essentials.\n\nIn the Letter, the lawmakers wrote: “We are deeply concerned that, by your own account, you “don’t think about Americans’ financial situation” when negotiating with Iran, at a time when Americans continue to struggle to pay for groceries, housing, and everyday essentials. Coloradans need a plan for how you intend to deliver relief as families are being crushed by rising costs.”\n\nThe lawmakers continued, “Summer travel is an important tradition for families across our country, whether it be taking well-earned time off to visit family or driving through small towns and gateway communities to visit National Parks and other treasured American destinations. Rising fuel prices will make it harder for families to experience the beauty of our nation, support local businesses, attend community events, and celebrate America’s heritage. Millions of Americans will travel this summer to visit Washington, D.C., and historic sites across the country as preparations continue for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, making affordable fuel even more important for families planning these trips.”\n\nThe lawmakers requested detailed information on the Administration’s efforts to lower gasoline prices and asked President Trump to respond by June 18, 2026. Specifically, they requested information regarding:\n\nActions the Administration is taking to reduce gas prices in the near term;\n\nWhether a coordinated interagency strategy exists to address rising fuel costs;\n\nAnalysis of the factors driving recent gasoline price increases;\n\nThe Administration's assessment of the impact on working families, rural communities, and small businesses; and\n\nThe benchmarks being used to determine whether Administration actions are successfully lowering prices.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2983", "title": "Pfluger, Colleagues Launch Bipartisan Congressional Free Enterprise Caucus", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — As first reported in the Washington Reporter, Representatives August Pfluger (TX-11), David Valadao (CA-22), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and J. Luis Correa (CA-46) launched the Congressional Free Enterprise Caucus, a bipartisan House caucus dedicated to advancing public policy that strengthens free markets, restores fiscal discipline, and secures America's long-term economic leadership.\n\n“At a time of rising debt, growing economic competition, and increasing pressure on working families, Congress has a responsibility to engage in serious, solution-based discussions about policies that will drive economic growth and opportunity. The Free Enterprise Caucus is designed to be that kind of forum, where Members from both sides of the aisle can come to the table, share their perspectives, and find common ground on free enterprise policies. I am proud to help launch this bipartisan effort alongside my fellow co-chairs to ensure America remains competitive for generations to come,” said Rep. August Pfluger.\n\n“I’m proud to help launch the Congressional Free Enterprise Caucus alongside Reps. Pfluger, Schneider, and Correa to promote policies that empower workers, support small businesses, and make the American Dream possible,” said Rep. David Valadao. “Free enterprise has long been the foundation of American prosperity, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance pro-growth strategies that strengthen our economy for future generations.”\n\n\"The free enterprise system has been a major engine of American prosperity for generations of Americans. By encouraging innovation, rewarding hard work, and fostering competition, it helped transform the United States into a dynamic, world-beating economy. I'm proud to join Reps. Pfluger, Valadao, and Correa to build a coalition that finds common ground across the aisle and keeps pro-growth, pro-worker, and fiscally responsible policy at the center of our agenda. That's how we secure America's economic leadership and a better future for working families for generations to come.\" said Rep. Brad Schneider.\n\n“I am thrilled to join Representatives August Pfluger, David Valadao, and Brad Schneider as founding co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Free Enterprise Caucus, which is dedicated to promoting pro-growth, pro-worker, and fiscally responsible policies,” said Rep. Lou Correa. “As the American Dream is disappearing for families in our communities and small business owners on Main Street, Washington has an obligation to bolster economic prosperity and upward mobility for all Americans.”\n\nThe caucus brings together Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who believe that a strong, dynamic economy is the foundation of America's prosperity, security, and global leadership. The Free Enterprise Caucus will champion three core principles:\n\n1. Sustained Economic Growth: Federal policy should be deliberately crafted to achieve and maintain sustained economic growth of at least 3%. This is a benchmark the caucus views as essential to America's long-term success and global competitiveness.\n\n2. Fiscal Responsibility: An unchecked national debt acts as a persistent drag on economic growth and constrains opportunity for future generations. The caucus believes responsible fiscal policy must guide every legislative decision.\n\n3. Smart Regulation: Government regulation should be thoughtful, reasonable, and narrowly tailored, preserving necessary safeguards while ensuring that American businesses retain the freedom to innovate, invest, and compete globally.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6783", "title": "WATCH: Ranking Member Pingree Slams Republican Cuts to EPA, Arts, Parks, and More While Trump Prioritizes Gilded Vanity Projects in DC", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "pingree.house.gov", "scraper": "pingree", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000597", "name": "Chellie Pingree", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, spoke out against Republicans’ funding bill for the 2027 fiscal year during the Appropriations Committee's markup today. In her opening remarks, Pingree condemned proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Park Service (NPS), and the National Endowments for the Arts (NEA) and Humanities (NEH). At the same time, the Trump Administration is spending millions of taxpayer dollars on the President’s vanity projects in D.C., Pingree said—including a 250-foot Arch, a $1 billion ballroom, resurfacing the reflecting pool, the so-called “Garden of Heroes”, and more.\n\n“How is the President paying for all of these vanity projects? While he might claim private fundraising, the real answer has seemed to be raiding national park entrance fees that typically go toward maintenance and stealing funding from the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities,” Pingree said.\n\nPingree also cited how Trump has destroyed the Kennedy Center over the past 18 months, and said the Committee must take steps to protect the institution.\n\n“I’m very pleased with the court’s confirmation last Friday that it’s plainly illegal for him to rename the Center after himself and remake it in his own image,” she said. “But we need real and committed oversight from this Committee to protect this critical institution and the artists, workers, and audiences that make it special.\"\n\nA summary of the bill is available here.\n\nPingree’s full remarks as prepared for delivery are copied below.\n\n+++\n\nThank you for yielding.\n\nI would like to thank Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and the staff on both sides of the aisle.\n\nChairman Simpson, I appreciate our working relationship and that we were able to find common ground last year to enact a bipartisan full-year funding bill.\n\nUnfortunately, the bill before us reverts back to the same partisan playbook, with grossly insufficient funding and a surplus of poison pill riders.\n\nThe bill cuts EPA by 20 percent. This agency has already lost one-fifth of its workforce since President Trump took office. The cuts in this bill would completely cripple EPA’s ability to fight climate change, respond to environmental disasters, and hold polluters accountable. Meanwhile, the administration continues to roll back regulations that protect public health and the environment, including a recent announcement that will increase exposure to toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water.\n\nI’m disappointed that the bill further cuts funding to states for water infrastructure. This is the first year that states won’t have the additional funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I believe that it is critical that we don’t lose the momentum we built with those investments.\n\nI’m also very concerned by the cuts to the National Park Service facilities operation and maintenance. This is the funding the Park Service uses to maintain and repair its infrastructure. The bill cuts it by $163 million, or 17 percent.\n\nMeanwhile, in the Commerce, Justice, Science funding bill, Republicans have provided up to $152 million to renovate Alcatraz into a functioning prison.\n\nI find this completely outrageous. I won’t get into the many reasons why I think trying to reopen Alcatraz is a farce and a waste of money. But I have to say, when I look at that funding and then look at the bill before us today, it’s painfully obvious that the majority is prioritizing resurrecting a 19th century prison over today’s underfunded and understaffed parks.\n\nAt the same time, the President is diverting significant resources toward pet projects that most Americans oppose: his ridiculous $1 billion gilded ballroom (from which he dumped the toxic demolition debris on a National Park-owned golf course), approving a no-bid contract to resurface the reflecting pool, forging ahead on his so-called “Garden of Heroes” – all of which he handpicked – and his 20-story tall Triumphal Arch that veterans’ groups have literally sued to block … the list goes on and on.\n\nHow is the President paying for all of these vanity projects? While he might claim private fundraising, the real answer has seemed to be raiding national park entrance fees that typically go toward maintenance and stealing funding from the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities.\n\nAnd speaking of vanity projects, I would be remiss not to mention the absolute mess that the President has made of the Kennedy Center over the past 18 months. I’m very pleased with the court’s confirmation last Friday that it’s plainly illegal for him to rename the Center after himself and remake it in his own image. But we need real and committed oversight from this Committee to protect this critical institution and the artists, workers, and audiences that make it special.\n\nSo: the President and this administration have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to dictate exactly what it deems artistically and culturally worthy – and at the same time, it’s trying to rob our communities of funding for our own local museums, historical societies, and arts education programs by cutting the NEA and NEH. I am vehemently opposed to this bill slashing each endowment by 35%, $72 million.\n\nThe bill also cuts funding for cultural institutions, such as the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institution. Last year, we came to an agreement and beat back these cuts. We must do so again this year.\n\nWhile the administration is focused on building a gilded ballroom and a triumphal Arch to appease the president’s ego, Americans are facing soaring gas and energy prices. Yet this bill does nothing to reign in the administration’s assault on energy projects that states have been counting on.\n\nAs the administration spends nearly 2 billion in taxpayer dollars to pay off companies for abandoning offshore wind projects, this bill piles on – adding additional fees for offshore wind companies and drastically cutting funding for renewable energy programs.\n\nFinally, I have to express my opposition to the dozens of poison pill riders included in the bill. These riders aim to cripple environmental protection, undermine climate change policies, and override the Endangered Species Act.\n\nAs written, I cannot support the bill before us today.\n\nI oppose the bill, I urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I yield back.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/06/03/pressley-delivers-floor-speech-honoring-the-life-and-legacy-of-boston-firefighter-robert-kilduff-jr/", "title": "Pressley Delivers Floor Speech Honoring the Life and Legacy of Boston Firefighter Robert Kilduff Jr.", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Delivers Floor Speech Honoring the Life and Legacy of Boston Firefighter Robert Kilduff Jr.\n\nU.S. House of Representatives\n\nJune 2, 2026\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Boston firefighter Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr.\n\nBobby was a Marine Veteran, a proud third generation firefighter, and a dedicated father to two beautiful children.\n\nFor 24 years, he served the Boston Fire Department and kept the people of Boston safe.\n\nTragically, Bobby died last week while in service to our community, battling a large fire at a home in Dorchester.\n\nMy husband Conan and I extend our deep condolences to his daughter Hannah Jane, his son Mason, his partner Jess, his extended family and the Boston Firefighters Local 718 as they grieve this loss.\n\nHis 24-year-old daughter spoke passionately at his funeral in Boston yesterday, she said, “My dad represents everything our world can be if we look out for each other, if we reach out to help first and ask questions later.”\n\n“He used to say that the only thing he loved more than being a firefighter was being our dad.”\n\nBobby’s humanity, empathy, and strength saved the lives of so many of our Boston neighbors.\n\nAs we mourn this loss, may we carry his example forward in word and deed.\n\nI yield.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/06/03/pressley-urges-colleagues-to-support-lebanon-war-powers-resolution-protect-innocent-lives-calls-on-white-house-to-end-the-war/", "title": "Pressley Urges Colleagues to Support Lebanon War Powers Resolution & Protect Innocent Lives, Calls on White House to End the War", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Urges Colleagues to Support Lebanon War Powers Resolution & Protect Innocent Lives, Calls on White House to End the War\n\nU.S. House of Representatives\n\nJune 3, 2026\n\nI rise in support of the Lebanon War Powers Resolution.\n\nMore than three thousand innocent people have been killed in Lebanon by the Israeli military and over a million are displaced.\n\nThese are not abstract statistics; these are real lives. A baby who will grow up without a mother. An elder who is fleeing the only home they’ve ever known.\n\nCongress must not sit idly by while the Trump administration supports Netanyahu’s barbaric warfare. We must not be complicit. We must take action for peace and pass this war powers resolution.\n\nI urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.Con.Res.84.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-sara-jacobs-introduces-bill-to-hold-ai-accountable-for-breaking-the-law", "title": "Rep. Sara Jacobs Introduces Bill to Hold AI Accountable For Breaking the Law", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "sarajacobs.house.gov", "scraper": "sarajacobs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000305", "name": "Sara Jacobs", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced landmark, comprehensive legislation to hold companies accountable when AI is used to violate existing federal laws. AI and other algorithmic decision-making systems are increasingly shaping outcomes in people’s lives – whether people get a job, a loan, housing, health care, and more. Federal agencies enforce laws in all of these areas, but they don’t always have a clear, coordinated basis for writing rules when AI contributes to harms that are already illegal. The Sectoral AI Governance Act would give federal agencies a consistent framework for writing and issuing rules whenever the use of AI is likely to materially contribute to violations of existing federal laws.\n\nAI is increasingly used in critical, high-stakes decisions like health care coverage and mortgage approvals, and so much more. For example, if a rental screening algorithm trained on biased data downgraded applicants from majority-Black or Hispanic zip codes, even when their income and credit are identical to those of approved applicants, that could violate the Fair Housing Act. The Sectoral AI Governance Act would allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development to require safeguards, such as testing rental screening tools for discriminatory patterns before they are used.\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs said: “Federal laws shouldn’t become optional just because technology is new. AI is already helping make life-altering decisions for millions of Americans – whether they get a loan, a job, or health care coverage – but too often, it’s operating in a gray area. My Sectoral AI Governance Act gives federal agencies clearer authority to write and enforce rules when AI is used to break existing federal laws. We can’t let the American people’s rights and protections become meaningless the moment a company outsources a decision to an algorithm and my bill is part of the solution.”\n\nOwen J. Daniels, Associate Director of Analysis and Andrew W. Marshall Fellow at CSET, said: “Frameworks for responsible AI deployment do not need to be entirely built from scratch, as our research at CSET has outlined in detail. While the federal government explores different avenues for AI rule-making, this bill highlights how agencies can use existing authorities to help to tackle AI governance today and ensure responsible adoption of this critical technology.”\n\n“AI is already being deployed in high-stakes decisions that affect Americans’ jobs, benefits, housing, health care, and basic rights,” said ARI President Brad Carson. “The Sectoral AI Governance Act is a smart, practical step toward making sure federal agencies can apply the laws already on the books when algorithmic systems contribute to real-world harms. By giving agencies clear authority, requiring coordination across government, and preserving the role of states, this bill strikes the right balance between responsible innovation and meaningful accountability.”\n\n“Effective oversight of AI doesn’t mean we need to start from scratch, but it does mean we need to modernize. By directing every agency to provide clear guidance on how existing laws apply to algorithms and AI, this bill will make sure our regulators can keep pace as technology evolves. It would also clear the way for more industries to adopt helpful technologies while assuring consumers that they’re protected from harm,” said Ruth Whittaker, Director of Technology Policy at Third Way.\n\nJoshua Miller, Director of Congress Watch at Public Citizen, said: “Public Citizen applauds these efforts to ensure that each federal agency is empowered to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the American people from harmful uses of algorithmic decision-making systems. As AI technologies become integrated into housing, employment, healthcare, finance, consumer protection, and public services, agencies should be forceful in protecting the American people from any corporations that break the law using AI.”\n\n“Algorithms are used to make decisions in nearly every aspect of life, from a person’s job application to their health treatment and eligibility for benefits. Agencies already have the authority to protect us in areas like employment, education, healthcare, lending, and more, but AI and new technologies can create challenges for regulators under existing law. The Sectoral AI Governance Act ensures that agencies are empowered to regulate AI, such as by requiring that workers, parents, and patients receive notice of AI used on the job, at their kids' schools, or in their healthcare. The Sectoral AI Governance Act helps ensure that people will be safe from discrimination when AI tools are used,” said Jina John, Senior Policy Counsel, AI, Privacy, & Technology at ACLU.\n\nThe Sectoral AI Governance Act would:\n\nRequire agencies to seek early public input through an ANPRM before proposing a rule, while allowing agencies to rely on a prior rulemaking record or ANPRM where sufficient.\n\nRequire agencies to consult with OIRA, as appropriate, before issuing a proposed rule regarding reasonably foreseeable overlap, inconsistency, or conflict with other agency rules or proposed rules.\n\nRequire technical consultation with OSTP and NIST, as appropriate, and direct OMB/OIRA to issue guidance to help resolve conflicts and promote consistency across agencies.\n\nRequire agencies to consider and, where practicable, mitigate unnecessary disruption to government services or public benefits.\n\nRequire periodic review of rules and amendment or repeal where rules are no longer appropriate or no longer appropriately tailored.\n\nRequire biennial public reporting on how agencies use, or decline to use, the authority.\n\nLimit enforcement of rules issued under the Act to civil and administrative enforcement by the agency, while leaving unchanged enforcement available for violations of the underlying Federal law.\n\nPreserve State authority to regulate algorithmic decision-making systems, except where State regulation conflicts with the Act or a rule issued under it.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2023", "title": "Scanlon Introduces Legislation to Prevent the Postal Inspection Service from Conducting Mass Surveillance", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today announced the introduction of the Postal Data Privacy Act, legislation that requires law enforcement to obtain a court order to legally access certain postal information through the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).\n\nCurrent law states that law enforcement agencies can request a “mail cover” investigation from USPIS without a stated reason, and if approved, postal workers can record information on the exterior of letters and parcels before delivery and provide it to the requesting law enforcement agency. This information can include an individual’s bank, subscribed publications, and even political and religious affiliations that can be used in a court of law and stored for up to 8 years.\n\n“Millions of Americans rely on the U.S. Postal Service to handle personal information like tax documents, medications, and mail-in ballots,” said Rep. Scanlon. “It is vital that unregulated surveillance powers be reined in to further prevent this administration’s weaponization of federal agencies. The American people deserve to know that their First and Fourth Amendment rights remain protected.”\n\nFollowing the Trump Administration’s order to divert USPIS resources to assisting with aggressive deportation efforts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Rep. Scanlon led 44 of her House colleagues in condemning these actions.\n\nThe Postal Data Privacy Act would impose a court-order requirement on any mail-cover investigation, require law enforcement to show that mail covers are relevant to an ongoing investigation, and limit the amount of time law enforcement may retain mail cover records from 8 years to 180 days.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.\n\nFind the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://schweikert.house.gov/2026/06/03/schweikert-honors-record-21-service-academy-appointees/", "title": "Schweikert Honors Record 21 Service Academy Appointees", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "schweikert.house.gov", "scraper": "schweikert", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001183", "name": "David Schweikert", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., honored 21 local students who received appointments to U.S. service academies, setting a new record for his office.\n\n“These students have earned an opportunity that takes discipline, character and a commitment to service,” Schweikert said. “It was a pleasure to meet them and their families as they prepare to represent Arizona and serve our country. We are very proud of them.”\n\nEach year, members of Congress may nominate qualified students from their districts to attend U.S. service academies. Students who receive appointments are provided a fully funded four-year education and commit to serve for at least five years after graduation.\n\nSchweikert’s office is also accepting applications for the next service academy nomination cycle. High school seniors for the 2026-27 school year in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District may apply through the online application portal. The deadline to apply is Sept. 25, 2026.\n\nStudents may begin their applications at https://schweikert.house.gov/service-academy-form/\n\nFor questions about the application process, students may contact Chelsea Lett, service academy coordinator, at (480) 946-2411 or Chelsea.Lett@mail.house.gov.\n\nBack to News", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/6/rep-sewell-announces-june-2026-mobile-office-hours-across-alabama-s-7th-congressional-district", "title": "Rep. Sewell Announces June 2026 Mobile Office Hours Across Alabama’s 7th Congressional District", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Birmingham, AL — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced that her office will host a series of Mobile Office Hours throughout Alabama’s 7th Congressional District during the month of June 2026. These events are designed to bring constituent services directly into local communities, offering residents the opportunity to meet with congressional staff and receive assistance with federal programs and services.\n\n“Our team is excited to continue assisting constituents and meeting Alabamians where they are,” said Rep. Sewell. “If you need help navigating federal programs and services, we hope you will stop by to meet our team and get the assistance you need!”\n\nDuring each session, members of Rep. Sewell’s staff will be available to assist constituents with a wide range of issues, including Social Security, Veterans’ benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, passport services, and more. Rep. Sewell will not be present.\n\nThe June 2026 Mobile Office Hours schedule is as follows:\n\nDallas County\n\nDate: Wednesday, June 3, 2026\n\nTime: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM\n\nLocation: Selma Dallas County Public Library, Vaughan Room\n\n1103 Selma Avenue\n\nSelma, AL 36703\n\nHale County\n\nDate: Wednesday, June 10, 2026\n\nTime: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM\n\nLocation: Greensboro Senior Activity Center\n\n515 Greene Street\n\nGreensboro, AL 36744\n\nSumter County\n\nDate: Wednesday, June 17, 2026\n\nTime: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM\n\nLocation: York City Hall, Conference Room\n\n583 4th Avenue\n\nYork, AL 36925\n\nTuscaloosa County\n\nDate: Wednesday, June 24, 2026\n\nTime: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM\n\nLocation: Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama\n\n2222 9th Street\n\nTuscaloosa, AL 35401\n\nConstituents are encouraged to bring any relevant documentation to help staff better assist with their concerns. Appointments are not required.\n\nFor more information, please visit www.sewell.house.gov or call the Birmingham District Office at (205) 254-1960.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401997", "title": "Chairman Simpson's FY27 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill Advances in House Appropriations Committee", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–released the following statement after the Committee approved the bill.\n\n“As Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I promised to write a fiscally responsible bill that rightsizes federal agencies, supports the Trump Administration's policy goals, and reduces regulatory burdens. I am thrilled that this critical legislation does so while continuing to protect public lands and programs vital to states and local communities. This bill once again fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, prioritizes funding for federal wildland firefighter pay, and honors our trust and treaty responsibilities with the Tribes. The advancement of this full-year spending measure is a step in the right direction, and I thank Chairman Cole and my colleagues for their support,” said Rep. Simpson.\n\n“America’s heritage has always been shaped by the lands and resources entrusted to the nation. The responsibility before us is to manage them wisely and ensure they remain a source of strength and opportunity for generations to come. The FY27 Interior and Environment bill answers that challenge with strong stewardship. It manages our public lands responsibly, unleashes domestic energy and mineral production, and strengthens wildfire response. It reflects our commitment to upholding our sacred trust and treaty oaths to protect Native American communities. And it refocuses agencies on their core missions by reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and improving accountability. Chairman Simpson ensured that each provision and investment reinforces America's natural, cultural, and environmental resources. With the bill now reported out of the full committee, his hard work has advanced a commonsense vision for stewardship, opportunity, and long-term prosperity,” said House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole.\n\nHighlights of the bill include:\n\nReduces EPA funding by 20%.\n\nProtects access to public lands.\n\nExpands access to critical minerals.\n\nFully funds the PILT program.\n\nProtects oil and gas production.\n\nProhibits rulings used to weaponize the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers.\n\nPrioritizes funding for Tribes and Wildland Fire Management.\n\nSubcommittee Chairman Simpson's opening remarks are available here.\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill will now go to the full floor of the House of Representatives for further consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/6/stanton-confronts-secretary-rubio-over-foreign-conflicts-of-interest-involving-trump-envoys-witkoff-and-kushner", "title": "Stanton Confronts Secretary Rubio Over Foreign Conflicts of Interest Involving Trump Envoys Witkoff and Kushner", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) demanded answers from Secretary of State Marco Rubio over mounting evidence that Trump administration officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are personally profiting from foreign business dealings with the very governments they are tasked to negotiate with on behalf of the United States.\n\nStanton highlighted that UAE royal and National Security Advisor, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, purchased a 49 percent stake in World Liberty Financial — a cryptocurrency firm co-founded by Witkoff, President Trump, and his sons — for $500 million. As a result, $31 million flowed directly to the Witkoff family. Witkoff simultaneously participated in discussions to direct the export of America's most advanced AI chips to the UAE, with Sheikh Tahnoon present at the table. The chip deal was ultimately approved despite documented national security concerns about potential diversion of the technology to China.\n\nStanton also pressed Rubio on Kushner's private equity firm, Affinity Partners, which has raised more than $6 billion since 2021, including $1.2 billion over the last year. 99 percent of that money was raised from foreign nationals, including from the sovereign wealth funds controlled by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, whose investment in Affinity Partners was personally recommended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is the firm's largest backer. This is the same Crown Prince who has privately lobbied President Trump to escalate the war with Iran that Kushner is supposedly helping to end.\n\nWatch Rep. Stanton’s remarks HERE.\n\nFull transcript below:\n\nSTANTON: Mr. Secretary, I do want to talk about the blurring of lines between public service and private enrichment at the highest levels of this administration's foreign policy leadership.\n\nPresident Trump has placed Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in charge of addressing some of the world’s most intractable conflicts, including the war between Russia and Ukraine and cleaning up the president’s self-made mess of war of choice in Iran. Let me start with Witkoff, Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East. He cofounded the cryptocurrency venture firm World Liberty Financial, alongside President Trump and President Trump’s children.\n\nDays before Trump’s second inauguration, a firm controlled by a member of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Tahnoon, bought a 49 percent stake in the company. That was a $500 million investment.$31 million of that went straight to the Witkoff family.\n\nWitkoff was still a financial stakeholder in World Liberty as he was simultaneously leading high-level U.S. government negotiations in his role as Special Envoy. One of those negotiations was over the export of America’s most advanced AI chips to the UAE, negotiations personally attended by Sheikh Tahnoon.\n\nIn the spring, another company chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon, MGX, deposited $2 billion in World Liberty Financial’s stablecoin, the single largest investment in a crypto company, ever. Weeks later, the chip deal was announced despite national security concerns.\n\nSecretary Rubio, do you believe that Mr. Witkoff has an unacceptable conflict of interest?\n\nRUBIO: I have never seen any evidence that he's made any decisions or advocated for any position that's to his personal benefit. On the contrary and again, I can't speak to all the things you're saying now because—that's not—Mr. Witkoff is an employee of the White House and he undergoes the ethics vetting and the procedures for disclosure that are appropriate to them, not to the State Department—but I would just add—I want to be fair, okay? I've never seen the guy ever say anything to me that makes me think this is personal rather than—the only thing he's ever done is spend his own money. I know he has spent his own money at great personal expense to fly around the world on his own airplane, not on the government bill. He has, you know, he has done it, but everything out of his own pocket.\n\nSTANTON: Are you concerned about the appearance of a conflict of interest in Mr. Witkoff?\n\nRUBIO: I've never seen anything that leads me to have that concern. You know, again, you've cited a bunch of things. I'm just not aware of those because and but I'm just telling you my personal interactions with Mr. Witkoff of a person who just thinks he's serving the country and is happy to do so not out of any personal gain but because he wants to serve the country.\n\nSTANTON: As Secretary of State who's in charge of the foreign affairs of the United States, have you spoken to President Trump about any concerns about conflict of interest with Mr. Witkoff?\n\nRUBIO: I haven't had to. I've not seen any.\n\nSTANTON: Let's talk about Jared Kushner. His private equity firm, Affinity Partners, has raised more than $6 billion since it was founded in 2021, including 1.2 billion just over the last year.\n\nMr. Secretary, are you aware of how much of that 6 billion has been raised from foreign nationals?\n\nRUBIO: I don't know anything about that.\n\nSTANTON: The answer is 99%. These include sovereign wealth funds operated by Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund is the largest investor in affinity partners. In fact, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman personally recommended that Saudi Arabia invest in affinity partners.\n\nThe crown prince has also personally urged President Trump in multiple phone calls to continue the ongoing war of choice in Iran. Let's put it another way. The man who bankrolled Kushner's business venture is the same man who was lobbying for the war Kushner is tasked with ending.\n\nMr. Secretary, same question. Are you concerned about any conflict of interest by Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law?\n\nRUBIO: Again, in Jared's case, Jared is a private citizen who's been advising and participating in this voluntarily. He's not compensated for it or in any way. But I've never seen either—from either Steve or Jared—any on the contrary. All I've ever seen them do is put tremendous amount of time and energy into trying to solve problems like the amount of time they put into Gaza and the border of peace and all of that process.\n\nI think I believe they've done it out of the kindness and goodness of their heart. They think they're serving the country.\n\nSTANTON: The goodness of their heart—Mr. Secretary, what Jared Kushner said on 60 Minutes on this very issue when asked about it, he says, \"What people call conflicts of interests, Steve and I call experience and trusted relationships that they have throughout the world.\"\n\nReclaiming my time.\n\nLet's recap. The two men tasked with resolving this country's most sensitive national security issues, including meeting with Iranian negotiators, are profiting off the same countries that they are engaging with.\n\nOne thing we know for sure, while the Ukraine peace talks are going nowhere and the war of Iran has no end in sight, Witkoff and Kushner are making out like bandits. Meanwhile, a gallon of gas is still hovering about $4.67 in Phoenix, Arizona that I represent, up nearly 40% from just 18 months ago.\n\nThe American people are paying more for gas, for groceries, for everything. They're footing the bill while representatives of our government are cashing in. I yield back.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-votes-yes-on-war-powers-resolution-for-fifth-time-as-iran-conflict-continues", "title": "Rep. Sykes Votes Yes on War Powers Resolution for Fifth Time as Iran Conflict Continues", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted for the fifth time to support a war powers resolution directing the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran. More than three months after the start of military action in Iran without congressional authorization, Congress has taken up war powers resolutions, and the resolution passed the House. Rep. Sykes said Congress must reassert its constitutional role over decisions of war and peace.\n\n“The American people deserve straight answers about when this conflict is going to end,” said Rep. Sykes. “I cannot support an open-ended war in the Middle East that lacks both a clear strategy and congressional authorization. Thirteen servicemembers have already been killed, and many more have been wounded. At the same time, families are seeing the cost of this conflict at home, from out-of-control gas prices to everyday expenses that keep climbing. Congress should be working to bring costs down and keep Americans safe, not deepening another endless war.”\n\nRep. Sykes will continue holding the administration accountable, support servicemembers and military families, and defend Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers.\n\nThe resolution now goes to the Senate for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/2026/6/reps-van-duyne-clarke-and-foushee-introduce-bipartisan-creator-act-to-protect-creators-with-visual-artistic-protections", "title": "Reps. Van Duyne, Clarke, and Foushee Introduce Bipartisan CREATOR Act to Protect Creators with Visual Artistic Protections", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "vanduyne.house.gov", "scraper": "vanduyne", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000134", "name": "Beth Van Duyne", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) announce the introduction of the Creative Rights Ensuring Artists’ Technique and Originality Are Reserved (CREATOR) Act, legislation designed to safeguard visual artists from the unauthorized commercial exploitation of their unique and creative artistic styles in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).\n\nThe CREATOR Act reflects the Congressional Creators Caucus’ broader mission to support creators and to foster policies that promote innovation while protecting intellectual property rights, economic opportunity, and overall creativity. Specifically, the legislation would establish a new federal right that protects visual artists from the unauthorized commercial use and public distribution of AI-generated works that constitute a stylistic impersonation of their art.\n\nThis legislation was inspired by creators, artists, and stakeholders engaged through the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus, which Rep. Van Duyne co-founded alongside Rep. Clarke, to elevate the voices of digital creators and entrepreneurs in federal policymaking.\n\n“Since launching the Congressional Creators Caucus, I've had the privilege of hearing directly from an incredible and growing community of creators across this country,” said Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne. “Artists, illustrators, and designers in every district are watching their livelihoods be undercut by AI tools deliberately impersonating them, but right now, the law has no answer for it. These are people who have spent a lifetime building their creative identity – they deserve protection. I have heard loud and clear that this is a growing problem across the industry, and the CREATOR Act is a direct response. I'm glad to be leading this bipartisan effort alongside Representatives Clarke and Foushee, taking direct aim at the bad actors who knowingly use AI to fake an artist's identity for commercial gain.”\n\n“Creators and artists have been sounding the alarm about the misuse of their work and identities by AI systems,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “As AI continues to evolve rapidly, Congress must work to ensure resources and protections are in place to support content creators in succeeding in this new era of start-ups and meet the moment. Through the Congressional Creators Caucus, we have heard directly from individuals whose livelihoods depend on their intellectual property and creative expression. The CREATOR Act is a direct response to those concerns and represents an important step toward ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of the creators who drive it. I want to thank my colleagues for working on this bipartisan legislation and delivering on our promise to create an economy for the next generation of entrepreneurship in America.”\n\n“Creative jobs and workers must be supported as AI threatens to disrupt their livelihoods and exploit creative work. As we work to establish guardrails that protect our communities, ensuring that AI-generated content cannot deliberately replicate a visual artists’ distinctive style without consent is critical to protecting artistic expression, preserving our nation’s vibrancy, and advancing civil rights,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “AI companies are reshaping our economy and society faster than our laws have kept pace, often without adequate transparency or accountability, and Congress must make regulating this technology a priority. I’m proud to join Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Yvette Clarke in introducing the CREATOR Act to strengthen protections for artists from AI misuse and prevent the unauthorized commercialization of AI-generated imitations of their work. I look forward to continuing to push for legislation that puts people over Big Tech.”\n\n“AI has the power to supercharge human creativity — but only if creators have rights that match the realities of the technology,” said Louise Pentland, Chief Legal Officer, Adobe. “There are no existing frameworks that can defend against AI-driven style imitation, and in the age of AI, that gap leaves creators and artists increasingly vulnerable. The CREATOR Act closes that gap by establishing a federal right protecting visual artists' signature styles from intentional, commercial AI-enabled impersonation and giving creators meaningful recourse. We commend Representatives Van Duyne, Clarke, and Foushee for introducing this legislation. The artists who power America’s $1.2 trillion creative economy have earned this protection, and we urge Congress to move quickly to advance this important bill.”\n\n“As an illustrator, my identity and career come from years of dedication to my craft derived from personal experience. With my podcast, I amplified Latinx artists who have likewise spent years building their own inimitable style. When AI is used to replicate work without consent, it's so much more damaging than just copying an image; it's profiting unfairly off of someone else’s creative vision, skill, and dedication. The CREATOR Act would give artists like me a real legal right to protect our work, and I’m proud to support it,” said Fabiola Lara, Philadelphia-based Illustrator.\n\n“For the past 10 years, I’ve worked to build a creative style and visual identity that reflects my story, perspective, and lived experience as a photographer and multimedia artist. My work is deeply personal to who I am and how I connect with others. Seeing AI systems replicate the work and likeness of creators without consent is terrifying, especially for independent artists whose creativity is directly tied to their livelihood. The CREATOR Act is an important step toward giving creators legal protection and accountability when AI is used to imitate or profit from our work without permission. I’m proud to support the CREATOR Act and grateful to Representatives Beth Van Duyne, Yvette Clarke, and Valerie Foushee for championing legislation that helps protect the future of creative work,” said Alexsey Reyes, Houston-based photographer and multimedia artist.\n\n“AI can now mimic a photographer’s visual identity with alarming precision, and the law has not kept pace. The CREATOR Act would give visual artists a layer of protection they’ve needed for a long time. I’ve been part of the Content Authenticity Initiative since its inception, and to me, this legislation is a critical next step in making that work matter in the real world,” said Andrew Scrivani, D.C.-based photographer, author, and multimedia artist.\n\n\"The Graphic Artists Guild applauds Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Yvette D. Clark for their efforts to protect the rights of artists, illustrators, designers, and other creators as artificial intelligence technologies become increasingly integrated into creative industries. Artists deserve meaningful protections against the unauthorized use and exploitation of their distinctive styles, and they should have clear avenues for recourse when bad actors misuse generative AI systems to imitate or profit from their work without consent,” said Rachel Sheeran, Advocacy Co-Chair, The Graphic Artists Guild.\n\n\"BSA commends Representatives Van Duyne and Clarke for their work and introduction of the CREATOR Act to support America’s visual artist communities. The legislation is an important step in the broader effort to protect visual artists from the intentional dissemination and sale of AI-generated outputs that unfairly compete and mislead the public,” said Aaron Cooper, Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Business Software Alliance (BSA).\n\n“The PLUS Coalition commends Representatives Van Duyne and Clarke for their bipartisan leadership in advancing protections and accountabilities as generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into creative, educational, cultural, research, and commercial industries. Their efforts recognize the need to balance innovation with meaningful safeguards and clarified boundaries for the broad ecosystem of stakeholders who create, preserve, manage, license, and rely on creative content. As AI technologies continue to evolve, stakeholders will benefit from readily apparent guardrails supporting informed decisions about the use of creative works, styles, identities, and intellectual assets; meaningful protections against unauthorized exploitation; and effective mechanisms to address misuse when it occurs. Fostering trust in the digital ecosystem is essential to sustaining a vibrant and innovative creative economy,” said Professor Jeffrey Sedlik, President, PLUS Coalition.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nRead Axios exclusive here.\n\nRead Adobe's blog post here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-questions-dhs-sec-mullin-on-fy-2027-budget", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Questions DHS Sec. Mullin on FY 2027 Budget", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Rep. Van Epps (TN-07) participated in a Homeland Security Committee hearing reviewing the FY27 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security.\n\nWatch the congressman’s full remarks and questions here.\n\nRep. Van Epps stated, “Thank you, Chairman Garbarino, for convening this hearing today, and thank you, Secretary Mullin and Deputy Secretary Edgar, for joining us. You both lead one of the most critical components of our entire government. The men and women of the Department of Homeland Security devote every day to keeping Americans safe at home. As a citizen and as a father, thank you for all you do.”\n\nRep. Van Epps asked about the alignment between DHS and local law enforcement, “There's an opportunity to improve DHS intelligence and analysis, intel sharing with local law enforcement that we have worked on, and you all are leading on, so that intelligence sharing is a two-way street. [Can] you discuss how your plan to consolidate I&A with other offices to report directly to you will affect reporting structures and improve intel sharing, and how it will better enable DHS' relationship with local law enforcement who need actionable intelligence?”\n\nSecretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullins stated, “Yes, we're trying to expand the 287(g) program to bring I&A in to allow us to work and cooperate. We have a cooperation with [local law enforcement entities] where we reimburse for equipment, for overtime hours, for salaries, and that's from vehicles to drone defense to everything in between, to build to work with them to train them on intelligence gatherings. There's a lot of small municipalities [that] just… [don’t] have the ability to do so. If we're able to give a grant to them, where they can hire somebody full-time, and then we're able to train them, and then... bring them up for training…. That's what we're doing. We have the ability to do it in a small scale. If we can include it in the 287g program, it'd be extremely helpful.”\n\nRep. Van Epps asked, “...How is DHS working with fusion centers in every state to maximize communication, clarity, and effectiveness? …[M]any... fusion centers are heavily reliant on DHS grants for staffing. How will this budget better support fusion center functions and relationships with DHS components?”\n\nDeputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar said, “...So it kind of relates to your first question, the way that I&A is set up…we have 88 different fusion centers across the U.S. [that] we insert ourselves into, so we are the key line between the intelligence community and the law enforcement community in the local jurisdiction. So this budget, as you know, is kind of a combination between FY27, what we've asked for at DHS, and FY27, what the ODNI asked for in Title 50 type money, because a lot of stuff that we do is classified. So, the way this is set up, the OSEM [The Office of Secretary and Executive Management] consolidation that you asked about, that actually consolidates I&A. One of the benefits of that that the President put forward is that we'll be able to consolidate the mission [and] support the things that aren't focused on the fusion centers, like CFOs, three CFOs for those different groups, procurement leads, all that. We basically are taking a lot of the back office out of that, and that organization being able to focus it on fusion centers.”\n\nRep. Van Epps asked, “...Moving on to the Coast Guard, the budget request follows through on transforming the Coast Guard to meet modern needs as the Arctic grows increasingly competitive. The Coast Guard is a critical piece of the U.S. force posture in the region. How does this budget support increased Coast Guard operations in the Arctic? And what else is necessary to ensure a capable and sustained presence in the Arctic?”\n\nSec. Mullins stated, “Icebreakers are obviously a huge asset that we lack. We have one icebreaker, Russia has 49, [and] the president has made this a focus. Right now, we have 11 under contract. Hopefully, three will be delivered by 2028 and… [be] able to respond to our own cargo ships, be able to respond to our own flagships, and also be able to help surrounding countries is vitally important, but it also allows us to get up to… contested areas… [where] China is fishing in, Russia is exploring in, and in areas they shouldn't be. So the focus that President Trump has put in there by putting $24 billion into realignment and investment with the Coast Guard is extremely important. Keep in mind, the Coast Guard is our first line of defense. Before they make it to our sovereign land, they take care of our coastal waters, and in some areas pushing into the international waters, and the way they've been neglected over the years...or me now being secretary over DHS and over the Coast Guard, I can't tell you how much I appreciate the investment President Trump has made and the focus he's put in there. We recently just came back from...the Academy graduation, that's his second time to go to the Coast Guard graduation and be the commencement speaker. It's just unheard of.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=589", "title": "Walkinshaw Introduces Bill to Require DHS to Report Serious Injuries & Deaths Caused by Federal Agents", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, introduced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Accountability Act of 2026 today, requiring DHS to notify Congress within 72 hours of any serious bodily injury or death involving individuals in federal custody or caused by the actions of DHS personnel such as agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. The bill also requires an independent and thorough investigation into each incident and for a report to be shared with Congress.\n\nThe legislation directly addresses a dangerous gap in current law highlighted by the case of Renee Good, a Minneapolis mother of three fatally shot by an ICE officer in January 2026. Because Good was not considered physically in ICE custody at the moment she was killed, the Committee on Homeland Security never received a death-in-custody notification. She was also falsely labeled a 'domestic terrorist' by Trump Administration officials, fueling misinformation about what occurred. Walkinshaw's bill closes that loophole by requiring DHS to report these incidents to Congress regardless of custody status.\n\nWithout this mandatory reporting, incidents like Good's can vanish into bureaucratic silence. Congress cannot identify patterns of misconduct, hold DHS accountable to use-of-force standards, or pass reforms to protect the public if it is never told these incidents occurred in the first place.\n\n“Renee Good’s killing was captured on video. The public saw an ICE agent pull the trigger, but under current law, even that was not enough to require DHS to formally notify Congress,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “What happens to the cases no camera captures? What happens when there is no viral video, no public outrage, and no immediate pressure on DHS to provide answers? Congress should not have to learn about deaths or serious injuries of their constituents involving federal agents from the news, grieving families, or bystander footage. My bill makes sure DHS cannot keep deaths and serious injuries involving federal agents hidden from Congress and the American people and ensures that DHS personnel are held accountable for excessive use of force.”\n\n“When anyone is killed or seriously injured by DHS law enforcement, it is imperative for there to be a full accounting and Congress is quickly notified so a proper - and independent - investigation can take place and nothing can be swept under the rug,” said Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. “Without this legislation, it’s possible we would never hear about heinous tragedies like the shooting of Renee Good. I thank Congressman Walkinshaw for introducing this legislation to close this glaring loophole.”\n\nThe bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify the appropriate congressional committees and members of Congress of a serious bodily injury that includes the location of the incident, if medical assistance was sought, description of use of force and de-escalation tactics, if a firearm was discharged, and beyond. It also requires the Secretary to conduct investigations outside the chain of command of implicated officers, preserve video evidence for five years, and report findings to Congress within seven days of completion. It has been referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.\n\nRanking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Dan Goldman (NY-10), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Troy A. Carter, SR (LA-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Al Green (TX-09), and Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández are cosponsors of the legislation.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=605", "title": "Walkinshaw Condemns Trump Administration’s Assault on Merit-Based Civil Service", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), founder and co-chair of the Federal Workforce Caucus, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s latest action targeting the merit-based civil service.\n\n\"Today's action is another assault on the merit-based civil service. President Trump is taking another step toward purging experienced, nonpartisan public servants and replacing them with political loyalists, while weakening protections for employees who expose waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct.\n\nThe federal workforce serves the American people, not a president or political party. This effort to politicize the civil service threatens the expertise, independence, and accountability Americans rely on from their government.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-statement-on-house-passage-of-resolution-to-end-trumps-war-with-iran", "title": "Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on House Passage of Resolution to End Trump's War with Iran", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "scraper": "watsoncoleman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000822", "name": "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a War Powers resolution brought forward by Representative Gregory Meeks (NY-05) to reign in Trump's actions in Iran:\n\nThe House just passed a War Powers resolution to end a conflict that Trump started without a plan or strategy.\n\nDemocrats had repeatedly forced votes since the war began, but GOP leadership blocked them. Their obstruction has cost the nation billions and has caused economic pain for everyday Americans, from groceries to the gas pump. It's also cost the lives of over a thousand Iranians.\n\nToday's vote is a win for the people. The Senate must act quickly to hold this president accountable for his recklessness.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/06/03/rep-george-whitesides-announces-winners-of-2026-congressional-art-competition/", "title": "Rep. George Whitesides Announces Winners of 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SANTA CLARITA, CA – Today, Rep. George Whitesides announced the winners of this year’s Congressional Art Competition, themed “The Future I Want to See.”\n\nThe following students were selected for their exceptional work:\n\n1st Place: “Shared Skies” drawn by Fiona Currie, a homeschooled 12th grader in Palmdale, with colored pencils.\n\n2nd Place: “Seen Before it Exists” mixed media produced by Esha Mandadapu, a 9th grader at Academy of the Canyons.\n\n3rd Place: “Where Nature Thrives” photography produced by Brady Wan, an 11th grade student at West Ranch High School.\n\n4th Place: “Our Olive Branch” painted by Joanne Kim, an 11th grade student at West Ranch High School.\n\nThe first place winner, Fiona, described her work: “It depicts a B-1B Lancer aircraft soaring through the skies of the Antelope Valley as a pair of native common ravens look on. The scene also includes another local native, the joshua tree, amid a carpet of flowering desert scrub brush commonly found here in the spring. The color scheme of the ravens consists of fiery reds and oranges for one, and tranquil blues and greens for the other. This choice of colors represents the cycle of summer wildfires that ravage the hillsides, contrasting with the essential waters from rain and snow-melt that allow new plant-life to flourish from the barren earth once more.”\n\nThe top four pieces will be proudly displayed in various locations representing the community. The first place winner’s artwork will be exhibited in the U.S. Capitol, while the second place entry will be displayed in Congressman Whitesides’ D.C. office. The 3rd and 4th place winners will have their works shown in the Congressman’s two district offices.\n\nThe panel of judges for this year’s competition came from all across the district, and represented a variety of artistic backgrounds, including:\n\nDonna Weil – Lakes and Valleys Art Guild\n\nRobert Benitez – Lancaster Museum of Art and History\n\nChristine Mugnolo – Antelope Valley College\n\nLauren Chomuk – Valencia Drawn 2 Art Studio\n\nLisa de Souza – Santa Clarita International Film Festival\n\nAntoinette De Paiva – Artuity Art Studio\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6949", "title": "Wittman and Acting Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling, Visit Rappahannock Community College", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Warsaw, VA – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) visited Rappahannock Community College with Acting Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling. The visit allowed Congressman Wittman and Secretary Sonderling to see how Rappahannock Community College (RCC) is helping meet workforce demands, strengthen apprenticeship pathways, and create economic opportunity in Virginia’s Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula communities.\n\n“It was a pleasure to join Secretary Sonderling on this tour of Rappahannock Community College,” said Rep. Wittman. “Rappahannock Community College is doing tremendous work to expand workforce development and apprenticeship initiatives, helping prepare Virginia’s workforce to meet 21st-century needs and be equipped for skilled trade careers that are in high demand. Last year, I was proud to see my legislation, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, signed into law. This legislation provides students with the flexibility to pursue pathways that suit their needs by allowing them to use their 529 savings accounts for workforce development training, such as those offered at Rappahannock Community College. I want to thank Dr. Shannon Kennedy, President of Rappahannock Community College, and RCC faculty and staff for showing us the great work being done to prepare Virginians to meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.”\n\nRCC recently received GO Virginia funding to construct a new 4,240-square-foot workforce training center on its Glenns campus in support of its rapidly growing Welding and Diesel Mechanics programs. The $674,000 project will be funded by the GO Virginia grant, RCC Educational Foundation, and nearby localities, and represents a significant investment in workforce readiness and hands-on technical education.\n\nThe new facility will feature 16 welding booths, expanded diesel mechanics training space, and updated infrastructure specifically designed for industry-driven workforce preparation. In addition to technical instruction, the initiative supports internships, job shadowing opportunities, industry-recognized credentials, and upskilling opportunities for current workers across the region.\n\nBackground:\n\nCongressman Wittman’s legislation, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, was signed into law in July 2025. This legislation allows individuals to use their 529 savings account funds to pay for post-secondary professional training and credentialing programs — expanding access to alternative education pathways and high-paying jobs. With the Commonwealth being home to the largest 529 program in the country, Congressman Wittman championed the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act to broaden education and career opportunities for both young Americans who are just getting on their feet and workers of every career stage seeking professional growth.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6950", "title": "Virginia Delegation Invites Virginians to Submit Photos for a Congressional Time Capsule Celebrating America 250", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Virginia congressional delegation invites individuals across the Commonwealth to submit photographs to be considered for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. The delegation is collecting photographs that represent the many treasures Virginia has to offer in 2026 – whether they capture everyday life, natural landscapes, historic places, community events, local traditions, work, or recreation. Selected photographs will be included in Virginia’s submission to the time capsule.\n\n“From foundational ideas of freedom and opportunity born in our cities to the sacrifices made on our battlefields, Virginia has played a central role in America’s history,” said the delegation. “This time capsule is a wonderful opportunity for Virginians to show off the Commonwealth 250 years into our nation’s journey, and to offer those in the year 2276 a glimpse of Virginia and America during the nation’s semiquincentennial.”\n\nPhotographs can be digitally submitted here.\n\nPhotographs must be submitted by Friday, June 12, 2026, to be considered.\n\nAs part of Congress’s efforts to celebrate the United States of America’s 250th birthday, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act directs the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to create and prepare a congressional time capsule to be sealed in the Capitol Visitor Center. The capsule will serve as a snapshot in time and will be buried after preparations are complete. Each state and territory delegation is allowed one jointly decided submission. The capsule will be opened on the nation's 500th anniversary, July 4, 2276.\n\nThe photographs representing Virginia in 2026 will be jointly selected and submitted to the time capsule by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA-02), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), John McGuire (R-VA-05), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11).", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410813", "title": "Committee Approves Womack's Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill to Strengthen Transportation and Housing Programs", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 4, 2026…Today, the House Appropriations Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The measure was reported favorably by the Committee to the full House by a vote of 34-27.\n\nHouse Appropriations THUD Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) said:\n\n“America’s outstanding level of mobility and housing affordability has long set our nation apart and represents key components of the American Dream. My Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill builds on that reputation of excellence by investing in the modernization of our national airspace system, providing resources to properly maintain and improve our roads, bridges, and railways, and giving vulnerable Americans the resources they need to keep a roof over their heads—setting them up for future success.”\n\n“I am also proud of the investments this bill makes in Arkansas’s Third District. From water systems to bridges and highways, this legislation brings Third District taxpayer dollars back home to strengthen infrastructure as our region continues to grow.”\n\n“I thank Ranking Member Jim Clyburn for his partnership on this bill and Chairman Tom Cole for his leadership in swiftly bringing it before the committee for consideration.”\n\nChairman Womack’s full opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available HERE.\n\nHouse Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-4) delivered the following remarks during the markup, “America's future will be shaped not only by what we envision, but by what we build. The FY27 THUD bill invests in modernized infrastructure, mobility, and community priorities that will keep our nation moving forward. Whether on our highways, in our ports, across our waterways, or through our skies, the measure reinforces the networks that keep America safely connected and competitive. It further supports local development efforts and assistance for vulnerable Americans, ensuring communities have the resources to grow, adapt, and thrive. As a former mayor, Chairman Womack understands that strong infrastructure and strong communities go hand in hand. His legislation reflects a practical commitment to delivering results that will benefit Americans for generations to come. With this action, we have now advanced nine FY27 appropriations bills, continuing to move both the appropriations process and the nation's priorities forward through regular order.”\n\nChairman Cole's full opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available HERE.\n\nBill highlights:\n\nInvests in Arkansas’s Third District by allocating:\n\n$9 million to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport for its western concourse expansion.\n\n$5 million for Arkansas Highway 10 improvements.\n\n$7.736 million for Arkansas Highway 72 improvements.\n\n$10 million for Arkansas Highways 59 improvements.\n\n$675,000 to the city of Lincoln for water system improvements.\n\n$1 million to the city of Lowell for a food bank initiative.\n\n$2.1 million to Benton County for the construction of a new fire and EMS station in Avoca.\n\n$2.5 million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) for training space improvements.\n\n$4.5 million to the NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) for campus infrastructure improvements.\n\n$5 million to the city of Dyer for water system improvements.\n\n$5 million to the city of Van Buren for bridge improvements.\n\n$6 million to Madison County for water system improvements.\n\n$6.838 million to the city of Green Forest for water system improvements.\n\n$9 million to the city of Cave Springs for water system improvements.\n\n$12 million to the city of Gentry for water system improvements.\n\n$12.75 million to the city of Bentonville for road improvements.\n\nInvests in transportation safety and rebuilds America by:\n\nProviding $22.7 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire 2,300 new air traffic controllers and replace dated telecommunication infrastructure.\n\nRebuilding America with more than $6.3 billion in new budget authority for highways, rail, airports, and maritime infrastructure.\n\nRedirecting $7.9 billion in wasteful Democrat priorities from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and investing those funds in safety, stronger freight movement, and more reliable travel for the traveling public.\n\nProviding $200 million to develop safe and accessible truck parking infrastructure.\n\nSupporting America’s maritime dominance through investments in our maritime workforce and infrastructure.\n\nEnsures a responsible safety net for our most vulnerable citizens by:\n\nEmpowering the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to refocus housing assistance to promote self-sufficiency.\n\nProviding $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, $60 million for the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunities Program (SHOP), and $500 million for the HOME Investment Partnerships program to support affordable housing development across the nation.\n\nBolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:\n\nFunding the U.S. Merchant Marines, state Maritime Academies, shipyards, and the strategic sealift programs—including the Cable Security Fleet, Maritime Security Program, and Tanker Security Program.\n\nSupporting America’s vehicle and aircraft manufacturers to ensure global leadership and to counter China’s malign influence.\n\nMaintaining “Buy American” provisions that maximize the federal government’s use of services, goods, products, and materials produced and offered in the United States.\n\nProviding $92 million for new Department of Transportation (DOT) cybersecurity infrastructure initiatives.\n\nA summary of the bill is available HERE.\n\nThe bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available HERE.\n\nA video of Chairman Womack’s opening remarks is available HERE.\n\nA full recording of the markup is available HERE.\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nwomack.house.gov\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-questions-federal-highway-administration-administrator-about-funding-for-marylands-american-legion-bridge/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS QUESTIONS FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR ABOUT FUNDING FOR MARYLAND’S AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "June 3, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works’ (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, questioned witnesses at an EPW hearing examining the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) proposed budget for fiscal year 2027. In the hearing, Senator Alsobrooks specifically questioned the FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster about expected federal investment for Maryland’s American Legion Bridge.\n\nWATCH SENATOR ALSOBROOKS’ FULL QUESTIONING HERE\n\n“Congress created the Bridge Investment Program to fund nationally significant bridge projects and to include a statutory lane to ensure that broad geographic distribution of awards would happen. Maryland remains among the states that have not yet received awards under the program’s framework, and Maryland has applied for approximately $864 million for the American Legion Bridge, which is a major bridge replacement and corridor modernization effort in one of the most congested transportation corridors in the nation. As the Department evaluates future bridge investment awards, can you discuss how the Federal Highway Administration is assessing large nationally significant bridge replacement projects such as the American Legion Bridge and, more specifically, how does the Department views projects in states that have not yet received either a large bridge project award or two bridge project awards under the program’s statutory framework?” asked Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“We still have a little bit of work to do for fiscal year 2026 funds for awards, there are a handful of localities that have not received what the required amount of awards are. You mentioned Maryland. We are still working through that. We have the large bridge applications in that we are processing. We hope to have those out in later summer would be my expectation. … The federal government wants to be a partner to address those most congested points. You saw earlier this year we issued a RFI on the American Legion Bridge, this is a bridge in our backyard here in the Capital of the United States that is heavily congested. I heard a statistic on the American Legion, I can’t speak to the veracity of it, but they talk about what rush hour means in a normal capacity, might be two, three, or four hours. American Legion Bridge has a 12-hour rush hour. It is a very significant congested project. We look forward to working with the state of Maryland,” responded Administrator Sean McMaster.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-alsobrooks-on-cnbcs-squawk-box-im-not-offended-by-wealth-i-just-want-more-people-to-be-wealthy/", "title": "ICYMI – ALSOBROOKS ON CNBC’S SQUAWK BOX: “I’M NOT OFFENDED BY WEALTH, I JUST WANT MORE PEOPLE TO BE WEALTHY”", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "June 3, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) joined CNBC’s Squawk Box live from the Senate Banking Committee room. Senator Alsobrooks discussed her work fueling innovation, creating economic opportunity, and lowering the cost of health care, housing, and groceries.\n\nWATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE\n\n“There are people who expect that I should be offended by wealth — I’m not. I just want more people to be wealthy,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-veterans-from-being-scammed-by-claims-sharks", "title": "Baldwin, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Veterans from Being Scammed by Claims Sharks", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined her colleagues in introducing legislation to protect veterans and their earned benefits from the scamming practices of claims sharks and other predatory actors.\n\nThe Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would clarify that only accredited individuals can assist veterans with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. And it would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While federal law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties.\n\n“Wisconsin veterans have served and sacrificed for our nation, and it’s our duty to ensure they get the care they need when they return home. These brave men and women earned their benefits, and it’s our job to stop any bad actors who try to take advantage and scam them,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to work with my colleagues to stand up for our veterans and safeguard the benefits that they deserve.”\n\nAmong its many provisions, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would:\n\nReestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans;\n\nProhibit VA accreditation of any person found guilt of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims;\n\nClose loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims;\n\nProhibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information;\n\nRequire VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and\n\nIncrease warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents.\n\nThe legislation follows a NPR investigation that revealed private companies continue to make millions by extorting veterans, despite knowing their actions are likely illegal.\n\nSenator Baldwin has long led the charge to support and protect veterans. In 2023, Senator Baldwin introduced the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act, bipartisan legislation to expand a community-based outreach program that helps veterans learn about and access their earned benefits. The legislation was signed into law in 2025 and just last month, Senator Baldwin led a bipartisan effort urging the Trump administration to quickly implement the legislation.\n\nThe SAFEGUARD Veterans Act is led by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) and also co-sponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe legislation is supported by National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and The American Legion.\n\n“NACVSO supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 and its efforts to restore integrity within the VA claims process,” said NACVSO President Andrew Tangen. “VA-accredited representatives operate under federal oversight, training requirements, and ethical standards designed to protect veterans, while unaccredited claims agents have increasingly exploited enforcement gaps while profiting from veteran injuries and illnesses. This legislation takes bad profit incentives away from unscrupulous claims agents by restoring criminal penalties for unauthorized assistance, improving transparency, modernizing accreditation oversight, and increasing awareness of predatory practices. No veteran should ever have to pay for initial claim services and those who have illegally profited must be held accountable.”\n\n“For too long, unaccredited claims consultants have exploited veterans and survivors by charging excessive, unlawful fees for assistance they are not authorized to provide. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act restores accountability, strengthens protections for veterans navigating the VA claims process, and reinforces the critical role of accredited veterans service organizations, attorneys, and claims agents who are held to rigorous standards,” said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). “MOAA applauds lawmakers for introducing this important legislation to preserve the integrity of the VA benefits system and ensure veterans are not targeted by predatory actors seeking to profit off of service-earned benefits.”\n\n“DAV strongly supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to help combat a serious and ongoing threat: unethical individuals who prey on veterans navigating the complex VA claims process and charge fees for help that should be free and accredited,” said DAV National Service Director Scott Hope. “By reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited claims assistance, streamlining the accreditation process, and making public those who have been barred from VA accreditation, this bill puts teeth back into protections that veterans need, deserve, and have earned. Passage of this legislation would demonstrate our nation’s unwavering commitment to honor and protect all who have served because every veteran deserves strong, honest advocacy when seeking earned benefits—not opportunists seeking to profit.”\n\nFull text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-questions-treasury-secretary-on-irs-politicization-tax-cuts-for-working-families-iran-and-retirement-security/", "title": "Barrasso Questions Treasury Secretary on IRS Politicization, Tax Cuts for Working Families, Iran, and Retirement Security", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent on preventing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) overreach, helping families access new tax cuts included in the Working Families Tax Cuts law, expanding access to low-cost retirement plans, and maintaining maximum economic pressure on Iran.\n\nSecretary Bessent spoke during today’s Senate Finance Committee hearing to review President Trump’s budget request for the Department of the Treasury for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\nOn IRS Politicization:\n\n“Thanks, Mr. Chairman. Well, talking about draining the swamp – I appreciate what you’re doing, Mr. Secretary. Because you inherited a very troubling record of misconduct in terms of the IRS politicization.\n\n“And you moved quickly. You championed the efforts to turn that around.\n\n“We saw under the Obama administration, the IRS spent years systematically targeting conservative nonprofit groups.\n\n“Tea Party groups. Faith-based organizations. Christians. Conservatives.\n\n“The Biden administration – their IRS continued that same pattern.\n\n“A recent Department of Justice report noted the Biden IRS investigated churches based on what their pastors preached.\n\n“We can go on and on – about the Bible teachings that were typically affiliated with the Republican party. Those were being attacked by previous administrations.\n\n“So, this wasn’t, to me, tax administration. This was government intimidation.\n\n“The American people aren’t standing for it.\n\n“Can you tell us what the Treasury Department has done to ensure that something like this – that this targeting by the previous administration and the Obama administration as well – that these persecutions are going to stop?”\n\nOn Tax Cuts Still Ahead:\n\n“I want to talk about the tax cuts we were able to pass last year. And you were so helpful in our efforts to get the Working Families Tax Cuts bill passed.\n\n“We see now in the tax returns this year – over 60 million Americans have claimed at least one of these Republican new tax cuts.\n\n“No Tax on Tips. No Tax on Overtime. The Senior Deduction.\n\n“Refunds were up. Paychecks are bigger. I think it’s important for families to know all of the things that are in this legislation.\n\n“You and I have talked about it. But I continue to travel, as do other members, around our home states. And some people aren’t aware of many of the things that are advantaged here.\n\n“How is the Treasury Department ensuring that families across the country can access everything that this law has to offer them?”\n\nOn Retirement Security:\n\n“I want to ask about the issue of retirement security. Because about 50 million Americans have no access to a workplace retirement plan.\n\n“And in Wyoming, that’s about 65,000 independent truckers, contractors, ranchers – other self-employed individuals as we see all across the country.\n\n“President Trump recently signed an Executive Order to try to change that.\n\n“The order directs you and the Treasury to provide workers with access to low-cost retirement plans with matching federal contributions.\n\n“Under your leadership, Treasury is working on legislative recommendations to build on this framework – to help these individuals.\n\n“What is your vision for helping to close that retirement coverage gap?”\n\nOn Continuing Economic Pressure on Iran:\n\n“And then a final question. And it’s on continuing the economic pressure on Iran.\n\n“The President talks about ‘Maximum Pressure.’\n\n“How does your budget help ensure that Treasury has the tools that you need to keep that economic pressure?”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/republicans-will-fund-ice-and-border-patrol-despite-democrat-obstruction/", "title": "Republicans Will Fund ICE and Border Patrol Despite Democrat Obstruction", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The American people deserve to feel safe at home, safe in their communities. And we deserve to have a homeland that is secure. And that’s why I am saying it is time to pass the Secure America Act.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today\n\nspoke about how Republicans will fully fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the Secure America Act. Senator Barrasso discussed how Republicans are committed to keeping our communities safe and secure while Democrats are committed to defunding law enforcement.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks:\n\n“Republicans are ready to move forward on funding critical components of our government. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Border Patrol.\n\n“I heard the Minority Leader here on the Floor of the Senate a few minutes ago, and it sounds like he is continuing – as the Democrats have been doing – standing with illegal immigrant criminals. Protecting illegal immigrant criminals rather than protecting American citizens.\n\n“What we’re proposing – and the bill we’ll be discussing today – is a bill that is targeted and is focused. And it is a vote for safe communities, not for criminals, specifically criminal illegal aliens. It is a vote for secure borders.\n\n“Safe communities and secure borders are the top priorities of American citizens. People want to live in safe communities. They want secure borders. The top priority of the Democrats doesn’t seem to be that at all. It seems to be defund border security, defund law enforcement in this country. That’s what they’ve been for years. Protesting in the streets. Defund the police. Get rid of ICE.\n\n“We need safety and security for the American people. What we’ve seen after month and month and month of Democrat obstruction is very clear. Democrats want to go back to the days of the chaos of open borders. People streaming across the Southern Border into our nation. Republicans are not prepared to allow them to do it.\n\n“The American people deserve to feel safe at home, safe in their communities. And we deserve to have a homeland that is secure. And that’s why I am saying it is time to pass the Secure America Act.\n\n“Earlier this month, the United States Border Patrol secured a historic record. For a full year, not a single illegal immigrant has been released into our country. Catch and release no longer exists. Our border is more secure than ever before.\n\n“Of course, this security is not guaranteed. The border is secure because enforcement is strong, and there is a commitment to enforcing the law. The danger has not disappeared.\n\n“One week ago, United States Border Patrol agents and Texas Highway Patrol arrested 12 illegal immigrants in Southwest Texas. The arrests occurred late at night on a private ranch near our Southern Border. Among those arrested are six Chinese nationals. All of them were military age. All of them were captured wearing military-style camouflage.\n\n“These six Chinese nationals are not ordinary illegal immigrants. They are what law enforcement classifies as ‘Special Interest Aliens.’ A Special Interest Alien is a non-citizen whose country of origin or travel history raises the concern of a serious national security threat. Special Interest Aliens are subject to enhanced security scrutiny.\n\n“The six Chinese nationals wanted to avoid getting caught. We still don’t know who they are. We still don’t know why they are here. We still don’t know where they were heading. We still don’t know who they planned to meet.\n\n“This situation reminds us of a core security principle: national security starts with border security. Congress cannot allow Democrats to strangle the resources Border Patrol needs to keep America safe.\n\n“The United States Border Patrol stands on the front lines of American safety. These are the men and women who patrol areas that are rugged and remote. They secure our borders. They keep illegal immigrant criminals out of our country. They do dangerous and diligent work because they know it makes the American people safer.\n\n“Joe Biden and Democrats failed to secure the border. Joe Biden and Democrats undermined the men and women of Border Patrol. They turned our Southern Border into a turnstile. Over ten million people entered our country illegally in just four years. There was no enforcement of border law. There was only abandonment of our border.\n\n“President Trump and Republicans had the common sense and commitment to secure the border. Through the Working Families Tax Cuts law, we invested $170 billion in border security. That’s the largest border security investment in American history.\n\n“Republicans funded the border wall. We ended Joe Biden’s Catch and Release policy. We restored Remain in Mexico. We cracked down on the Cartels. We gave Border Patrol the tools and resources to do their job. Republicans remain resolutely committed to keeping America safe.\n\n“By contrast, Democrats continue their commitment to open borders and to defunding the police. Democrats in the Senate right now are obstructing funding for Border Patrol. The Democrat blockade has gone on since January.\n\n“Democrats are choosing protecting illegal immigrants over protecting law-abiding American citizens. They want to defund the police. They want to defund American security. They are choosing open borders over a secure America.\n\n“Cartels, criminals, and foreign adversaries are watching what we do here in Washington D.C. Defunding Border Patrol is a dream to every criminal in the world who wishes to take advantage of innocent Americans. Why are Democrats standing with them? If we are serious about safe and secure communities, we must fully fund border security.\n\n“Republicans introduced the Secure America Act. It will fully fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the next three years. It will give law enforcement the tools to keep illegal immigrant criminals, the cartels, and terror suspects out of our country.\n\n“Republicans support the United States Border Patrol. We will deliver resources for the brave men and women who are committed to the safety and security of the American people.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/03/bennet-leads-subcommittee-on-taxation-and-irs-oversight-letter-demanding-answers-on-agreement-shielding-trump-family-from-irs-audits/", "title": "Bennet Leads Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight  Letter Demanding Answers on Agreement Shielding Trump, Family From IRS Audits", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Demands preservation of all related records, documents, and communications; notes potential violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7217 and 7122\n\nWashington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Ranking Member of the Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, led Democratic members of the Subcommittee in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano demanding answers on the settlement addendum reached with President Trump that prevents the Department of Justice from bringing any action or pursuing any tax audit into previous returns filed by Trump, his family members, or affiliated companies.\n\nThis week, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that this addendum remained in effect – an unprecedented agreement that appears to violate the law and longstanding policy. The letter was joined by Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nIn addition to Bennet and Wyden, Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernard Sanders (D-VT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Raphael G. Warnock (D-GA) signed the letter.\n\n“We write to request urgent clarification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the recently released addendum settlement that precludes the Department of Justice (DOJ) from bringing any action or pursuing any tax audit into previous returns filed by Donald J. Trump, his relatives, or affiliated companies. This settlement is not only unprecedented, but also appears to violate the law and decades of policy prohibiting the White House from intervening in IRS audit decisions. This administration owes the American people a complete and transparent accounting of how this addendum settlement was ultimately conceived and approved,” said the lawmakers.\n\n“The terms of this addendum are shocking and require immediate explanation. Not only will taxpayers now be forced to pay monetary damages to an unclear set of individuals claiming unenumerated harms as part of the ‘Fund,’ but President Trump has appeared to shield himself, his relatives, and other affiliated interests from IRS audits into past tax returns – a grant of retrospective immunity that has never been offered to any individual in the history of the Internal Revenue Service,” continued the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers asked for answers regarding the conclusions reached by career civil servants, who reviewed the deal, if there was anything unusual about the deal, and what role politically-appointed staff had in the making of the deal between the IRS and President Trump.\n\n“While acting Attorney General Blanche has stipulated that neither Trump nor his family members will receive rewards from the ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund,’ a favorable resolution of pending audits and the limitation of future ones for past returns may prove especially lucrative. Reporting from 2024 suggested that a loss in a then-active IRS audit could cost President Trump more than $100 million. It remains unclear whether that examination has closed, or whether there are any other pending audits of President Trump, his family members or affiliated entities. The American people deserve immediate information explaining how this addendum agreement was conceived, drafted, and approved,” concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nSecretary Bessent and Mr. Bisignano:\n\nWe write to request urgent clarification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the recently released addendum settlement that precludes the Department of Justice (DOJ) from bringing any action or pursuing any tax audit into previous returns filed by Donald J. Trump, his relatives, or affiliated companies. This settlement is not only unprecedented, but also appears to violate the law and decades of policy prohibiting the White House from intervening in IRS audit decisions. This administration owes the American people a complete and transparent accounting of how this addendum settlement was ultimately conceived and approved. We urge you to preserve all records, documents, and communications – including email, text message, or other messaging applications (e.g. iMessage, Signal) – held by the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) related to this addendum settlement, including any communications with the White House.\n\nOn May 18, the DOJ announced the creation of an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate individuals who have been the self-described victims of undefined government activity. This “Fund” – which is ultimately to receive a $1.776 billion deposit from the Treasury’s General Fund – is one part of a broader settlement the Federal government reached with President Trump in his capacity as a private citizen, though is currently paused subject to court proceedings. Immediately following its release, Treasury General Counsel Brian Morrissey resigned without explanation.\n\nOn May 19, the DOJ released an addendum to the settlement stipulating that the IRS is “forever barred and precluded” from pursuing “examinations” of President Trump, “related or affiliated individuals,” and related trusts and businesses. This sweeping declaration of prosecutorial forbearance prohibits “any and all claims…whether presently known or unknown…[that] have been or could have been” asserted. Unlike the larger settlement released Monday, which was signed by Mr. Bisignano, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, and Trump attorney Daniel Epstein, the addendum one-page document was signed solely by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Metadata attached to the document indicates it was prepared or scanned at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday.\n\nThe terms of this addendum are shocking and require immediate explanation. Not only will taxpayers now be forced to pay monetary damages to an unclear set of individuals claiming unenumerated harms as part of the “Fund,” but President Trump has appeared to shield himself, his relatives, and other affiliated interests from IRS audits into past tax returns – a grant of retrospective immunity that has never been offered to any individual in the history of the Internal Revenue Service.\n\nFurthermore, the creation of this addendum may expose a number of individuals to criminal liability. The legal framework governing presidential interference in IRS audit decisions is clear and longstanding. Under 26 U.S.C. § 7217(a), it is “unlawful for any applicable person to request, directly or indirectly, any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service to conduct or terminate an audit or other investigation of any particular taxpayer with respect to the tax liability of such taxpayer.” This prohibition is explicitly extended to the President and Vice President, as well as individuals serving at Level I of the Executive Schedule – such as the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commissioner of Social Security. It also requires IRS officers and officials who receive such requests to report them to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Failure to do so may subject those officers to criminal prosecution.\n\nAlthough § 7217 permits the Attorney General to make a request with respect to an IRS audit, § 7122 only grants him authority to compromise a tax dispute after it is referred to DOJ by the IRS for prosecution or defense. It remains unclear whether Mr. Bisignano, or any other IRS employee, made any referrals to DOJ concerning Trump audits. Moreover, terminating an audit of the President would violate longstanding IRS policy to audit all of the President’s returns, and would be indefensible in the context of a settlement agreement reached with President Trump, given the law’s prohibition on presidential requests made either “directly or indirectly.” A settlement agreement between the Federal government and the President that intervenes in IRS audit action appears to violate the law on its face.\n\nWhile acting Attorney General Blanche has stipulated that neither Trump nor his family members will receive rewards from the “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” a favorable resolution of pending audits and the limitation of future ones for past returns may prove especially lucrative. Reporting from 2024 suggested that a loss in a then-active IRS audit could cost President Trump more than $100 million. It remains unclear whether that examination has closed, or whether there are any other pending audits of President Trump, his family members or affiliated entities.\n\nThe American people deserve immediate information explaining how this addendum agreement was conceived, drafted, and approved. In addition to preserving all relevant documents, records, and communications, including both hard copies and electronically-stored information, We demand answers to the following questions by June 12, 2026:\n\nWhat were the conclusions reached by career civil servants in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel regarding the merits of President Trump’s lawsuit?\n\nPlease provide a copy of the 25-page IRS memorandum as prepared by the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.\n\nWho within the IRS and the Treasury reviewed the IRS memorandum regarding President Trump’s lawsuit?\n\nWere there any internal memoranda or briefs, whether drafts or final, prepared regarding the applicability of 26 U.S.C. § 7217 or 7122 to the addendum agreement of May 19?\n\nIf so, which staff attorneys worked on those memoranda or briefs? Were any of them submitted for final approval?\n\nIf not, did the Treasury and IRS consider the implications of 26 U.S.C. § 7217 or 7122?\n\nDid any IRS employee refer any of the Trump family’s audit disputes to the DOJ for prosecution or defense?\n\nIf so, who?\n\nIf not, under what authority did DOJ attempt to settle those disputes?\n\nHas either the IRS or the Treasury issued staff advisories enumerating IRS employees’ responsibilities under the provisions of 26 U.S.C. § 7217, and the potential penalties for noncompliance?\n\nWere there any other internal memoranda or briefs, whether drafts or final, prepared in connection with the addendum agreement of May 19?\n\nIf so, please provide them.\n\nWhat role did former Treasury General Counsel Brian Morrissey have in reviewing, directing, approving, or otherwise participating in either the settlement agreement of May 18 or the addendum agreement of May 19?\n\nWhat role did the Treasury’s Office of General Counsel have generally?\n\nWhat role did the IRS Office of Chief Counsel have generally?\n\nWhat role did Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have in reviewing, directing, approving, or otherwise participating in either the settlement agreement of May 18 or the addendum agreement of May 19?\n\nWhat role did IRS CEO and Commissioner of Social Security Frank Bisignano have in reviewing, directing, approving, or otherwise participating in either the settlement agreement of May 18 or the addendum agreement of May 19?\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this matter, and look forward to full and accurate statements in response to the questions above.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/03/what-theyre-saying-leaders-across-the-nation-applaud-senate-passage-of-bennet-grassley-legislation-to-extend-rural-hospital-program/", "title": "What They’re Saying: Leaders Across the Nation Applaud Senate Passage of Bennet, Grassley Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Over a dozen rural hospital leaders from across Colorado and the United States are praising the unanimous Senate passage of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, led by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, and Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley.\n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral legislation provides a lifeline to rural hospitals by extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) for another five years, allowing hospitals to continue testing innovative hospital payment models under Medicare that boost financial sustainability and improve rural access to care.\n\nCurrently, four Colorado hospitals participate in RCHD: Delta Health, Valley View Medical Center, Montrose Regional Health, and San Luis Valley Health.\n\nIn addition to Colorado, 12 other states have hospitals in the program: Iowa, Alaska, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming.\n\n“We appreciate Senator Bennet and Senator Grassley’s leadership in supporting policies that recognize the challenges facing rural hospitals. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program provides a practical, proven approach to sustaining access to care by aligning Medicare payment with the real costs of providing services in rural communities. This program is about keeping care local, to ensure Colorado residents can receive timely, high-quality care, close to home,” said Jeff Tieman, Colorado Hospital Association’s President and Chief Executive Officer.\n\n“Montrose Regional Health is proud to support Senator Bennet’s leadership in advancing a five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program. This program is critical to sustaining access to high-quality care in rural communities like ours. It provides the stability and flexibility needed to navigate the unique financial and operational challenges we face, while continuing to invest in services that keep care close to home. We appreciate Senator Bennet’s ongoing commitment to strengthening rural healthcare across Colorado,” said Jeff Mengenhausen, Montrose Regional Health’s Chief Executive Officer\n\n“As a rural health system serving the San Luis Valley, we are already seeing the benefits of participating in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program,” said Konnie Martin, San Luis Valley Health’s Chief Executive Officer. “This program is helping us strengthen our financial footing and bring in the resources we need to preserve critical services for our community. As the only provider of Level III trauma and obstetric care within a 120-mile radius, our ability to remain open and fully operational is essential. The care we provide is not only vital to the health of our region, but also to its economic stability as the largest employer in the San Luis Valley. Senator Bennet’s legislation to extend this program will help ensure rural hospitals like ours can continue to serve our communities for years to come.”\n\n“Rural hospitals like Delta Health operate on incredibly thin margins while serving vulnerable patient populations across Delta County,” said Nick Colleran, Delta Health’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. “The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has been a lifeline for our rural hospital, providing the stable, predictable reimbursement we need to keep our doors open and continue delivering essential services, such as oncology care, to our community. At a time when we are facing mounting financial challenges such as our 2025 Medicare loss on charges of $45,161,765.00, as well the loss of critical resources and increasing administrative burdens, this program offers real, immediate support – not theoretical funding. Senator Bennet’s legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program is exactly the kind of commonsense solution rural providers need. It will help ensure that hospitals like Delta Health can continue to care for patients in the Western Slope for the next 100 years.”\n\n“Valley View has participated in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program since 2017. The program has provided crucial support that allows Medicare patients to receive high quality care close to home. Continued participation in the program is essential to preserving critical services, maintaining staffing stability, and ensuring that rural Medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive high quality care in their own communities. Without this support, access to vital inpatient, specialty, and outreach services would be at risk for the residents who rely on us most,” said Brian Murphy, Valley View Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.\n\n“The American Hospital Association applauds the Senate passing the Rural Community Hospital (RCH) Demonstration Reauthorization Act, which allows hospitals to continue providing essential care in their communities by supporting the financial stability of participating rural hospitals. Hospitals with 50 beds or less are some of the most vulnerable to closure, and the RCH demo offers an important model to maintain access in rural communities around the country. This bipartisan legislation gives more certainty for America’s rural hospitals,” said Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Political Affairs.\n\n“The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is grateful to see the introduction of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) Reauthorization Act, led by Senator Grassley and Senator Bennet. This bill would provide a 5-year extension of the RCHD Program, which offers much-needed support for small rural hospitals through enhanced Medicare reimbursement. The RCHD Program has demonstrated improvement in Medicare inpatient margins for participating rural hospitals and has been crucial in helping rural hospital leaders maintain rural hospital viability,” said Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association.\n\nBennet remains committed to ensuring that Coloradans in rural areas have access to the best health care available. In March, Bennet joined U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to introduce the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, which would provide zero-interest loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Community Facilities Program to qualifying hospitals for new construction or renovation of existing hospital facilities. In February, Bennet celebrated the passage of six of his health care bills: the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act, REAL Health Providers Act, Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, Give Kids a Chance Act, PREEMIE Act Reauthorization, and Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act.\n\nIn November 2025, Bennet joined Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in designating November 20, 2025, as National Rural Health Day. In July 2025, Bennet and Barrasso introduced the Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees Act, bipartisan legislation to increase access and coverage to behavioral, psychological, and mental health services in rural areas. In April 2025, Bennet and Representative Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) held a roundtable discussion with rural health providers on the Western Slope to discuss challenges to providing high-quality care in Colorado’s rural communities.\n\nBennet has also been a longtime champion for the RCHD program, having led the most recent reauthorization. In May 2020, Bennet joined U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) to introduce legislation to extend the RCHD Program for an additional five years, ensuring these essential hospitals do not face further budget instability during such challenging times.\n\nIn addition to Grassley and Bennet, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) cosponsored this legislation.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/video-blackburn-flames-democrats-for-trying-to-abolish-ice", "title": "VIDEO: Blackburn Flames Democrats for Trying to Abolish ICE", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor, where she excoriated the Democrats for their long record of trying to abolish ICE and defund law enforcement. Click here to download her remarks and see below for excerpts.\n\nClick here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks.\n\nEXCERPTS OF REMARKS\n\nDemocrats Do Not Believe in Enforcing the Laws on the Books\n\n“A core responsibility of any representative government is enforcing the rule of law.”\n\n“Republicans believe in upholding this basic responsibility, but it’s become painfully clear – and I think it should be regrettable – that our colleagues across the aisle do not see this as a basic responsibility.”\n\n“Every single federal immigration law that we have on the books… was passed by Congress, and that law was signed into law by a sitting U.S. President.”\n\n‘These laws actually reflect the will of the American people, and these immigration laws are just as legitimate as any other law that is on the books.”\n\n“Our Democrat colleagues… see these laws as optional.”\n\nDemocrats Want to Abolish ICE\n\n“For 76 days, the Democrats kept the Department of Homeland Security shut down.”\n\n“What do the Democrats think they are doing? Why at a time when there are so many threats, why would they jeopardize our national security?”\n\n“The Democrats have a goal. They’ve been committed to this for years, and they haven’t been able to pull it off.”\n\n“Their goal is to defund law enforcement and to abolish ICE.”\n\n“I’ve got a chart that shows some of the statements that have come from people on the left.”\n\n“This is what they are trying to do.”\n\n“This isn’t a fringe position in today’s Democrat party.”\n\n“It has become a mainstay of their political agenda.”\n\n“Can you even imagine the chaos that would ensue if we wiped this agency, which is responsible for protecting Americans from cross-border crime and illegal immigration… off the map?”\n\n“There would be more crime, more sex trafficking, drug trafficking, more human trafficking, more terrorism, and more lives lost.”\n\nConsequences of Anti-ICE Rhetoric Has Been on Full Display in New Jersey\n\n“Since President Trump returned to office, we’ve seen the consequences of this rhetoric on full display. You can look at what is unfolding right now in New Jersey.”\n\n“For days, far-left rioters have assaulted law enforcement outside Delaney Hall, which is an immigration detention facility near Newark.”\n\n“One rioter screamed at an ICE agent… ‘Your children, your wife—all dead. I have your face…You’re dead.’”\n\n“Imagine if that were being shouted at you as you did your job.”\n\n“Imagine if somebody was screaming at you that they were going to kill your kids, they were going to kill your wife, and they were going to kill you. They had your face. They knew who you were. This is what these agents are facing.”\n\n“Death threats to ICE agents, they’re up 8,000%.”\n\n“Instead of condemning the violence, you’ve got the state’s, New Jersey’s Governor, Democrat, has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the rioters.”\n\n“She is blaming the ICE officers who are abiding by the rule of law. She is not blaming the paid political protestors who are not peacefully protesting.”\n\n“This is how radical Democrats have become.”\n\n“While the Democrats try to abolish ICE, Republicans are doing everything possible to uphold the rule of law.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-blunt-rochester-discusses-housing-fed-chair-warsh-bill-pulte-on-cnbcs-squawk-box/", "title": "ICYMI: Senator Blunt Rochester Discusses Housing, Fed Chair Warsh, Bill Pulte on CNBC’s “Squawk Box”", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch the full interview Senator Blunt Rochester’s Interview\n\nSenator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today appeared on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” She discussed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, and Bill Pulte’s appointment as Acting Director of National Intelligence.\n\nA key excerpt can be found below.\n\nAndrew Ross Sorkin: “Kevin Warsh arguably is an eminently qualified person in terms of his experience, yet you voted against him and I want to understand why. Was that a vote just to send a signal, or was that because you did not believe that he actually should be in this role?”\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “I thought he and I had a very good meeting in my office before the hearing. I shared with him some of my concerns. I also let him know ahead of time that I would probably be voting no for him. I’m still waiting on some information that I asked him about, even in the hearing. As you could see from the hearing, I tried to be very kind of clear about my issues.\n\n“One was, what does regime change mean, and policy change, which he talked about in the hearing, as well as in his testimony. I wanted to know because I’m seeing an administration that is taking independent agencies and organizations, and either not putting both Democrats and Republicans on them or even taking away some of their power. So, I wanted to hear from him specifically. What does that mean?\n\n“I also shared with him just my concerns about the issue of AI. I was Secretary of Labor in Delaware, and head of state personnel, and so one of my big areas of focus is looking at the workforce and jobs, but also how will AI impact our economy, and so one of the things that he talked about is betting on AI as we’re looking at interest rates, and for me, I want to make sure that we’re thoughtful about what we are doing, and that I don’t want AI to be a bubble. I want to make sure we’re, we’re, we’re not making decisions based on a bet, and so those were the real main reasons for me.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-discusses-the-future-of-college-sports/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Discusses the Future of College Sports", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“As the daughter of a former student athlete, as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the former CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, and a lifelong member of the NAACP, I’m taking all of these concerns very seriously.”\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks\n\nWashington, DC –U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.),amember of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today participated in a hearing entitled, “Protecting College Sports: Supporting Student Athletes, Restoring Fair Competition, And Saving the Games Fans Love.” The hearing included discussions on the recently introduced Protect College Sports Act. Senator Blunt Rochester addressed the urgency of congressional engagement on the issue. Her questions focused on the resources available to student athletes and the impact of antitrust exemptions.\n\nWitnesses included:\n\nNick Saban, former head football coach at the University of Alabama\n\nPete Bevacque, Director of Athletics at the University of Notre Dame\n\nGordon Gee, President Emeritus of West Virginia University\n\nTeresa Gould, Commissioner of the Pac-12\n\nLance Holtzclaw, a student athlete at the University of Utah\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s full remarks and exchange can be found here. A key excerpt is below:\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “I think as a student athlete, there are already responsibilities like classes, as well as other obligations, and that takes up time and attention, and you know, one of the questions really is, Do you feel confident that most student athletes, like yourself or your teammates, have the experience or time or resources to protect themselves from these violations? You mentioned that it’s necessary to have that education, and I know even speaking to some of the parents who reached out to me, one parent shared that they were able to take their child to different schools, but they had to do it on their own dime, and a lot of folks don’t have that kind of support. Do you think the majority of student athletes that you talk to have the expertise or the time to protect themselves?”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-seeks-updates-on-delawares-federal-transportation-funding/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Seeks Updates on Delaware’s Federal Transportation Funding", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“In this moment students are struggling. They, in particular, would benefit from this grant getting out the door.”\n\nClick here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.),amember of the SenateCommittee onEnvironment and Public Works, today participated in a hearing entitled, “The Federal Highway Administration’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.” Senator Blunt Rochester questioned Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster on the administration’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Her questions focused on the status of Delaware transportation grants, including electrical vehicle charging stations, and road safety for older adults.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s full remarks and exchange can be found here. A key excerpt is below:\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “The second [delayed grant] I wanted to ask about is the city of Newark has a charging and fueling infrastructure grant. The over $590,000 grant will help install [electric vehicle] and e-bike charging stations. This is really important for the University of Delaware, because it’s…our main campus, where students are particularly seeking the e-bike infrastructure to reduce their transportation costs. As we can imagine, if families are experiencing the [affordability challenge], students are experiencing it even more. And so, could, could you also, if you don’t have that information today, could you add that to the update list as well?”\n\nAdministrator McMaster: “Happy to. Specifically for that one grant, I will tell you broadly, I do know that the awards under the CFI program are still under departmental review. I mentioned this earlier, I’ll reiterate, you know, of the 3200 backlog, 90 to 95% has already moved through the system successfully. From the Secretary side, we’re working aggressively to obligate those that have this program as one of the last remaining tranches of awards that that are still under review for determination, and so [we’d] be happy to follow up with you on that one, but I do know that program is still under review at the department, but we’re working quickly through that.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-urges-cms-to-reinstate-nursing-home-ownership-transparency-requirements", "title": "Booker Urges CMS to Reinstate Nursing Home Ownership Transparency Requirements", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is pressing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz to immediately reinstate a key transparency deadline requiring Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to report detailed information about their ownership, management, and related-party financial arrangements. CMS’s decision to suspend that deadline has significantly weakened visibility into who controls nursing homes and how public dollars are used. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) also signed the letter.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators wrote:\n\n“We write to urge immediate reinstatement of the deadline for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to submit disclosures of ownership, managerial structures, and related parties in the new SNF Attachment to Form CMS-855A. As you know, in its recent sub-regulatory guidance, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indefinitely suspended the previously established January 1, 2026, deadline for SNFs to report comprehensive ownership, managerial control, and ‘additional disclosable parties’ data. As of February 2026, just over half of applicable SNFs were reporting with the new form. These requirements were implemented to create transparency and help families better understand the entities that own, control, and operate facilities where their loved ones receive care,” the senators wrote.\n\n“SNFs provide essential medical and personal care to older adults and people with disabilities, and two out of every three nursing home residents rely on Medicaid. Billions of taxpayer dollars flow into SNFs each year, but increasing evidence suggests that complex ownership and related-party arrangements can obscure how those funds are used and whether they ultimately support resident care,” they continued.\n\n“The absence of timely ownership and related-party disclosure is particularly concerning given the growing body of evidence that ownership structure and the role of private equity and other private investments are related to quality and safety in SNFs. A systematic review of twelve studies published between 2000 and 2024 found that private equity ownership of nursing homes in the U.S. was linked to a higher number of care deficiencies, increased hospitalization rates, and higher mortality among residents,” they added.\n\n“Accordingly, we implore CMS to immediately resume the requirement that SNFs submit ownership, managerial, and related-party disclosures and to establish an expedited deadline for full compliance. Greater transparency into ownership and control is essential to protect residents, safeguard public funds, and enhance oversight of the nursing facility sector,” the senators concluded.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A5DCE7CA-8E14-44F7-8CEC-BA43D8A4DFD2", "title": "Boozman, Moran, Blumenthal Introduce Veterans Cost-of-Living Increase Legislation", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, joined committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to introduce legislation ensuring the rate of disability compensation and other financial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans, their families and military survivors keeps pace with the rate of inflation.\n\nThe Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 will increase certain VA benefits – including disability compensation, clothing allowances, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children – to reflect changes in the everyday cost of living while aligning VA with annual benefit increases by the Social Security Administration.\n\n“Our country must fulfill the promises made to those who wear our nation’s uniform, and that includes benefit levels that reflect current economic conditions to help meet their needs and those of their loved ones,” Boozman said. “I am pleased to work in a bipartisan way with our Chairman and Ranking Member to deliver this critical update for veterans in Arkansas and across the nation.”\n\n“Congress has a responsibility to deliver meaningful benefits for veterans and their families, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment helps make certain VA benefits keep pace with changes in the economy,” said Moran. “These increases will strengthen VA’s ability to support veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as their dependents and survivors, by adjusting for inflation and aligning with Social Security benefit increases to provide the financial stability veterans and their families have earned.”\n\n“As the cost of groceries, housing, and gas continues to skyrocket, veterans deserve to know their benefits will keep pace,” said Blumenthal. “I’m proud to join Senator Moran in introducing legislation that will make much needed adjustments to veterans’ benefits during this cost-of-living crisis.”\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Banks (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-chairs-senate-subcommittee-on-homeland-security-appropriations-hearing/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Chairs Senate Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations Hearing", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Reviews President’s FY27 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations, yesterday led a hearing reviewing the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.\n\nIn her opening remarks, Senator Britt thanked Secretary Mullin for his leadership at DHS, especially during multiple government shutdowns: “I want to take a minute to express my appreciation for how you’ve stepped into your role at DHS. You’ve been a stabilizing force in a department that was struck with multiple shutdowns while carrying out an extraordinarily complex and multifaceted mission. Your workforce has too often been used as political pawns, denied their well-deserved salaries, and placed under unimaginable stress because of the dysfunction of this body and it’s unacceptable…”\n\nShe continued, condemning recent, violent, anti-ICE riots at the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility: “Mr. Secretary, this hearing falls against the backdrop of a very tense situation at one of your facilities in New Jersey. Let me be clear: all Americans have the right to protest the government, and you will meet no bigger supporter of the First Amendment than myself, but the situation we’ve seen unfolding at the facility goes well beyond peaceful protest. It’s devolved into violence and riots, including against law enforcement personnel working to keep Americans safe. It’s simply not acceptable to assault ICE officers or obstruct lawful federal operations. I hope that my colleagues will join me in condemning this violence and the chaos that we’ve seen in the last few days.”\n\nSenator Britt also highlighted Democrats’ refusal to fully fund DHS in FY26: “We can’t really address the topic of our 2027 funding bill without addressing reconciliation. I am beyond disappointed that we were unable to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the bipartisan appropriations process. While fierce disagreements amongst Democrats and Republicans are not new, breaking apart appropriations bills over a refusal to fund basic operations of the government is truly uncharted territory. I hope the actions in this Congress remain an outlier and not a new precedent. As disappointing as this process has been, I want to stress my support for passing the reconciliation bill and provide the necessary funding for ICE and CBP to do their job.”\n\nIn her first line of questioning, the Senator asked Secretary Mullin, “…[W]hat do you believe is most critical that we invest in there at the Department of Homeland Security that’s in front of us today to make sure that we keep our border secure, but we keep Americans safe, and that the mission of Homeland Security, that you’re able to fully execute that?”\n\nSecretary Mullin responded, saying, “The biggest issue we’re having right now is with personnel because we went through a historic shutdown. 76 days, (the) longest shutdown in the government’s history. That’s our fourth shutdown in a year. So, you can imagine morale has been tough. Without people, it doesn’t make any difference what you implement, you’re going to fall short … I inherited the greatest group of people, the most dedicated patriotic workforce in the nation because they’re all there, working, still showing up for free. But some people couldn’t sustain it …. and we lost a tremendous amount of workforce, in fact, about 8% … That makes it very difficult for us to deliver on the mission.”\n\nSenator Britt then asked Secretary Mullin about his long-term vision for TSA, saying, “It seems as though TSA is moving in a direction that might culminate years down the line and serving as more of a coordinator or a regulator of security, rather than performing security screening functions…”\n\nSecretary Mullin responded, “… 10 of our top 20 airports are part of [TSA’s Screening Partnership Program] … What we recognize with the (FY26 DHS) shutdown is those airports didn’t miss a beat, they were able to continue to perform. So, what we’re asking is, let’s expand on that since we know is a success and … let’s partner with a private industry with some of the best technology to move us to the gold standard of traveling, moving down the road. And we can get there faster because private industry can adjust faster than we can. But to lower the mission or the requirement to keep our skies safe is not an option. We want to actually elevate that, and we can do that with the help of the private sector…”\n\nIn her second round of questions, the Senator asked the Secretary about the newest Coast Guard Training Center which will be located at Birmingham-Southern College: “I can’t tell you how pleased I am that the Coast Guard has chosen to establish a listed leadership training center in Birmingham, Alabama. I certainly look forward to being there later this week with Admiral Lunday and hopefully others. And I understand that the Coast Guard’s training centers are at [maximum] capacity, the ones that we currently have. So, Mr. Secretary, how will the creation of the training center at Birmingham-Southern allow the Coast Guard to deliver world class training support to ensure the continuous deployment of mission ready personnel to the fleet?”\n\nSecretary Mullin emphasized the importance of increased training for our Coast Guard: “Our biggest asset we have throughout the DHS, including the Coast Guard, is our personnel … but it takes a tremendous amount of training … So, when we are able to invest in their continuing training and build to see that they have the skills and the tools needed to deliver on the threats that face America and our waterways every single day is vitally important.”\n\nSenator Britt also highlighted the National Computer Forensic Institute (NCFI) in Hoover, Alabama, saying, “Secretary Mullin, like you, I am proud of the U.S. Secret Service and the work that our law enforcement agencies do every day to keep American safe … Through its partnership with the Secret Service, NCFI has trained thousands of law enforcement professionals and is [equipping] them with advanced forensic tools to investigate cybercrime, financial fraud, and online exploitation …”\n\nLastly, Senator Britt discussed her longstanding and continued support for FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama, saying, “…[T]he FEMA Review Council’s final report stated the council recommends reviewing all existing FEMA programs and maintaining those that are critical to our national security. It went on to say that rather than replacing successful programs, the future agency should double down on those with a proven track record of effective … federal, state and local partnerships such as the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, National Urban Search and Rescue Program, and the Center for Domestic Preparedness. I agree with the Council’s recommendation for the strengthening the Center for Domestic Preparedness.”\n\nYou can view the Senator’s full opening statement here and her questions here and here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-directly-secures-over-2-million-for-the-city-of-foley/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $2 Million for the City of Foley", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations, recently directly secured $2.063 million for the City of Foley in the Fiscal Year (FY) 26 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This funding will improve the city’s storm resiliency during major tropical storm events by burying vulnerable utilities.\n\nThe project will strategically place existing overhead utilities underground in downtown Foley, covering six blocks from West Magnolia Avenue to Myrtle Avenue, totaling approximately 2,300 linear feet. The funds requested will be used to cover the construction and operating costs necessary to implement this project.\n\nThe project seeks to increase storm resiliency by facilitating quicker recovery for residents, safeguarding jobs, and restoring the regional economy following a tropical storm event. The City of Foley is situated in the northern Gulf Coast area, a region highly susceptible to the impacts of tropical events.\n\n“Alabama communities along the Gulf of America know well the destruction tropical storms can bring. I’m proud to have secured over $2 million in federal funding to help the City of Foley strengthen its infrastructure before, during, and after major storms,” said Senator Britt. “This investment will result in a safer, more resilient community, and I’m eager to see the impact of this strategic investment across Foley and the broader region.”\n\n“I want to thank Senator Britt for understanding the needs of our community. This $2 million in funding represents a vital partnership between Congress, Foley and Riviera Utilities that directly addresses our city’s resiliency. Putting these utilities underground protects the central corridor that powers our hospital and downtown businesses. It is a huge boost for our community, both for storm safety and the continued beautification of our historic downtown,” said Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich.\n\nIn total, Senator Britt directly secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security appropriations funding.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-marsha-blackburn-introduce-legislation-to-expand-workforce-participation-and-enable-self-sufficiency/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Marsha Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Expand Workforce Participation and Enable Self-Sufficiency", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today introduced the Pathways to a Thriving Household (PATH) Act, legislation aimed at expanding workforce participation among federal housing assistance recipients.\n\nThe PATH Act seeks to codify a recent proposed rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allow well-performing public housing agencies (PHA) and owners to voluntarily implement work requirements for work-eligible adults receiving HUD assistance. The legislation targets only able-bodied, working-age individuals without dependents, and aims to boost employment and enable families toward self-sufficiency, while encouraging responsible federal spending.\n\n“Over the years, our federal programs that were created to be safety nets for families have unfortunately become hammocks, ultimately preventing people from achieving their American Dream. This bill is intended to provide individuals with a pathway toward self-sufficiency and opportunity, while still protecting our most vulnerable populations,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to partner with Secretary Turner on his efforts to help improve the wellbeing of HUD residents and empower families to pursue financial independence.”\n\nThe PATH Act would allow for the implementation of work requirements up to 40 hours per week for able-bodied, working-age adults. The types of eligible work activities are expansive, to suit the needs of individuals with varying circumstances, skills, and backgrounds. These include public or private sector employment, on-the-job training, community and volunteer service, skills, and vocational training, childcare service and educational pursuits, among others. The bill also requires that any PHA or owner implementing a work requirement framework must offer supportive services to assist individuals and families in obtaining an eligible work activity.\n\n“Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to subsidize able-bodied, working-age adults,” said Senator Blackburn. “The PATH Act would boost employment and expand workforce participation among federal housing assistance recipients to help them and their families flourish and achieve the American dream.”\n\nSenator Britt has long championed measures to enable families toward financial independence. This includes leading the Helping More Families Save Act, a bipartisan effort to modernize and expand the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program for low-income families receiving federal housing assistance. This legislation, which passed out of the U.S. Senate, empowers families to build savings without jeopardizing the support they rely on.\n\nShe also leads the Homeless Children and Youth Act, a bill designed to ensure children, youth, and families experiencing dynamic forms of homelessness have access to critical HUD resources and housing services.\n\nYou can read the full text of the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-call-for-small-business-administrator-loeffler-to-appear-before-congress", "title": "Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Small Business Administrator Loeffler to Appear Before Congress", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Small Business Administrator Loeffler to Appear Before Congress\n\nCongress has been denied an opportunity to question Trump admin about proposed 67% cut to SBA budget, concerning audit findings\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, joined Ranking Member Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and every committee Democrat in sending a letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler calling on her to appear before the committee to answer for the Trump administration’s cruel attacks on American small businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers.\n\nAdministrator Loeffler is the only member of President Trump’s cabinet who has not agreed to testify before Congress this year. Administrator Loeffler has not appeared before the Senate Small Business Committee in over a year, and if she fails to do so, she will become the first SBA Administrator in at least a quarter century not to testify before the committee about the president’s annual budget for the agency.\n\nThe committee members’ letter comes as the Trump administration plans to make deep cuts to SBA funding and bipartisan programs. The President’s budget proposes a 67% cut to the SBA budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. The destructive proposal includes a 94% cut to counseling and training services that support small businesses, eliminating 15 of the 16 entrepreneurial development programs that provide essential services for nearly 1 million American small businesses per year.\n\n“The budget proposal would, if enacted, do away with the vast majority of resources currently available for new and growing small businesses. Included among the 15 programs proposed for elimination are the broadly popular Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and the SCORE program. These programs provide essential services to nearly one million small businesses per year, including historically underserved entrepreneurs such as women and minorities. Under this proposal, SBA would essentially close its doors to new and aspiring business owners looking for help and, in doing so, abandon one of its basic missions,” the senators wrote.\n\nThe letter also comes just two weeks after SBA’s independent audit from KPMG cited nearly two dozen findings of non-compliance and the SBA Inspector General released a report finding that the agency fell below the acceptable baseline for information security protocols in nine of the ten domains being measured.\n\n“The duty of Congress to conduct oversight is a critical safeguard against executive overreach and ensures that programs are effective and taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. The members of the committee have a right to know what is happening at SBA, and require detailed, thorough responses to our questions. Especially when the President’s official policy is to eliminate two thirds of the agency, our committee must be given the opportunity to evaluate the choices you are making to ensure that SBA is meeting the needs of America's 36 million small business effectively,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Administrator Loeffler:\n\nFor the first time in at least 25 years, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will not receive testimony from the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) about proposals set out in the President’s annual budget. To date, every other cabinet level official has appeared before a congressional committee this year. Your testimony is especially important given that the President’s Budget would cut SBA resources by 67 percent and eliminate 15 of the agency’s 16 entrepreneurial development programs. As the head of SBA, you have an obligation to stand before the committee and answer questions about the effect these damaging actions would have on American small businesses.\n\nThe budget proposal would, if enacted, do away with the vast majority of resources currently available for new and growing small businesses. Included among the 15 programs proposed for elimination are the broadly popular Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and the SCORE program. These programs provide essential services to nearly one million small businesses per year, including historically underserved entrepreneurs such as women and minorities. Under this proposal, SBA would essentially close its doors to new and aspiring business owners looking for help and, in doing so, abandon one of its basic missions.\n\nWe have grave concerns not only about the proposed budget, but about the agency’s performance following a year and a half of reckless and destructive staffing cuts. Two recent reports issued by independent watchdogs about SBA’s internal controls suggest that the loss of staff has prevented SBA from meeting basic accounting standards. First, KPMG’s independent audit of SBA released last month cited nearly two dozen findings of non-compliance. This included “a failure to perform or document updated required risk assessments for all applicable programs in FY 2025.”\n\nAdditionally, the Office of Inspector General released a report last month about SBA’s information security protocols that found that the agency fell below the acceptable baseline for effective controls in nine of the ten domains being measured. Even more concerning, it found that SBA regressed in three essential areas: information security and continuous monitoring, identity and access management, and risk and asset management.\n\nYou have consistently maintained that the draconian staff cuts that you and the Department of Government Efficiency executed over the last year and a half have not compromised the quality of SBA’s work or its ability to maintain proper information security protocols. However, these reports make clear that, under your leadership, the agency is not meeting even basic standards of accountability, risk assessment, and information security. Small businesses that entrust SBA with their confidential data will no doubt be terrified by these findings, as will taxpayers who have good reason to doubt whether SBA knows how funding is being spent. The members of this committee deserve the opportunity to question you about why the agency has failed in so many of these critical areas.\n\nUnfortunately, your failure to appear is consistent with the Trump SBA’s abysmal track record when it comes to transparency and accountability. A case in point: members of this committee who submitted questions for the record after your last appearance before the committee on May 21, 2025, received official responses from your agency only last month. That is one full year after you received those questions. Sadly, the answers your office provided were neither substantive nor responsive to the questions asked.\n\nThe duty of Congress to conduct oversight is a critical safeguard against executive overreach and ensures that programs are effective and taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. The members of the committee have a right to know what is happening at SBA, and require detailed, thorough responses to our questions. Especially when the President’s official policy is to eliminate two-thirds of the agency, our committee must be given the opportunity to evaluate the choices you are making to ensure that SBA is meeting the needs of America's 36 million small business effectively.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-urges-treasury-secretary-bessent-to-pursue-more-market-opportunities-for-washington-sales-to-china", "title": "Cantwell Urges Treasury Secretary Bessent to Pursue More Market Opportunities for Washington Sales to China", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Urges Treasury Secretary Bessent to Pursue More Market Opportunities for Washington Sales to China\n\nDuring a Finance Committee hearing, Cantwell points out huge market opportunity in China for key PNW sectors - aerospace & seafood\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on opportunities to open more markets for American goods in China.\n\n“I really want to ask you where you see this landscape now with China, having been very active in the Chinese meetings, and this issue of trying to move on from the tariff debate and get the Chinese into a manufacturing purchase -- specifically of aviation aircraft,” Sen. Cantwell said, citing a smaller-than-expected order of Boeing jets from China, announced by President Donald Trump last month.\n\nSec. Bessent responded: “Thus far we have seen a willingness by the Chinese. They are very interested in the Boeing purchases. They agreed to [purchase] 200 airplanes during the [President’s] visit. We will see if they commit to a larger number when Xi Jinping arrives in Washington […] We have formed a Board of Trade, and we will be looking at noncritical industries or noncritical things that we can trade with each other tariff-free.”\n\nSen. Cantwell: “How will that work? I mean, I'm for the tariff-free part, for sure. [The Pacific Northwest ranks] very high in manufacturing, like aerospace, but we also have a lot of seafood in the Northwest. China consumes something like 45% of the world's seafood, and I guarantee you that market isn't open wide enough for our products. So, how would the Board of Trade help us with that?”\n\nSec. Bessent: “That's exactly what it's going to do. It's going to say, if we pick a number […] What are $30 billion of things [in] non-critical industries, non-critical things – fireworks, Halloween costumes, very low-end consumer items that we do not want to reshore, that we want to buy from them, and what are things that they would like to buy from us – the seafood, maybe energy – and then we will both agree that that basket on either side will have no tariffs.”\n\nVideo of their exchange is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nSen. Cantwell has been a steadfast champion of opening new markets for American manufacturers overseas, and of defending American businesses from the Trump Administration’s damaging tariffs.\n\nIn February, she sent a letter to Sec. Bessent demanding a “detailed explanation” of how the administration intends to refund the hundreds of billions of dollars owed to American businesses after the Supreme Court ruled that some of President Trump’s tariffs were illegally implemented.\n\nIn September, Sen. Cantwell joined nearly 50 small business owners on the steps of the Supreme Court to push back against Trump’s reckless tariff policies. In April 2025, Sen. Cantwell joined small business owners at the Port of Seattle to sound the alarm on how disastrous these policies are for Washington state businesses and consumers.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chairman-capito-opening-statement-at-hearing-to-examine-proposed-fhwa-fy2027-budget", "title": "Chairman Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Examine Proposed FHWA FY2027 Budget", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing examining the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) proposed budget for fiscal year 2027.\n\nIn her opening remarks, Chairman Capito discussed FHWA’s proposed $66 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 and the significance of this budget in restoring the agency to adequate staffing levels and implementing the final months of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\nChairman Capito also pointed out ongoing concerns with the FHWA’s historically high August Redistribution amounts and the need for an effective solution. Finally, she highlighted the importance of evaluating the IIJA in order to develop the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.\n\nBelow is the opening statementof Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.\n\n“I want to thank you, Administrator [McMaster], for everything that you do and that the agency has done to improve roads and bridges across the country.\n\n“Notably, in West Virginia, I want to extend my appreciation for a few—the grant award for the Dunbar Toll Bridge [and] final environmental documents for the Wardensville segment of Corridor H of the Appalachian Development Highway System.\n\n“In addition, Corridor H will reach a critical milestone later this month when a segment from Kerens to Parsons opens to traffic. This milestone would not have been possible without the assistance of the Trump Administration. These projects will have a positive effect on the quality of life for West Virginians and also help drive further economic development.\n\n“Today, we look forward to hearing your testimony regarding the Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA’s, proposed budget for the coming year and implementation of the final year of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\n“The budget requests over $66 billion in total funding for FHWA. This amount includes approximately $65 billion for programs that are funded out of the Highway Trust Fund and approximately $1.5 billion for programs that are funded out of the General Fund [of the US Treasury].\n\n“Because we are in the final year of the IIJA and Congress’ effort to reauthorize federal highway and bridge programs continues, the budget request does not include detailed account-level requests.\n\n“The budget request also reflects an updated organizational chart for the agency that includes an increase in staffing of FHWA’s division offices in each state. As a federally funded, state-administered program, the FHWA staff in these division offices are crucial for timely and informed approvals of projects and funding.\n\n“After a reduction of FHWA’s workforce, there are states that are sharing division administrators and personnel serving in dual roles and vacancies up and down the directories for Division Offices. I supported FHWA’s concerted effort to staff these key roles. And I look forward to the Administrator’s testimony on how they will achieve the staffing numbers reflected in this request, which are necessary to effectively administer these programs.\n\n”FHWA plays an important role in faithfully implementing the final months of the IIJA. While I am proud of the role I played in bringing about that law, we have since learned how challenging it has been to administer at every level of government.\n\n“Last year, Secretary Duffy testified to this Committee that the prior Administration left a backlog of over 3,200 announced grant awards, but unsigned grant agreements. This backlog included important projects in all of our states, and certainly mine is no exception. The agreements must be signed so these grants can deliver meaningful improvements to our surface transportation network.\n\n“I appreciate the significant progress FHWA has made in advancing the grants within its purview. My home state of West Virginia has had previously stuck grants for projects across the state, including in Bluefields, Coalfields, Charleston, Beckley, and others.\n\n“But, unfortunately, there is more work to be done. I am troubled by estimates from FHWA that the coming August Redistribution amount will continue the trend of being historically high.\n\n“August Redistribution is a unique accounting process to ensure that the annual obligation limit for FHWA’s programs does not lapse. Specifically, this process pulls back obligation limitations that can’t be used by non-formula or allocated programs and redistributes that to the states to use on the formula programs each August.\n\n“The practical result of a historic August Redistribution is an end-of-the-year scramble, where lower priority investments may be carried out to avoid a lapse, but not because of their transportation benefits. This year, FHWA is estimating that states must use $8.5 billion of obligation limitation in the last two months of this fiscal year.\n\n“I am concerned with the solution that FHWA’s budget request proposes to address this issue. FHWA’s proposal to extend the period of availability for the obligation limitation for allocated programs does not address the root cause of these historic amounts.\n\n“Too many allocated programs with overlapping purposes and eligibilities is a big contributor to this issue. On a related note, [last year,] we saw a significant lapse in contract authority occur. Specifically, over $370 million dollars lapsed, and the biggest driver of that amount was the PROTECT discretionary grant program.\n\n“I am concerned that another lapse in contract authority would occur this year. I look forward to hearing from the Administrator on the actions that FHWA is doing to address these financial issues.\n\n“Finally, as my colleagues have heard me say many times, we need to understand what worked and what didn’t under the IIJA to inform our legislative agenda going forward. We’ve conducted oversight, received expert testimony from federal, state and local partners and collected feedback from our Senate colleagues.\n\n“I’m using what we’ve learned from these efforts as we develop the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. And I continued to be guided by my three overarching principles:\n\n• First, improvement of the safety and reliability of America’s surface transportation network with impactful investments;\n\n• Second, reform and modernize federal programs and policies to increase efficiencies;\n\n• Third, address the variety of surface transportation needs all across the states.\n\n“To achieve these principles, I am focused on crafting a bill that targets investments in road and bridge projects through flexible, predictable formula funds to the states to deliver on-time and on-budget projects. I am working to cut administrative overhead, reduce duplicative programs and avoid federal overreach so that we can avoid future grants backlogs, funding lapses and project delays.\n\n“We have work ahead of us to reach a bipartisan agreement. I am committed to working with our partner committees in the Senate and colleagues in the House to deliver a bill to the President’s desk. And certainly, working with my ranking member, Senator Whitehouse as well.\n\n“I also look forward to working with you, Administrator McMaster, on these priorities.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chairman-capito-opposes-cra-to-overturn-trump-epa-repeal-of-2024-mats-standards", "title": "Chairman Capito Opposes CRA to Overturn Trump EPA Repeal of 2024 MATS Standards", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, spoke on Senate Floor to oppose S.J. Res. 188, a congressional review act (CRA) to overturn the Trump EPA’s repeal of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), implemented under the Biden Administration.\n\nThe 2024 MATS standards placed additional regulations on power plants, building upon the 2012 MATS standards that remain in place today. By establishing unreasonable and unachievable standards for coal-fired power plants, the 2024 MATS standards were intended to eradicate coal from our nation’s energy mix as part of the Biden EPA Power Sector Strategy.\n\nAccording to EPA, by 2021, mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants were down 90% compared to the pre-2012 levels. In its 2020 Residual Risk Review, the EPA found that the 2012 standards were protective of public health with an ample margin of safety and that revisions were not “necessary.” Despite the finding by EPA scientists, the Biden Administration proceeded to finalize a rulemaking that had $860 million in compliance costs – double the rule’s climate and health benefits.\n\nBelow are the floor remarksof Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.\n\n“I rise today in opposition to S.J. Res 188, the CRA introduced by my colleague from Rhode Island, Senator Whitehouse, to overturn the Trump EPA’s repeal of the Biden MATS rule.\n\n“This rule would reinstate the 2024 MATS rule that was part of the Biden Administration’s power sector strategy specifically designed to shutdown coal-fired power plants.\n\n“During the Biden administration, we witnessed a regulatory attack that targeted affordable and reliable sources of energy that extreme environmentalists just don’t like. The result was predictable, and one that many of us warned about. The Biden administration created a grid reliability crisis and increased power prices.\n\n“We are now in a critical moment for American energy. We must ensure that the energy required to onshore American manufacturing, win the AI race and keep our lights on and homes warm, while addressing energy costs for families and businesses. We should be expanding our energy production and electric generation, not shutting it down.\n\n“The Biden-era MATS rule and this CRA [that] would resuscitate that rule are intended to close coal-fired power plants. In 2020, the EPA found that the existing MATS standards are protective of public health. Let me say that again. In 2020, the EPA found that the existing, pre- to the Biden rule, MATS standards are protective of public health with an ample margin of safety, and that revisions are not necessary.\n\n“This finding was reaffirmed by and for the Biden Administration. According to the EPA, by 2021, mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants were down 90 percent compared to pre-2012 levels.\n\n“Despite these facts, the Biden EPA proceeded to finalize a rulemaking that had $860 million in compliance costs, which is twice as much as the claimed benefits. The Trump administration has rightfully repealed those unnecessary and stringent standards.\n\n“This CRA would return to the failed policies of shutting down American energy, increasing consumer costs and putting American energy workers out of business. I urge my colleagues to vote no on this CRA.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-video-capito-participates-in-hearing-examining-dhs-budget", "title": "ICYMI: VIDEO: Capito Participates in Hearing Examining DHS Budget", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "To watch Senator Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, participated in a hearing with Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Markwayne Mullin, to consider President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request, as well as many priorities of the agency.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nON THE ACTIONS OF PROTESTORS IN NEW JERSEY:\n\nSenator Capito:\n\n“I want to make a point. When I look at the videos of what's going on in New Jersey, I wonder the calculated measures that the rioters are taking to try to provoke a response from the professional men and women is just beyond the pale in my opinion. But I would like to point out, that the bill that the chairwoman of this committee wrote, and that has been denied in the Senate, by every Democrat in the Senate, had extra dollars in there to teach deescalation training. So, I commend the ones that are there now, but I do see what the need for more deescalation trainings because there's more methods, there's more ways, and it's a profession, I'm sure, on how to antagonize and try to goad our law enforcement into making a mistake or overreacting. So, I'm sorry this bill is not coming forward because I think it would be answering what I see on the videos.”\n\nON NEW SPECIAL MISSIONS COMMAND IN KEARNEYSVILLE:\n\nSenator Capito:\n\n“You all selected Kearneysville, West Virginia, as the location for the Specialized Forces Command Center, which will bring in a broad range of high-risk missions where you're centralizing it in a facility there that you already had, and you're now using, but you have in your in your budget, an extra $20 million to help establish this facility. I'm wondering, is that adequate, what will they use it for, and will you need additional funding for this?”\n\nSecretary Mullin:\n\n“Thank you so much, underneath President Trump's leadership, he is rebuilding the Coast Guard and bringing it in to the force that needs to be to face today's threats. You know, we're investing roughly $24 billion across all aspects of the Coast Guard. They've been neglected and that's truly our first line of defense to the homeland. Right now, I can't give you a full number. We're doing an assessment. I’ve talked to the commandant about this. He felt like we're in good shape, but we're just now starting in any of these facilities, when we get into it, and we start doing building and rehab. We usually find that, we try to keep it under the budget, but it can quickly get out of hand. So, before it gets to that point, we want to have a good solid number moving forward. So, when I find out, I need something else, Senator, you'll be the first call I make.”\n\nON SUMMIT POINT COUNTER-UAS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE:\n\nSenator Capito:\n\n“I am also encouraged by the Department and CBP’s decision to establish a centralized capability directed to counter-UAS, and they are looking for a facility. They've been doing some of this at Summit Point Training Facility, located again in my home state of West Virginia, very close to here. It currently supports federal training, testing, operational missions, and ongoing UAS, and counter-UAS activities. This is a very unique site, and I understand that CBP would like to utilize Summit Point. You know, we have the training center out there in Harper's Ferry. This is very close. So, I would like to invite you to come and visit and join me at Summit Point training. And, second, will you work with me to see to see that we can make this the dedicated DHS Counter-UAS Training Center of Excellence?”\n\nSecretary Mullin:\n\n“Well, I'd love to accompany to it at any given time. UAS training is vitally important. We spend a lot of time on the offensive side of UAS. We haven't spent a tremendous time on our defense capabilities. And we have a lot of great companies, private sector, and through the DOW and DHS throughout CBP, FPS, Coast Guard, that's put in a tremendous amount of effort into the counter-UAS. And so, I'm sure this isn't going to be the only facility we look at, but I will, I'll try to do it maybe not in August. It might be a little warm there, but if we have to, if that's our first availability, we'll try to get to you as soon as you know.”\n\nON BORDER SECURITY TECHNOLOGY SECURED IN THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL:\n\nSenator Capito:\n\n“Within the One Big Beautiful Bill, we made significant new funding available for border security technology. You know, systems at the border, so you wouldn't have to use manpower as much, you could use, force multipliers. The legislative language included in this, raised the bar for surveillance technology, requiring and defining autonomous capabilities, even the types that have been fielded at scale for years. So, my question is, how is DHS ensuring that systems being procured with reconciliation dollars are tested and will operate autonomously as they are required.”\n\nSecretary Mullin:\n\n“Yes. So, we have five contractors right now with these autonomous towers. All five of them have passed the test. They all have set standards that they've got to go through. From what we had last time around, we've changed it a little bit because technology has changed. We're seeing now, the cartels are using more UAS and more technology than they have in the past. But we see that these towers are moving in the right direction and could really be beneficial with a new AI technology. But, we're not completely there, but we're definitely moving in the right direction, but we've had 5 contracts awarded to 5 different companies. They've all 5 passed the same test, and they're all performing onto day's needs.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-introduces-former-wvu-president-gee-at-commerce-hearing-on-nil", "title": "VIDEO: Capito Introduces Former WVU President Gee at Commerce Hearing on NIL", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "To watch Senator Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, participated in a hearing entitled, “Protecting College Sports: Supporting Student Athletes, Restoring Fair Competition, and Saving the Game Fans Love.” This hearing featured five witnesses including Dr. E Gordon Gee, President Emeritus of West Virginia University. Marion County-native, Coach Nick Saban also served as a witness.\n\nSenator Capito’s introduction as prepared for delivery:\n\n“Good morning.\n\n“I’m excited to participate in this hearing today for many reasons, but most importantly because we have two great West Virginians on the witness panel – one honorary, and one born and raised in Marion County.\n\n“The first being Dr. E. Gordon Gee and the second, Coach Nick Saban.\n\n“Thank you both for being here, and for your dedication and influence on college athletics in West Virginia and our nation.\n\n“I’d also like to thank Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for giving me the opportunity to introduce Dr. Gee, a champion for college athletics, who has made a profound impact at my state’s trademark public land-grant higher education institution West Virginia University.\n\n“Dr. Gee – or Gordon as we call him – was born in Utah and attended the University of Utah, but he is quick to mention that he is a ‘born again West Virginian,’ having served as the president of WVU not once, but twice, with his signature gold and blue bowties.\n\n“Gordon has experience having served as president of five different universities throughout his career, including: University of Colorado, Ohio State University (also twice), Brown University, and Vanderbilt University – in addition to WVU.\n\n“Gordon carried a long list of academic accomplishments and achievements into his retirement from WVU last summer, but we’re here today on a topic that I know remains central to Gordon’s focus and identity: college athletics.\n\n“Gordon has long been quick to recognize that on-field success translates to the overall wellbeing and health of an institution – saying often that: ‘Athletics is the front porch of the university… the place where people look at us and decide whether or not they want to walk through the front door.’\n\n“He has served as the Big Twelve Conference’s Representative to the College Football Playoff Board of Managers, as well as Chair of the Big Twelve Conference Board of Directors Executive Committee.\n\n“As Gordon navigated WVU through the challenges and complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was a leading voice in maintaining the 2020 College Football season, saying that WVU would be playing football that fall ‘even if I have to suit up myself.’\n\n“Gordon’s vast experience in this field will enhance the perspective of our members as we discuss ways to protect college sports and support our athletes.\n\n“He is battle-tested in this arena, and understands factors that jeopardize the future of college athletics as we know them and the impacts they make far beyond the field of play.\n\n“In a recent op-ed, Gordon noted that when it comes to the current state of college athletics: ‘There is so much at stake. The future of the Olympics. The rise of women’s sports. The opportunity for young people to earn a scholarship, compete for something greater than self, and become tomorrow’s leaders.’\n\n“I look forward to hearing from Gordon about how he sees Congress’s role in preserving this crucial aspect of our society, and thank him for being a witness at today’s hearing.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-husted-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-authorize-and-strengthen-epas-safer-choice-program/", "title": "Senators Coons, Husted introduce bipartisan legislation to authorize and strengthen EPA’s Safer Choice Program", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today introduced the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act (SCPAA) to formally authorize and strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency’s voluntary Safer Choice Program. The Safer Choice Program helps consumers, businesses, schools, and institutions identify cleaning and other products that meet rigorous standards for human health, environmental safety, and performance.\n\nThe SCPAA codifies EPA’s long-standing Safer Choice and Design for the Environment Programs, which have helped drive innovation in safer chemistry for decades while providing consumers and institutional purchasers with a trusted federal label for safer products. The Safer Choice and Design for the Environment programs have operated successfully for more than 30 years under administrations of both parties but have never been formally authorized by Congress. The SCPAA would provide statutory certainty for these widely used programs and the stakeholders that depend on them.\n\n“Delaware is a state of innovators. To continue that legacy, we need to give businesses and entrepreneurs every opportunity to deliver the best results for consumers and the environment,” said Senator Coons, co-chair of the Senate Chemistry Caucus. “This legislation provides long-term certainty for manufacturers so they can invest in safer chemistry, and so Americans can continue to lead in innovation.”\n\n“Ohioans want to be able to trust that the products they are using in their homes are not only effective, but safe for their families. The EPA’s Safer Choice Program helps Americans identify products that are both effective and made with ingredients that are safer for people and the environment. Our bipartisan bill would support and authorize this important program while expanding consumer choice in their everyday products. I’m proud to co-lead this effort to protect Americans’ health and keep our environment clean,” said Senator Husted.\n\nThe bill would:\n\nFormally authorize EPA’s Safer Choice Program\n\nMaintain rigorous, science-based standards for participating products\n\nStrengthen protections against conflicts of interest in product reviews\n\nEnsure continued maintenance of EPA’s Safer Chemical Ingredients List\n\nSupport transparency, stakeholder engagement, and public access to safer product information\n\nThe legislation has earned support from a wide variety of industry leaders, manufacturers, sustainability organizations, and cleaning product stakeholders.\n\n“Safer Choice delivers real-world value at scale, reflected in the nearly 400 businesses that count on the program as a trusted, nationally recognized federal benchmark,” said Steve Caldeira, president and CEO of the Household & Commercial Products Association.“As a long-standing and strong advocate for Safer Choice, HCPA is proud to support legislation that would provide stability, direction, and dedicated resources to this highly regarded manufacturer partnership program.”\n\n“ACI commends Senators Coons and Husted for their leadership in introducing the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act,” said Jennifer Abril, president and CEO of American Cleaning Institute. “The Safer Choice program is a leading example of how a government-led, voluntary program can leverage private-sector expertise to support safer product innovations and deliver meaningful benefits to consumers and the marketplace. ACI and the Cleaning Products Industry strongly support authorizing and strengthening this successful program within EPA.”\n\n“The EPA Safer Choice Program has spent decades being the stamp of approval for cleaning products that are both high-performing and safer for people and the environment,” said John Nothdurft, vice president of government and public affairs, ISSA. “This bill gives manufacturers the certainty to invest, gives purchasers a trusted federal benchmark, and gives the American public confidence that the products used in cleaning their schools, hospitals, and workplaces meet a rigorous, science-based standard. ISSA strongly supports this legislation and urges Congress to act.”\n\n“IFF supports efforts to codify EPA’s Safer Choice Program, which provides a rigorous, science-based framework for advancing safer ingredients in the household and personal care sector. By reinforcing consistency, label integrity, and stakeholder engagement, this legislation helps drive innovation while meeting evolving consumer and regulatory expectations. It is an important step forward for sustainable chemistry,” said Leticia Gonçalves Lourenco, president of health and biosciences, at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF).\n\n“EPA’s Safer Choice program works because the market has validated it. Companies across the value chain have built real business decisions around it, which has served to increase their market share,” said David Levine, co-founder and president at American Sustainable Business Network. “This federal program delivers results for businesses and consumers. Over 100 signers, including major business and trade associations like the American Sustainable Business Network and the Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA), ISSA – The Association for Clean & Facility Solutions, Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility, alongside individual companies of every size, send a clear signal to Congress: this program has earned its place in statute and needs to be authorized.”\n\n“The Safer Choice Program is a model government program – broadly supported and highly effective, producing benefits for business, health, and environment. The Safer Choice Authorization Act codifies this voluntary program, ensuring its long-term viability and expansion over time to provide even greater economic and societal benefits. Change Chemistry and its member companies strongly support this bill,” said Joel Tickner, strategic advisor at Change Chemistry.\n\n“We thank Senators Coons and Husted for the introduction of the Safer Choice Authorization Act, which will establish the Safer Choice Program which provides the development of innovative products that are science-based, and are transparent way to identify products that are safer for the people and the planet, supporting informed purchasing decisions and promoting safer chemical innovation for our consumers, businesses, and the environment,” said Rina Singh, PhD, executive vice president at Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (AFCC).\n\n“BASF’s ambition is to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We are therefore a longstanding supporter of Safer Choice, proudly offering a continually growing portfolio of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products on its Safer Chemical Ingredients List,” said Catherine Trinkle, vice president and deputy general counsel; regulatory, environmental & government affairs, BASF Corporation.“We applaud Senators Coons and Husted for introducing this legislation and encourage Congress to move forward with formal authorization of the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) programs as soon as possible.”\n\nBill summary is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-to-trump-admin-hold-the-line-on-ending-irans-nuclear-program/", "title": "Cornyn to Trump Admin: Hold the Line on Ending Iran’s Nuclear Program", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed his support of President Trump’s decisive actions in Operation Epic Fury and urged the administration to stay the course in order to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, demonstrate peace through strength, and make Americans and American interests around the world safer. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.\n\n“The President has made very clear that he does not [want] Iran to ever get a nuclear weapon, and in a normal world, you would think there would be unanimous agreement among Republicans and Democrats. Well, I agree with President Trump’s position, and I hope we stay the course and complete the job that we started.”\n\n“You can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon. That remains our ultimate objective: peace. But if Iran gets a nuclear weapon, we will not have peace. We will have a ticking nuclear time bomb.”\n\n“We should always hope that there could be productive negotiations and a ceasefire, but it has to be verifiable, and we have to achieve the goals that the President has set out for us, and we can’t back off of that without badly botching the leverage that we have now to accomplish these goals.”\n\n“If the United States were to give Iran billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the Strait, there’s no doubt the money would be put to nefarious purposes.”\n\n“We have to make sure the job is finished in such a way that will provide for a lasting resolution and a lasting peace. I know there’s a lot of pressure on President Trump and this administration to end the conflict as soon as possible on any terms, but that would be a serious mistake.”\n\n“I hope President Trump will stay strong in pursuit of these objectives, and if the Iranian regime will not yet agree to those in a verifiable manner, then I hope the president will use his authority as Commander-in-Chief to do so and force them to the negotiating table on terms that we insist on, not what they demand.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/photo-cornyn-meets-with-austin-chamber-central-texas-leaders/", "title": "PHOTO: Cornyn Meets with Austin Chamber & Central Texas Leaders", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met today with the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Central Texas business, civic, and community leaders to give an update on the Secure America Act, which will fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection through 2029, and discuss provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, now law, that are helping businesses reinvest in their employees and Texans keep more of their hard-earned money. See photo below.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reverse-its-rule-authorizing-social-media-review-for-tourists/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse its Rule Authorizing Social Media Review for Tourists", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined a letter led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and co-signed by Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, demanding that they withdraw a proposed rule requiring travelers to disclose up to five years of their social media history prior to traveling to the United States and end the State Department’s new practice of social media screening of non-immigrant visa applications.\n\nInternational tourism into the U.S. has already been impacted by Trump’s policies, with states like Nevada seeing the lowest number of visitors in 2025 in any year since the pandemic. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that travel and tourism to the United States brought in roughly $1.3 billion in spending in 2024 alone, accounting for 2.5% of the national GDP.\n\n“These policies are further reducing already declining tourism to the United States at a time when our country should be working to welcome more tourists ahead of major international events like the World Cup,” wrote the Senators. “Reduced international tourism is already harming hotels, restaurants, airlines, and the many other industries that rely on tourism in the United States.”\n\n“With this in mind, we urge the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw its proposed rule, ask the Department of State to end its practice of screening the social media history of non-immigrant visa applicants,” continued the Senators.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a fierce advocate for Nevada’s travel and tourism economy. She has repeatedly raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s policies that are driving down tourism. Ahead of the July 2026 review of the USMCA, the Senator urged Trade Representative Greer to strengthen the trade agreement while encouraging collaboration on travel and tourism. She recently held a press conference with Las Vegas business owners reliant on the travel industry who have been harmed by the Trump Administration’s detrimental policies.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-joins-nevada-delegation-on-bipartisan-bill-to-support-veterans-exposed-to-radiation-in-nevada/", "title": "Cortez Masto Joins Nevada Delegation on Bipartisan Bill to Support Veterans Exposed to Radiation in Nevada", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Representatives Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03) and Mark Amodei (R-Nev.-02) in introducing the Sergeant Dave Crete Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act.\n\nThis bill would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to join the Department of Energy (DOE) in classifying the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), and all other locations where radiation and toxic exposure occurred, as contaminated; identify everyone who served within the NTTR since the first nuclear test on the range in 1951; establish a process for service members and veterans to provide proof of their service within the NTTR; and require the DOD to share this documentation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as any injuries, exposures, or illnesses related to their service, so that impacted veterans will finally be able to claim and access their VA benefits.\n\nFrom the 1950s through the 1990s, the NTTR – and the then-Nevada Test Site contained within it – conducted over 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests and other dangerous, toxic activities. Currently the DOD does not consider the NTTR to be a location where contamination and exposure occurred, but the DOE does for their civilian personnel who served in the same locations. Because of this mismatch in designations, NTTR veterans are not granted the same service-connected presumption of exposure and can’t receive the care and benefits they would otherwise be owed under the PACT Act. And because their location of service in their personnel records is classified, these veterans are unable to verify where they served when attempting to file a claim for benefits. This undermines the very intent of the PACT Act and continues to force aging veterans to navigate impossible evidentiary burdens.\n\n“Our veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range put their lives on the line to keep Americans safe,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Now that they are faced with the health impacts of their service, bureaucratic red tape is preventing them from claiming the benefits they are owed. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will ensure our veterans can finally access the care they need.”\n\nSenator Cortez Masto has been a leader in work to help veterans who served within the NTTR receive the benefits they deserve. Last year, she cosponsored the first version of the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act, which advanced out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Cortez Masto has also worked across the aisle to pass bills into law that help veterans exposed to Agent Orange and expand benefits for women veterans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-highlights-need-for-evs-to-pay-into-highway-trust-fund-reduce-red-tape-at-epw-hearing", "title": "Cramer Highlights Need for EVs to Pay into Highway Trust Fund, Reduce Red Tape at EPW Hearing", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee heard testimony from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Sean McMaster today at a hearing discussing the FHWA’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027.\n\nCramer thanked McMaster for his work finalizing West Fargo’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant agreement, which was signed earlier this year for “an important safety project.” The award supports the installation of a road-rail grade separation project complete with pedestrian, bicycle, and ADA accommodations at the intersection of 9th Street NE and an existing transcontinental BNSF rail line.\n\nHe also highlighted the need to simplify bureaucratic burdens on state departments of transportation (DOTs). Cramer introduced the Transportation Asset Management Simplification Act (TAMSA) with U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to reduce this burden by eliminating annual implementation report submissions and incorporating them into the Transportation Asset Management Plans submitted every four years. Cramer described the existing system as “a paperwork burden that doesn’t build any roads,” and asked McMaster for his thoughts on TAMSA to streamline existing reporting requirements.\n\nMcMaster outlined FHWA’s efforts to cut red tape and expressed support for reforms to help projects move forward more quickly and efficiently, saying, “In this administration, we are laser focused on getting some of the federal bureaucracy down. We talk about regulatory reform a lot. The department issued 52 deregulatory actions, with more than 600,000 words removed. [Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy] issued an [interim final rule] on the [National Environmental Policy Act] process last year. We're working currently to update our NEPA process, Part 771 internally, so we'll see if we have some action on that in the future. We have simplified our notices of funding. We've cut them in half. We're adding a standardized template for applicants to make it easier for them. We are tracking obligation rates and working quickly to try to make sure that the dollars that are awarded get into projects and actually get shovels turning quickly. […] These programs can be overly burdensome at times and anything we can do to move projects more quickly and more efficiently, we are absolutely supportive of.”\n\nLast month, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced and passed the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th (BUILD America 250) by a vote of 62 to 2. The legislation included a proposed fee for electric vehicles (EVs) to ensure EVs contribute to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). Earlier this year, Cramer wrote an op-ed in the Washington Times calling for EVs to pay their fair share alongside other road users, stating “Every vehicle in America, from pickup trucks to EVs to hybrid sedans,” should contribute to the HTF.\n\nDuring the hearing Cramer explained, “It seems unreasonable to think that electric vehicles and others should use the roads without paying into the trust fund. And I don't know what the right formula is exactly, but I would be interested to know if you have an opinion or a suggestion on how we fund the Highway Trust Fund and make sure that everybody that's using the roads are paying for them.”\n\nMcMaster emphasized Secretary Duffy’s view, “His belief is that everyone who uses our roads should support the maintenance and operations and enhancement of the roads that they're using. I know this is an area of focus for you, for the Congress, for the House as well. You mentioned the trust fund has some solvency challenges. The secretary believes strongly, and I agree that […] the people who are using our roads should participate in supporting the maintenance upkeep and operations of those roads.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/epa-awards-287-million-to-nddeq-for-drinking-water-systems", "title": "EPA Awards $28.7 Million to NDDEQ For Drinking Water Systems", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded two grants totaling $28,730,000 to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).\n\nThese DWSRF grants will support the planning, design, and construction of drinking water improvement projects across North Dakota.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-calls-for-infrastructure-funding-formula-reforms-to-support-utahs-rapid-growth", "title": "Curtis Calls for Infrastructure Funding Formula Reforms to Support Utah’s Rapid Growth", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Near the end of the exchange, the Senator highlighted his bipartisan Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (HUBS) Act, which he co-sponsored with Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), which makes several changes aimed at improving the usability of important infrastructure loan programs. The Senator ended his questioning by inviting Administrator McMaster to visit Utah to see the state’s projects firsthand.\n\nThe full transcript of the exchange is below, and video can be found here.\n\nSenator Curtis: Thank you, Administrator, for being here. As you and I had a minute to talk before the meeting, we discussed the dynamic growth in Utah. And what I’d like to touch on just quickly, is the formula for funding that’s based upon static historical information and really doesn’t take into account a state like Utah’s rapid growth.\n\nAnd as you can imagine, that’s very problematic for Utah with the growth that we’re experiencing. So, I guess my question is as Congress considers the next surface transportation reauthorization, how should we think about incorporating projected population growth and travel demand in the formula?\n\nThe Honorable Sean McMaster: Yeah, I know the formula is kind of a touchy topic. It hasn’t been adjusted dramatically for a little bit of time. We’d be happy to work closely with you. My understanding is, you know, population, you can kind of back into that a little bit in certain capacities, but I don’t think it directly associates itself with population growth. So, happy to work with you.\n\nCurtis: I would love to work with you. You being familiar with our situation, you can see how frustrating that is to have that rapid growth not taken into consideration as we’re getting funding.\n\nSome of my colleagues have talked about this permitting and state flexibility. As you know, Utah’s participated in the Federal Highway Administration’s NEPA Assignment Program and has demonstrated that states can successfully navigate this in a responsible way and do a good job.\n\nSo, my question is, what other flexibilities could Congress authorize, considering the federal permitting process, to help states build roads and bridges more efficiently?\n\nMcMaster: I appreciate your focus on permitting and permitting reform. As an administration, we share your interest in this. As we talk to industry and you talk to folks and state partners, stakeholders all across, everybody raises this as a point of interest and a point of necessity. We do require a lot of work on the permitting side in order to build projects.\n\nAnd I’m sure there are ways that we can reform this. I think we would be happy as an administration to talk further with you and the Committee about ideas that we have put together or that we had considered during the reauthorization process.\n\nCurtis: Would love to do that. I will just tell you, I’d be curious in all ways that we can change it. And just to give you an example, when I was mayor of Provo, Utah, as the third largest city, we had a rule of thumb that if we used $1 of federal money, it increased the cost of our project by 30%. So, we could do all of the same work, all the environmental standards we could meet, but increase the project by 30%.\n\nAnd imagine a 30% increase in funds, just by simply changing a few policies, how many more roads that we could build. So, beyond just the NEPA and things like that, I would love to explore with you block grants, come to mind. Block grants come from the federal government, and those regulations don’t apply, states then get that 30% extra margin. That’s a big deal.\n\nMcMaster: I’ll be happy to work with you on that. And also, I want to give a shout out to your DOT. They are fantastic on environmental work. They are at the head of the pack.\n\nCurtis: And that’s just a really good example that states can do it responsibly and where they can. And they demonstrated they can. The more we can head off, the better.\n\nI’d like to talk just a little bit about transit-oriented development. Congress faces growing fiscal constraints. We should be looking for ways to stretch transportation dollars further and attract additional private and local investment, rather than relying solely on new federal spending.\n\nThe TIFIA program has historically been one of the federal government’s most effective tools for leveraging nonfederal capital for major investments.\n\nI’m pleased to sponsor, with Senator Blunt Rochester, the Build Hubs Act, which is intended to help communities maximize the benefits of transportation investments through existing financial tools.\n\nAs you know, Utah has this unique situation where 80% of our population lives within about an 80-mile segment there, and the transit-oriented hubs are very effective. So, as we consider the next surface transportation reauthorization, can you discuss the role these programs play in helping communities maximize the long-term value of transportation investment and leveraging private parties?\n\nMcMaster: Well, the TIFIA program is run out of the Build America Bureau, which is run out of the Secretary’s office. But what I would say is it’s a fantastic tool for states and localities to leverage to build important infrastructure projects.\n\nThere’s not enough federal dollars to go around and loan programs at the Bureau, TIFIA in particular, are fantastically important and well utilized, and they have a long backlog.\n\nAnd that just speaks to the value of those programs of the Bureau. So, I’m happy to take back the specific comments here, share them with the Bureau, and then follow up with you directly. However, we can be helpful.\n\nCurtis: Good. I couldn’t end without an invitation to come see us in Utah and explore some of these projects together.\n\nMcMaster: I’d like that very much, I appreciate that.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-highlights-need-for-protection-of-olympic-sports-college-athletics-reform", "title": "Curtis Highlights Need for Protection of Olympic Sports, College Athletics Reform", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Questioning University of Utah football player Lance Holtzclaw, Senator Curtis highlighted the challenges student-athletes face navigating a patchwork of state laws and institutional policies. Holtzclaw emphasized that a national framework would bring “standardization and regulation” while eliminating confusion and uncertainty for athletes.\n\nSenator Curtis also focused attention on the critical role college sports play in developing future Olympians, particularly as Utah prepares to host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games. Speaking with Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua, Curtis noted that many future Team USA athletes are currently training and competing through collegiate programs. Bevacqua agreed that federal legislation should include meaningful protections for Olympic sports, warning that without sustained university investment, the United States’ Olympic pipeline could suffer.\n\nThe Senator concluded by discussing the broader purpose of college athletics with legendary coach Nick Saban. Referencing BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake’s observation that the best part of coaching is developing leaders, Curtis stressed that college sports should remain focused on preparing young people for success beyond competition.\n\nThe full transcript of the exchange is below, and video can be found here.\n\nSenator Curtis: Mr. Holtzclaw, my colleague alluded to the fact that you have played for a lot of different teams, and this wouldn’t be a good sports hearing without a little banter, so, I’m kind of curious: what is your favorite team? And just in case you need any help… *displays University of Utah cap*\n\nLance Holtzclaw: I wouldn’t call any team my favorite, but I do represent the team I currently play for, which is the University of Utah.\n\nCurtis: You should be in politics.\n\nChairman Ted Cruz: Okay, that’s damn diplomatic. Senator Curtis, you better be worried that he may file for election.\n\nCurtis: Oh, he looks far more comfortable in a uniform than he does in that suit, I’ll tell you that. So let me start with you and kind of follow up on this question. Through these different frameworks, you’ve seen different state laws, institutional rules, and constant legal authority changes. From your perspective as a student-athlete, what would be the benefit of having one clear national framework for name and likeness, transfers, eligibility, and athlete protections, rather than asking athletes to figure out a different system depending on where they play?\n\nHoltzclaw: I think what it does is it creates standardization and regulation, and it keeps everybody on the same page regarding what we can and cannot do. It makes things a little easier in some respects. The way I would look at it is that it eliminates a lot of the gray area. That’s a big part of what we should do when we’re dealing with people who don’t always have the knowledge of what they can and cannot do and who may not know the legal frameworks at all times.\n\nCurtis: Mr. Bevacqua, Utah will host the 2034 Olympic Games. I’m sure you’re aware of that. Many of the athletes who will represent Team USA in those games are being developed right now through college sports in Utah. That pipeline includes skiers, runners, and a host of other athletes who rely on college programs to help them achieve their dreams. As an athletic director responsible for making real budget decisions, what signals from Congress would incentivize schools to not only to preserve non-revenue sports but to expand opportunities for these athletes?\n\nMr. Pete Bevacqua: Well, thank you for that question. I am a tremendous fan of the Olympic movement. It goes back to my days at NBC Sports, which has been the home of the Olympics for so long. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend many Olympic Games. Some of our proudest moments on campus are when our student-athletes represent our country in the Olympics. That’s a moment of pride for Notre Dame, and obviously a moment of pride for their friends and families. I think there does need to be real teeth in the bill to protect Olympic sports and the Olympic movement because, without universities maintaining and investing in their Olympic sports, the U.S. Olympic movement will take a major step backward.\n\nQuite frankly, I think you need to hold our feet to the fire. If universities are going to invest so heavily in sports like football and men’s and women’s basketball, there needs to be a quid pro quo. Where we are also going to demand you don’t take your foot off the gas, you continue to keep those Olympic programs. The overwhelming majority of young men and women student-athletes in this country participate in Olympic sports.\n\nCurtis: Do you think this bill does that and sends those signals?\n\nBevacqua: I think it sends those signals. As Senator Cruz and Senator Cantwell said, the bill is a work in progress. I think it could do a stronger, more straightforward, and clearer job of protecting Olympic sports, depending on where the remainder of the bill goes.\n\nCurtis: Coach Saban, I was moved by something you said in your written testimony. You talked about young people coming into a program needing structure, discipline, coaching, academic support, and accountability, and leaving with a degree, a career, a family, and a better chance to be successful in life. It reminds me of a comment by BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake, said that the best part of the job is helping develop great leaders. That is exactly what college athletics should be about. Those life-changing experiences are not limited to football. They also occur in sports that generate no revenue and have few fans, yet still transform the lives of young people. So, my question is this: As Congress looks at the future framework of college athletics, what do we need to get right to ensure we not only protect but also help grow non-revenue sports?\n\nNick Saban: Well, I think a lot of the things we’ve discussed here today are certainly imperative. If we’re going in the direction we are going—making huge investments in football and basketball and paying players increasingly larger amounts—we should stop calling them student-athletes and start calling them students that are athletes. We’re going to end up with professional sports teams sponsored by colleges and universities. That’s what’s going to happen because we’re going to be paying players so much.\n\nI really think the only way to remedy this is to recognize that we have competitive conferences, competitive teams, and competitors all trying to create advantages for themselves in every way that we can. Yet in college athletics, we don’t have a legislative branch that sets the rules. In the NFL, the commissioner can say, “This is what you’re allowed to do. This is the salary cap. This is how we draft players. This is how we create parity. This is how we generate revenue so that we can maintain a level of competition across all sports, including Olympic sports and women’s sports.” We don’t have that in college athletics. People talk about conferences being dismantled and all of that. That would never happen if there were a head of all of this.\n\nRight now, as they say back in West Virginia, it’s not about the money—it’s about how much. Everything that happens is about how much money can we create? The real question is whether we’re deploying that money in the right places to maintain student-athletes’ well-being.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/06/03/daines-and-bessent-in-senate-finance-committee-working-families-tax-cuts-bringing-economic-growth-jobs-for-american-workers-and-families/", "title": "Daines and Bessent in Senate Finance Committee: Working Families Tax Cuts Bringing Economic Growth, Jobs for American Workers and Families", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a Senate Finance Committee hearing where he discussed benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts and his digital asset tax framework.\n\nWatch the full exchange HERE.\n\nDaines on the conservation easement settlement:\n\nDaines: Secretary Bessent, it’s good to have you here this morning… I want to start by emphasizing how pleased I was when I saw the IRS’s settlement offer for taxpayers involved with conservation easement tax disputes. For years, I’ve been sounding the alarm here on Capitol Hill on the abusive syndicated conservation easements that falsely were claiming a charitable donation solely to turn a profit. I’m an avid outdoorsman, a guy from Montana, protecting our farmers and ranchers and championing conservation is one of my biggest priorities as I represent the state of Montana here the past 13 years. I know this is a shared priority for you in this administration, which is why I commend you for your help in implementing and enforcing this settlement. So thank you.\n\nDaines on benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts:\n\nDaines: I also want to thank you for your hard work because we worked together over much of the last year on the Working Family Tax Cuts Act that was passed and signed the law. We’re seeing some great results in Montana. In fact, Montanans have received an average nearly $3,600 tax cut on their tax returns this year. And about 105,000 Montana small businesses will benefit from permanent tax relief due to that twenty percent pass through deduction. And as we know, the pass-through side of the equation actually supports more jobs than the C-corp side. So we did something here that’s going to be helpful to create more jobs, and importantly, job growth and income growth here for so many American people.\n\nBessent: And, Senator, I have very clear recollection of you in the Cabinet Room expressing to myself, White House staff, the president, the need for permanence. So I think that that will be one of your great lasting achievements once you retire.\n\nDaines: Secretary Bessent, thank you. And I know we both knew that permanence was an important part of the equation to remove the uncertainty that’s oftentimes found in the tax code with expiring tax provisions. And there’s enough uncertainty on Capitol Hill, sadly, that happens because of whether it’s overreaching regulations or uncertain tax policy. But to take that off the table, I think, was one of the great achievements that we faced. But thank you for your kind words. And I do think that we’re going to see the benefits of this bill for many years to come. On Capitol Hill, anytime we pass something that’s 800 pages plus in length, usually the more you dig into something, the worse it gets. Oftentimes with big pork barrel spending bills, in this case, the more you dig into that working family tax cut bill, the better it gets.\n\nBessent: Sir, the statistics are unbelievable. We saw at the IRS that 61 million filers filed for at least one of the signature policies, and we are seeing an industrial renaissance because of the immediate expensing for equipment, factories, and farm structures.\n\nDaines: It’s music to our ears. It’s what we predicted would happen. You put that kind of incentive structure in place. And I also believe to think about our China strategy, having that 100 percent expensing and the R&D investment to incentivize innovation will be another lasting legacy from what we accomplished together over the course of last year. I’d like just to ask you an open-ended question around how passing that largest tax cut, or said another way, preventing the largest tax increase in American history, why by making it permanent, is that making the American taxpayer better off?\n\nBessent: Sir, I believe that the, as you said, giving great certainty, whether it’s to households, small business, or large business, that provides for them to create capital stock, capital spending and increased productivity, and increased productivity is what leads to higher standards of living across the country.\n\nDaines on implementing digital taxation framework:\n\nDaines: Last question I have is on digital assets. Digital assets have moved from the margins now more to the mainstream. It’s been clear that our tax code hasn’t kept up. We bear that responsibility now to put a tax structure in place. I’m taking the lead here in the Finance Committee. As many in this committee know, that’s why we’ve been developing a framework that could give us clearer rules for digital asset taxation. Following the passage of the GENIUS Act, digital assets are becoming more integrated in our financial system. And I believe they’re going to play a growing role in our economy with the potential to keep driving investment in the United States. The numbers speak for themselves. The total crypto market cap reached $4 trillion for the first time in history. Stablecoin transaction volume was $33 trillion, a seventy-two percent increase from 2024. The number of crypto mobile wallet users reached an all-time high, up twenty percent from last year. I do believe it’s important that we provide some clarity as well as the tax dollars, and that’s our responsibility here that I’m working on at the moment. Secretary Bessent, as the administration continues its work in digital assets, will you commit to working with Congress on implementing digital asset taxation legislation and I anticipate that will very much be a two-way street?\n\nBessent: I will commit to that. And tax certainty, as we’ve seen with every other industry, is the key to innovation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/06/03/daines-sends-letter-to-dol-urging-support-for-american-workers-and-retirees/", "title": "Daines Sends Letter to DOL Urging Support for American Workers and Retirees", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Sonderling expressing support for DOL’s proposed rule to implement President Trump’s Executive Order that unlocks access to investments in alternative assets for Main Street America and retirees with a 401(k) defined-contribution plan.\n\nSenators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Curtis (R-Utah), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Dave McCormick (R-Penn.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Daines in sending the letter.\n\n“For decades, defined-benefit pension plans and other sophisticated investors have allocated to alternative assets to enhance risk adjusted returns, improve diversification, and strengthen long term portfolio resilience. However, nearly 90 million Americans saving for retirement through defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s, have largely been excluded from these opportunities. The proposed rule would help close this gap by providing fiduciaries with clearer guidance on the prudent selection of diversified investment options…\n\n…The proposed rule would also address the significant litigation risk that has discouraged fiduciaries from offering professionally managed investment options that include alternative assets. For years, plan fiduciaries have faced costly litigation challenging prudent investment decisions, creating a strong disincentive to offer innovative or diversified products even where doing so could benefit plan participants. The rule’s safe harbor would help reduce this risk while preserving important protections for workers and ensuring that plan sponsors remain focused on acting in the best interests of beneficiaries,” they wrote in the letter.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nDaines has been a strong supporter of expanding access to alternative assets- read his letter to President Trump urging this action HERE and his statement praising the President’s Executive Order HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-the-trump-administration-continues-to-threaten-daca-and-senate-republicans-push-for-additional-ice-cbp-funding-durbin-denounces-the-presidents-cruel-mass-deportation-campaign", "title": "As The Trump Administration Continues To Threaten DACA & Senate Republicans Push For Additional ICE, CBP Funding, Durbin Denounces The President’s Cruel Mass Deportation Campaign", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin shared the story of Juan Chavez Velasco, a Dreamer and COVID-19 frontline worker, who was detained by ICE and swept up in the President’s anti-immigrant campaign\n\nWASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), author of the Dream Act, today denounced the Trump Administration’s continued threats to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and Senate Republicans’ reconciliation bill which would give the Trump Administration $70 billion additional dollars for the President’s mass deportation operation.\n\n“I’ve seen it firsthand [President Trump’s mass deportation campaign] in the city of Chicago… many other places in my state, where the ICE agents have arrived. America saw it firsthand in Minneapolis, when the ICE agents on the streets murdered two innocent people who were merely protesting as they have a right to do under our Constitution. Where are we today? We’re considering an appropriations bill… which will appropriate more money for immigration enforcement than ever in our history,” Durbin said.\n\n“They want more money to go after illegal immigrants. So, the question obviously is how are they doing, with the billions of dollars being spent on ICE and Border Patrol? It turns out that six out of the seven people who have been arrested by this immigration force had no [serious] criminal record whatsoever. Listen to the story of one of these people and come to understand what I’m talking about,” Durbin continued.\n\nDuring his remarks, Durbin shared the story of Juan Chavez Velasco. Juan is a medical laboratory scientist and has lived in the United States for more than 25 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Juan was a frontline worker at a hospital, and he never missed a day of work. Juan’s parents brought him to the United States when he was eight years old, and for more than a decade his ability to live and work in the United States has been protected by only one thing: his status as a DACA holder.\n\n“With DACA, Juan had been a contributing member of our country for years and then President Trump was elected to a second term. Everything changed. In February, as Juan was driving to deliver milk to his infant daughter in the NICU, and he was stopped by ICE agents… His wife, Stephanie, was on the phone with him as ICE agents questioned his immigration status and they decided to detain him. He told them, ‘I’m a DACA holder.’ They ignored him. He was retained in ICE detention for three months. When his son Damien visited him in detention, he sobbed at the sight of his father behind a glass barrier. He could not understand why the government would take his dad away from him. Juan was finally released last month after his wife Stephanie bravely testified at a spotlight [forum] that I convened but he is not yet free. Juan still lives in fear that at any day ICE agents could return and take him away from his family and deport him to Colombia,” Durbin continued. “Juan’s story is heartbreaking, but it is only one of many stories from Dreamers who have been targeted by the Trump Administration.”\n\nUpon returning to office, the President has used every tool at his disposal to thwart the protections of DACA. Last year, ICE arrested at least 261 DACA recipients and deported 86 of them. Even those who have not been detained have faced unprecedented delays in renewing their DACA status. Without renewal, these young people will lose their ability to work legally in the United States and will no longer be protected from deportation.\n\nLast month, the Trump Administration announced it would also force legal immigrants to leave America to apply for a green card, except in rare circumstances. With bans in effect preventing consular processing for green card applicants from 75 countries, there is no assurance that they can ever return to the United States.\n\n“After outcry across the country, DHS claimed to roll back their decision, saying that applicants who ‘benefit the national interest’ would not be affected. But it remains to be seen how this Administration will define national interest. Will spouses of U.S. citizens qualify? Will immigrants sponsored for a green card for their work as doctors and nurses be allowed to say in this country? We honestly don’t know,” Durbin said.\n\nDurbin continued, “The terror and fear that this Administration seeks to inspire in legal immigrants does not make our nation great—it undermines the promise we made to these [green card applicants] … These are individuals who have lived in America for years, married and had their own U.S. citizen children, and are contributing to our communities. Why would we want them to leave?”\n\nDurbin concluded, “As the Senate prepares to consider the upcoming Republican budget bill, which would put another $70 billion additional dollars into the President’s mass deportation operation, I urge my Republican colleagues to stand up and look at this honestly.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-secretary-rubio-about-400-million-in-stalled-us-assistance-for-ukraine-and-continuation-of-clean-water-programs-for-the-worlds-poor", "title": "Durbin Questions Secretary Rubio About $400 Million In Stalled U.S. Assistance For Ukraine And Continuation Of Clean Water Programs For The World’s Poor", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The $400 million that we appropriated to help the Ukrainian people fight this war has bounced back and forth… Are we going to send it to the Ukrainians?” Durbin asked during today’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs and Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a committee hearing examining the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request for the U.S. Department of State. During the hearing, Durbin pressed Secretary Rubio about U.S. assistance for Ukraine as it continues to fight off Russian aggression, four years after Vladimir Putin reinvaded the country.\n\nDurbin began by questioning Secretary Rubio about the stalled disbursement of the $400 million in security assistance for Ukraine that was appropriated by Congress in the FY26 defense appropriations bill. Last month, Durbin wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the $400 million in stalled security assistance, as well as $200 million for the Baltic States, urging the funds be immediately obligated and disbursed.\n\n“Here we are four and a half years later, the Ukrainians are still valiantly, successfully in many respects, fighting [Russia] day in and day out. I never had any doubt in my mind whose side I was on, in terms of the war in Ukraine,” Durbin began.\n\n“The $400 million that we appropriated to help the Ukrainian people fight this war has bounced back and forth. Has it finally been resolved? Are we going to send it to the Ukrainians?” Durbin asked.\n\nSecretary Rubio said that the funding is going through interagency processes but that he expects news shortly on the funding’s release.\n\nDurbin replied, “That is what Secretary Hegseth said two or three weeks ago, and nothing has happened. Here they are fighting for their lives. They’re facing ballistic missiles. They don’t have the defense that they need. They’re valiantly doing everything they can to save their people, and we’re going through bureaucratic malaise…Will it be timely help? Will it be help that we can send them quickly that they need?”\n\nSecretary Rubio said he hopes the issue is resolved quickly.\n\nDurbin also pressed Secretary Rubio about the Trump Administration’s seemingly congenial relationship with Vladimir Putin, asking why the President is sending a U.S. delegation this week to the St. Petersburg Economic Forum in Russia.\n\n“Twelve hours ago or so, when the Russians were attacking Ukraine and killing civilians, the Ukrainians were attacking the Russians in St. Petersburg. They destroyed some of their infrastructure and oil producing facilities. It is especially interesting to Putin because it is a week of the ‘Russian Davos’ [the St. Petersburg Economic Forum]…I’m asking why the United States would send an official delegation to Vladimir Putin’s ‘Russian Davos’ to talk about economic development in Russia?” Durbin asked.\n\nSecretary Rubio said he was not familiar with which U.S. officials are attending. Secretary Rubio then expressed his hope for an end to the war before the attacks are escalated even further.\n\nDurbin concluded his time by ensuring that Secretary Rubio would stand by his efforts to bring clean drinking water and sanitation systems to needy communities across the globe. In 2005, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act, which made access to clean water and sanitation a key U.S. development goal. In 2014, Durbin led follow-up legislation, the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014, to build on the original bill’s goals for clean water and sanitation.\n\n“You joined me when you were a member of the Senate in [supporting] the Paul Simon Water for the World Act to bring clean drinking water and sanitation to some of the poorest people on Earth. We’ve reached 76 million people with water, 58 million with sanitation. That program is still on the books. Are we going to fund it?” Durbin asked.\n\nSecretary Rubio affirmed his commitment to ensuring the program continues to be well-funded and implemented.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-senate-republicans-for-holding-a-subcommittee-hearing-supporting-trump-administration-threats-to-denaturalize-americans", "title": "Durbin Slams Senate Republicans For Holding A Subcommittee Hearing Supporting Trump Administration Threats To Denaturalize Americans", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin on the Trump Administration anti-immigration campaign that deserves the Subcommittee’s attention: “The targeting of DACA holders, new barriers to a green card, and an end to the refugee program—are devastating to immigrants and American communities.”\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing entitled “Protecting American Citizenship III: Denaturalization and Its Constitutional Limits.” Durbin slammed Senate Republicans for holding a subcommittee hearing supporting the Trump Administration’s threats of denaturalization—an attempt to intimidate naturalized Americans who challenge the President’s policies.\n\nKey Quotes:\n\n“In my office in the Capitol… is a graying document that is a naturalization certificate—my mother’s. She came to the United States at the age of two—brought here as an immigrant of Lithuania. After she was married and had two children, she decided to become a citizen of the United States. I have her naturalization certificate that she handed to me before she passed. I am proud of that—I am proud of the fact that it also declares I am the son of an immigrant. She is no longer with us and therefore cannot be threatened by anything we say today at this hearing, but the thought of taking something so precious away from her because of her political views does not sound like the America she was trying to be part of.”\n\n“In a Thanksgiving Truth Social post, the President said [he would] ‘denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility.’ This spring, MAGA Congressman Chip Roy introduced the ‘MAMDANI Act of 2026’ which aims to denaturalize individuals who advocate for socialism... Sound familiar? It should—these efforts harken back to the McCarthy [era], when denaturalization was used as a tool to silence political dissidents.”\n\n“Among those dissidents was Harry Bridges, a renowned Australian-born labor leader accused of being a communist. During the McCarthy era, he faced a relentless campaign to revoke his citizenship. But the Supreme Court ruled in his favor—not once, but twice… Relying on the Fourteenth Amendment, the Supreme Court found that Congress does not have the power to take away an American’s citizenship—unless the citizenship was unlawfully procured.”\n\n“Even under the first Trump Administration, only an estimated 160 people were denaturalized. So why hold a hearing to discuss this rare process? The title of this hearing says it all— ‘Protecting American Citizenship.’ Should American citizenship be, as the President and his faithful have suggested, about fealty to one man and his ideology? Or should it be about an individual’s fealty to this country and our Constitution?”\n\n“I happen to believe the latter. Just look at DACA recipients and Dreamers. They grew up pledging allegiance to the flag and serve our country each day as doctors, teachers, and firefighters. They are American in every way but their paperwork, and they deserve a path to citizenship.”\n\n“But this Administration is doing everything possible to stop hardworking immigrants—even those who follow every rule—from securing citizenship. Last week, the Administration issued a new policy to force most applicants to go abroad to get a green card.”\n\n“After outcry from around the country, DHS claimed to roll back this policy, saying that applicants who ‘benefit the national interest and provide economic benefits’ would not be affected. The Administration has not clarified what this means. But we can take an educated guess. Just look at the refugee program. The President has barred all refugees from coming to the United States, excepting those whose admission it deems in the national interest. The only refugees the Trump Administration has decided [are] qualified so far? White Afrikaners.”\n\n“These policy changes—the targeting of DACA holders, new barriers to a green card, and an end to the refugee program—are devastating to immigrants and American communities. They deserve our attention.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-successfully-blocking-trump-ballroom-all-justice-department-funding-from-reconciliation-bill", "title": "Durbin Statement On Successfully Blocking Trump Ballroom, All Justice Department Funding From Reconciliation Bill", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after Senate Republicans stripped language from the reconciliation bill funding Donald Trump’s ballroom and the Department of Justice:\n\n“Thanks to the outrage of the American people and hard-fought challenges by Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans finally gave up on funding Trump’s billionaire ballroom for now.\n\n“But can we really be sure this is the last dance for Trump’s billionaire ballroom? Republicans in Congress are running from this boondoggle and the disgraced slush fund for cop beaters.\n\n“Trust me. There will be more MAGA madness but no help for struggling American families.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-touts-rock-island-arsenals-high-quality-manufacturing-in-meeting-with-army-secretary-driscoll", "title": "Durbin Touts Rock Island Arsenal’s High-Quality Manufacturing In Meeting With Army Secretary Driscoll", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today met with U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll as the Senate Appropriations Committee reviews the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request. Durbin and Secretary Driscoll’s conversation centered on the importance of supporting jobs at Rock Island Arsenal and ensuring that the Arsenal is valued as a critical producer of military equipment. Last month during an Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing, Durbin secured a commitment from Secretary Driscoll that he would protect Rock Island Arsenal from further significant job cuts after several civilian employees at the Arsenal were impacted by the Army’s recent “rebalancing” effort.\n\n“Today, I reiterated to Army Secretary Driscoll that our nation’s military readiness is better for the work done by the men and women at Rock Island Arsenal. I am grateful to Army Secretary Driscoll for working with me to protect the workforce at Rock Island Arsenal and develop opportunities that will sustain economic growth in the Quad Cities,” Durbin said.\n\nPhotos of the meeting are available here.\n\nDurbin has long been a supporter of the Rock Island Arsenal and the groundbreaking manufacturing performed there. In the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Durbin secured significant support for the Arsenal including provisions to:\n\nAuthorize a new pilot program modeled after Durbin’s Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act to give contracting preference to public-private partnerships between industry and Army arsenals such as at Rock Island. This provision will help ensure Rock Island Arsenal remains active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment, and production capacity critical to the nation’s defense industrial base;\n\nRestrict the Army from using any funds allocated for restructuring until the Army provides more information about its proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, helping to ensure operations and protect jobs at Rock Island Arsenal from unnecessary cuts; and\n\nAuthorize the Army to expand robotic munitions manufacturing capabilities at government-owned, contractor-operated facilities, which will help boost workload for facilities such as the Quad City Cartridge Case Facility.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-senate-floor-speech-durbin-calls-for-opposition-to-fisa-section-702-reauthorization-without-serious-reforms", "title": "In Senate Floor Speech, Durbin Calls For Opposition To FISA Section 702 Reauthorization Without Serious Reforms", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin: “Any member of Congress who wants to ensure there are check on this out-of-control Administration should not vote to reauthorize this authority without meaningful guardrails.”\n\nWASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on his Senate colleagues to support serious reforms to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to expire on June 12 after Congress passed an extension for the legislation in April. Section 702 grew out of a secret warrantless surveillance program conducted by the Bush Administration after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. When this illegal spying program was exposed, Congress enacted Section 702 as a temporary measure.\n\nDurbin began his remarks by laying out how the federal government uses this authority for warrantless spying on Americans.\n\n“Under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the government collects communications of foreigners overseas without a warrant from any court. But, in the process, the government, unfortunately, collects millions of communications of innocent Americans—people they are not authorized to surveil. Once collected, the government searches these communications without a warrant from any court…Every American needs to understand that this law allows the government to listen to your phone calls and read your private messages that have been collected under Section 702. The government does all of that without any court approval,” Durbin began. “This is a fundamental flaw that I have worked to change for a long time.”\n\nDurbin stressed that the Fourth Amendment protects Americans from warrantless searches, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Security Agency (NSA) have been bypassing this constitutional right for years. The FBI alone conducted more than 7,000 warrantless searches on Americans last year.\n\n“These abuses, according to the FISA Court, have been ‘persistent and widespread.’ The government itself has reported hundreds of thousands of unlawful searches using this authority... As further detailed in the Brennan Center’s report, the government has used Section 702 to spy unlawfully on many people. Who have they spied on? Members of Congress, congressional staff, judges, journalists, protesters, political donors, even women on dating apps,” Durbin said.\n\n“Past attempts at reform have not solved the problem…As the Brennan Center explained, ‘the current system of Section 702 oversight relies almost entirely on the executive branch self-policing to prevent, detect, and report abuses.’ In other words, the fox is watching the chicken coop. That’s a flawed system under any Administration. Under this Administration, it is especially alarming,” Durbin continued.\n\nDurbin then raised alarms about how the Trump Administration could further weaponize Section 702 against innocent Americans and political enemies.\n\n“The question before Congress is whether we will grant broad warrantless surveillance authority to President Trump and MAGA loyalists like FBI Director Kash Patel and the new acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte for the rest of this Administration…The current Administration has repeatedly targeted political opponents…attacked independent institutions like the Privacy and Civil Liberties Board…and fired career law-enforcement officials and public servants at the FBI and Department of Justice. They cleaned shop. These people would have been responsible for ensuring that a program like Section 702 be lawful and nonpartisan,” Durbin said.\n\n“In the hands of a government that has treated the Constitution as an afterthought, Congress should not place blind trust in the hands of an Administration which can clearly use the surveillance power for political purposes,” Durbin said.\n\n“What happens when the Administration uses Section 702 to spy on Americans, perhaps those who protested the murder of two innocent people in Minneapolis during the ICE raids? They used to spy on Black Lives Matter protestors. Is it hard to imagine they would extend that to those who question the masked ICE agents’ activity? What happens if journalists have their texts or phone calls snooped on because they dare to report the controversial news about this Administration’s misconduct? Any member of Congress who wants to ensure there are checks on this out-of-control Administration should not vote to reauthorize authority of Section 702 without meaningful guardrails,” Durbin continued.\n\nDurbin then spoke about his bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), the Security and Freedom Enhancement (SAFE) Act, which would reauthorize Section 702 with pragmatic safeguards to protect the privacy and civil liberties with Americans. Durbin and Lee penned a New York Times op-ed on the SAFE Act, noting that the legislation would ensure Americans retain their rights guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment.\n\n“Congress does not need to choose between protecting national security and preserving Americans’ constitutional rights. We can do both… Our bill [the SAFE Act] would require the government to obtain a judicial warrant before accessing the contents of Americans’ texts, emails, phone calls, and other private communications with exceptions for emergencies and other special circumstances. That’s exactly what we believe the Constitution requires of us because the Founders rightly understood that no Administration should be given a blank check to invade a citizen’s privacy without the oversight of an independent judge,” Durbin said.\n\nDurbin concluded his remarks by calling on his colleagues to finally enact the Section 702 reforms that would protect Americans’ privacy and civil liberties.\n\n“The time to finally protect Americans from warrantless surveilling under Section 702 is now. Not later. Not next time. Now—with this Congress. We’ve heard these false promises too many times before, and with power in the hands of this President, we just can’t afford to wait any longer,” Durbin said.\n\n“I oppose the reauthorization of warrantless surveillance powers under FISA Section 702 without guardrails to better protect the privacy of Americans. I urge all of my colleagues to do the same,” Durbin concluded his speech.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/06/03/2026/ernst-helping-workers-climb-higher", "title": "Ernst Helping Workers Climb Higher", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) highlighted the harmful effects of federal benefits cliffs on Iowa workers, families, and small businesses. She pointed to the Upward Mobility Act, which she cosponsors, as a solution.\n\nThe legislation would initiate a pilot program for five states to consolidate multiple federal anti-poverty programs into a single funding stream and help families achieve financial independence, eliminating benefits cliffs that discourage work and advancement.\n\nWatch Chair Ernst’s remarks here.\n\nErnst’s full remarks:\n\n“Over the past 50 years, the national poverty rate has barely moved — and Iowa is no exception.\n\n“For far too many small businesses and their employees, federal bureaucracy stands in the way of economic opportunity.\n\n“Today I am excited to convene this Committee to discuss the important issue of federal benefits cliffs and their impact on America’s job creators.\n\n“These cliffs occur when a small increase in income leads to a significant decrease in federal welfare benefits.\n\n“Benefits cliffs create a paradox where the federal government, in effect, penalizes workers and leaves them worse off for pursuing higher income.\n\n“It’s clear that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.\n\n“The reality is, despite over 80 federal programs and a trillion taxpayer dollars spent annually, the federal government often fails to address the barriers to self-sufficiency faced by those living in poverty.\n\n“To make matters worse, the complex interactions of dozens of different programs create unintended cliffs and inhibit upward mobility.\n\n“As a result, for many Iowans and Americans across the country struggling to make ends meet, taking one step forward often means taking two steps back.\n\n“With misguided incentives, workers are encouraged to put off promotions, turn down full time work, and decline overtime opportunities to maintain eligibility for federal welfare programs.\n\n“Benefits cliffs also create significant workforce challenges for small businesses seeking to grow their operations.\n\n“Small business employers hoping to reward top talent are instead faced with the reality that due to misguided federal policies, rewarding hard workers may actually harm their employees financially.\n\n“A recent Ohio Chamber of Commerce survey found that one in five businesses experienced personnel issues due to workers’ concerns about losing public assistance.\n\n“I want to give you one brief example of the cliff effect: Years ago, while serving in the Iowa State Senate, I visited an assisted living center in my district at the time in Lenox, Iowa.\n\n“I had the opportunity to visit with a young woman and single mom, likely in her twenties, who was employed by the assisted living home.\n\n“She began working at the facility as a certified nursing assistant and quickly excelled.\n\n“She was a hard worker and it was clear the residents all adored her, which led to a point where the assisted living home offered her a supervisory role with more responsibility.\n\n“The promotion, the mother explained, would be a really tremendous opportunity.\n\n“However, for those receiving government assistance and having an extra mouth to feed, as she did, the decision can be a bit trickier since a higher income level may put them over the threshold for certain government assistance.\n\n“This young woman, she went home. She calculated what her pay increase would be, along with the government assistance that she would lose and what she figured out that would if she took the promotion, she would lose about $200 a month.\n\nThat $200 a month could have gone towards rent a car, a food or food for her family. And there are a lot of basic needs in Iowa at that time that could have been met with that $200.\n\n“She was on a really tight income, and she was already working with challenging numbers.\n\n“To her credit, and I really appreciate this young woman. To her credit, she chose to take the promotion knowing that she would lose that $200 a month.\n\n“It wasn't an easy decision, but she knew if she did not take that promotion, she would never, ever get ahead of where she was at that time for her and her child.\n\n“However, for many, that decision might be much more costly and too risky.\n\n“Today, I am a proud co-sponsor of Senator Husted’s Upward Mobility Act.\n\n“The Upward Mobility Act recognizes what most Americans understand: the best solutions often don’t come from Washington.\n\n“The legislation creates a pilot authority for five states to combine funding from ten federal anti-poverty programs, including SNAP and TANF, into one single flexible funding stream to eliminate benefits cliffs while remaining deficit neutral.\n\n“This flexible funding stream will encourage states to create a smooth, gradual decrease in overall benefits as incomes increase, ensuring incentives remain for work and economic opportunity.\n\n“Hard working folks shouldn’t be punished for doing what is right for themselves and their families.\n\n“By empowering states, the Upward Mobility Act will reduce government imposed barriers to financial independence and streamline the administration of federal welfare programs while taking measures to protect against fraud.\n\n“I know that small business owners across our nation are committed to bettering the lives and future career prospects of their employees.\n\n“The values of hard work and self-sufficiency have defined who we are as a nation. By ending benefits cliffs through common sense solutions, we can ensure that workers across America are rewarded with increased opportunity on the merits of their labor.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-helping-workers-climb-higher", "title": "Ernst Helping Workers Climb Higher", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) highlighted the harmful effects of federal benefits cliffs on Iowa workers, families, and small businesses. She pointed to the Upward Mobility Act, which she cosponsors, as a solution.\n\nThe legislation would initiate a pilot program for five states to consolidate multiple federal anti-poverty programs into a single funding stream and help families achieve financial independence, eliminating benefits cliffs that discourage work and advancement.\n\nWatch Chair Ernst’s remarks here.\n\nErnst’s full remarks:\n\n“Over the past 50 years, the national poverty rate has barely moved — and Iowa is no exception.\n\n“For far too many small businesses and their employees, federal bureaucracy stands in the way of economic opportunity.\n\n“Today I am excited to convene this Committee to discuss the important issue of federal benefits cliffs and their impact on America’s job creators.\n\n“These cliffs occur when a small increase in income leads to a significant decrease in federal welfare benefits.\n\n“Benefits cliffs create a paradox where the federal government, in effect, penalizes workers and leaves them worse off for pursuing higher income.\n\n“It’s clear that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.\n\n“The reality is, despite over 80 federal programs and a trillion taxpayer dollars spent annually, the federal government often fails to address the barriers to self-sufficiency faced by those living in poverty.\n\n“To make matters worse, the complex interactions of dozens of different programs create unintended cliffs and inhibit upward mobility.\n\n“As a result, for many Iowans and Americans across the country struggling to make ends meet, taking one step forward often means taking two steps back.\n\n“With misguided incentives, workers are encouraged to put off promotions, turn down full time work, and decline overtime opportunities to maintain eligibility for federal welfare programs.\n\n“Benefits cliffs also create significant workforce challenges for small businesses seeking to grow their operations.\n\n“Small business employers hoping to reward top talent are instead faced with the reality that due to misguided federal policies, rewarding hard workers may actually harm their employees financially.\n\n“A recent Ohio Chamber of Commerce survey found that one in five businesses experienced personnel issues due to workers’ concerns about losing public assistance.\n\n“I want to give you one brief example of the cliff effect: Years ago, while serving in the Iowa State Senate, I visited an assisted living center in my district at the time in Lenox, Iowa.\n\n“I had the opportunity to visit with a young woman and single mom, likely in her twenties, who was employed by the assisted living home.\n\n“She began working at the facility as a certified nursing assistant and quickly excelled.\n\n“She was a hard worker and it was clear the residents all adored her, which led to a point where the assisted living home offered her a supervisory role with more responsibility.\n\n“The promotion, the mother explained, would be a really tremendous opportunity.\n\n“However, for those receiving government assistance and having an extra mouth to feed, as she did, the decision can be a bit trickier since a higher income level may put them over the threshold for certain government assistance.\n\n“This young woman, she went home. She calculated what her pay increase would be, along with the government assistance that she would lose and what she figured out that would if she took the promotion, she would lose about $200 a month.\n\nThat $200 a month could have gone towards rent a car, a food or food for her family. And there are a lot of basic needs in Iowa at that time that could have been met with that $200.\n\n“She was on a really tight income, and she was already working with challenging numbers.\n\n“To her credit, and I really appreciate this young woman. To her credit, she chose to take the promotion knowing that she would lose that $200 a month.\n\n“It wasn't an easy decision, but she knew if she did not take that promotion, she would never, ever get ahead of where she was at that time for her and her child.\n\n“However, for many, that decision might be much more costly and too risky.\n\n“Today, I am a proud co-sponsor of Senator Husted’s Upward Mobility Act.\n\n“The Upward Mobility Act recognizes what most Americans understand: the best solutions often don’t come from Washington.\n\n“The legislation creates a pilot authority for five states to combine funding from ten federal anti-poverty programs, including SNAP and TANF, into one single flexible funding stream to eliminate benefits cliffs while remaining deficit neutral.\n\n“This flexible funding stream will encourage states to create a smooth, gradual decrease in overall benefits as incomes increase, ensuring incentives remain for work and economic opportunity.\n\n“Hard working folks shouldn’t be punished for doing what is right for themselves and their families.\n\n“By empowering states, the Upward Mobility Act will reduce government imposed barriers to financial independence and streamline the administration of federal welfare programs while taking measures to protect against fraud.\n\n“I know that small business owners across our nation are committed to bettering the lives and future career prospects of their employees.\n\n“The values of hard work and self-sufficiency have defined who we are as a nation. By ending benefits cliffs through common sense solutions, we can ensure that workers across America are rewarded with increased opportunity on the merits of their labor.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-urges-fincen-rulemaking-for-antiquities-industry/", "title": "Fetterman Urges FinCEN Rulemaking for Antiquities Industry", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) penned a letter to U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to propagate rulemaking requiring antiquities dealers to comply with anti-money-laundering laws.\n\n“I am very concerned that looted antiquities are helping fund the Iranian terrorist regime, as well as criminal enterprises and other sanctioned actors. In 2020, Congress passed bipartisan legislation requiring FinCEN to issue proposed rules for antiquities dealers, but those rules were withdrawn and never finalized. Final rulemaking would provide regulatory clarity to antiquities dealers, and help law enforcement fight the use of looted antiquities to fund terrorism, sanctions evasion, and criminal cartels,” wrote Senator Fetterman.\n\nCongress passed bipartisan legislation in 2020 authorizing Treasury and FinCEN to propose rules to combat money-laundering and terrorist-financing using antiquities. Treasury previously proposed rules, but never finalized and ultimately withdrew the proposal. Criminal cartels and terrorist groups such as ISIS have laundered funds using antiquities, which have wound up in the U.S. market. U.S. Customs and Border Control in Philadelphia, for example, recently intercepted looted Bronze Age artifacts originally from Iran.\n\n“Finalizing rulemaking to require basic due-diligence in the antiquities industry will help law enforcement stop the pipeline of funding to American’s adversaries from looted antiquities. Many industries, including casinos, jewelers, and pawn shops, already do basic due-diligence on their customers to stop money laundering and terrorist financing,” continued the senator. “I urge FinCEN to quickly finalize this rule and provide the clarity that antiquities dealers need to engage in this kind of basic due-diligence.”\n\nRead the full text of the letter below and here.\n\n–\n\nI write to urge FinCEN to promulgate rulemaking requiring antiquities dealers to comply with anti-money-laundering laws. I am very concerned that looted antiquities are helping fund the Iranian terrorist regime, as well criminal enterprises and other sanctioned actors. In 2020, Congress passed bipartisan legislation requiring FinCEN to issue proposed rules for antiquities dealers, but those rules were withdrawn and never finalized. Final rulemaking would provide regulatory clarity to antiquities dealers, and help law enforcement fight the use of looted antiquities to fund terrorism, sanctions evasion, and criminal cartels.\n\nOn September 24, 2021, FinCEN issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) pursuant to Section 6110 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020. The law amended the Bank Secrecy Act to require compliance with anti-money-laundering and counter-terror-financing laws by antiquities dealers. FinCEN required public comments on the proposed rule by October 25, 2021, but the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was never published in the Federal Register and the ANPRM was subsequently withdrawn.\n\nThe use of looted antiquities for illicit finance and terror-funding is a serious national security concern. In February, CBP in Philadelphia intercepted Bronze Age swords and arrowheads originally from Iran. Experts in this field note that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and other elements in the Iranian terrorist regime may be actively looting Iran’s cultural heritage. Looted antiquities have been used to funnel money to terrorists, criminals, and America’s enemies. Documented cases of such illicit activities include:\n\nHouthi terrorists and Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula have looted Yemeni artifacts to fund violence against the U.S, Israel, and international shipping lanes.\n\nISIS regularly sold stolen artifacts from Syria and Iraq.\n\nKremlin cronies have used antiquities to evade sanctions.\n\nConvicted criminals Eugene Alexander and Michael Ward trafficked looted antiques worth over $31 million on American soil.\n\nCartels and drug-traffickers have used antiquities from Latin America, including pre-Colombian artifacts, to fund their criminal operations.\n\nFinalizing rulemaking to require basic due-diligence in the antiquities industry will help law enforcement stop the pipeline of funding to American’s adversaries from looted antiquities. Many industries, including casinos, jewelers, and pawn shops, already do basic due-diligence on their customers to stop money laundering and terrorist financing. Last year I introduced the bipartisan Art Market Integrity Act to require anti-money-laundering compliance by art dealers, another area of serious concern for illicit finance. FinCEN already had the authority to promulgate rules for antiquities dealers and should move forward expeditiously. I urge FinCEN to quickly finalize this rule and provide the clarity that antiquities dealers need to engage in this kind of basic due-diligence.\n\nI request that you provide a response to this letter by July 2nd, 2026.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=C8EA95BB-E457-4913-8137-5AB4032FF59C", "title": "Fischer, Senate Colleagues in Wall Street Journal: E15 Is a Net Positive", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In case you missed it: In theWall Street Journal, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) in setting the record straight on how year-round E15 will lower gas prices and boost our economy.\n\nRead the full piecehere or below.\n\nRegarding your editorial “An Ethanol Extortion Play” (May 11): When we talk with our constituents, we hear about high gas and diesel prices. We have a solution that will bring down fuel prices for Americans: E15 fuel, 15% ethanol, 85% gasoline. Legislation allowing year-round, nationwide sales of E15 has bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Opponents, the most vocal of which are a handful of oil refineries, are trying to stop it. Your editorial mirrors their misguided talking points.\n\nExpanding E15 availability lowers gas prices by 20 to 40 cents per gallon on average. That could mean around $400 per year in savings for a U.S. household—precious dollars that could be spent on other needs.\n\nE15 has been in the marketplace by presidential waiver for eight years. In that time, not one refinery has closed because of E15 availability. And, for all the talk of smog worries, data from Growth Energy shows E15 reduces smog-forming pollutants. Likewise, despite concerns voiced in some quarters, existing fuel infrastructure can be used for E15, just as it can for the E10 fuel Americans usually buy.\n\nThe market has spoken: E15 is a net positive. We know E15 will lower prices at the pump, and we’re committed to providing affordable options for families. Securing year-round, nationwide E15 is at the forefront of our agenda.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-announces-plan-to-rebuild-the-middle-class-seeks-feedback-on-framework/", "title": "Gallego Announces Plan to Rebuild the Middle Class, Seeks Feedback on Framework", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) announced he’s working on a plan to rebuild the middle class. He is sharing his framework for the plan and inviting the public to share their ideas.\n\n“I’m committed to building an economy that works for working people. That means bringing down costs. It also means addressing the other side of affordability: wage stagnation and unemployment,” said Senator Gallego. “I’ve got a lot of ideas – doubling unionization levels, exploring sectoral bargaining, creating a New Deal-style federal jobs program – but I also know there are many more good ideas out there. That’s why I’m asking for feedback, so that we can put together a plan that truly addresses the problems hardworking Americans are facing.”\n\nIn a memorandum announcing the framework, Senator Gallego lays out five pillars for rebuilding the middle class:\n\nRaise Wages and Improve Benefits: Workers should get to share in the wealth they help create.\n\nCreate and Protect Quality Blue Collar Jobs: The federal government should double down on goal-oriented industrial policy and antitrust enforcement while discouraging offshoring, automation, and financial engineering.\n\nRestore Worker Trust in Government: As AI and new technologies continue to develop, the government should have workers’ backs.\n\nExpand Job-Creating Entrepreneurship, Focusing Outside of Superstar Cities: Good ideas don’t just happen in New York and LA, and new business and jobs shouldn’t be limited to those cities, either.\n\nHelp Workers Find Jobs Faster: Job seekers, especially first-time seekers, feel increasingly lost in the process. There needs to be clearer job application rules and more direct paths to work.\n\nRead the full memorandum HERE.\n\nThe framework is just a starting point, and Senator Gallego is seeking feedback to incorporate into his final plan. Provide feedback HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-fights-back-against-trump-administrations-anti-family-green-card-policy/", "title": "Gallego Fights Back Against Trump Administration’s Anti-Family Green Card Policy", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator asks GAO for legal opinion, kicking off the process for Congress to repeal the Trump administration’s sweeping new policy forcing immigrants to leave the U.S. to apply for green cards\n\nWASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), kicking off the process to potentially repeal the Trump Administration’s new policy that quietly changed how immigrants can apply for green cards.\n\nRead coverage from The Hill: Gallego kicks off effort to repeal Trump green card policy\n\nLast week, the Trump administration announced that most immigrants already living in the United States will now have to leave the country and apply for green cards from abroad. For decades, many immigrants — including people married to U.S. citizens, workers, students, and refugees — have been able to complete the entire green card process without leaving their families, jobs, and communities. The new policy upends that.\n\nIn response to the new policy, Senator Gallego stated that he would do everything he could to stop it, and this letter is the first step.\n\nIn the letter, Senator Gallego asks the independent federal watchdog to weigh in on whether the Trump administration’s memo should classify as a rule subject to the Congressional Review Act. If GAO says it falls under the definition of a rule, then Congress would have an opportunity to repeal it.\n\n“The new guidance would impact potentially hundreds of thousands of noncitizens and their families in the U.S. per year—representing a major change in policy and therefore satisfying the CRA’s definition of a rule,” writes Senator Gallego.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-blasts-republicans-for-prioritizing-trumps-vanity-projects-and-political-pay-offs-over-the-american-people/", "title": "Gillibrand Blasts Republicans For Prioritizing Trump’s Vanity Projects And Political Pay-Offs Over The American People", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "During Budget Reconciliation Process, Gillibrand Will Vote To Kill President Trump’s Corrupt Slush Fund And Lower Costs For Working Families\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to blast Republicans for prioritizing President Trump’s vanity projects and political pay-offs over lowering costs for the American people.\n\nThis week, Republicans are expected to force a vote on their budget bill. During the budget reconciliation process, Democrats will force votes to kill the president’s corrupt $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” They will also force votes on provisions to lower costs for Americans and protect the vital programs that New Yorkers rely on.\n\n“New Yorkers are working harder, paying more, and falling behind in President Trump’s America. But instead of providing relief for working families, the president is focused on building a gilded ballroom, erecting monuments in his own honor, and using taxpayer dollars to pay off his allies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This is corruption on full display and is hurting New Yorkers – it must stop. This week, I will join Senate Democrats to force votes on measures to kill the president’s slush fund, lower costs for working families, and preserve the programs that Americans rely on.”\n\nThe president’s “anti-weaponization fund” was announced by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of a deal to resolve President Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns. According to the DOJ, the fund is meant to provide a formal restitution process for people or entities who say they were unfairly targeted by the government for political, ideological or personal reasons. This is expected to include President Trump’s defense lawyers, his business associates, and potentially even the rioters who assaulted police officers on January 6, 2021.\n\nDuring the budget reconciliation process this week, Senator Gillibrand will vote in favor of amendments to kill this fund. She will also join Senate Democrats in forcing votes on various mechanisms to lower costs for working families and preserve the programs that they rely on. These are critical measures like lowering healthcare costs, reversing SNAP cuts, and providing relief to American families struggling with high utility bills.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-6-03-26", "title": "Capitol Hill Report, 6-03-26", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Audio from this afternoon’s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Iran, the Farm Bill, E15, improving child safety online and preserving Medicaid.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-fischer-ricketts-marshall-pen-wsj-letter-to-the-editor-the-market-has-spoken-e15-is-a-net-positive", "title": "Grassley, Ernst, Fischer, Ricketts, Marshall Pen WSJ Letter to the Editor: The Market Has Spoken: E15 Is a Net Positive", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – In a Wall Street Journal Letter to the Editor, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) outlined the benefits of E15, including lower gas prices for consumers, and reaffirmed their commitment to providing affordable options for families by securing permanent, year-round, nationwide E15.\n\nText of their Letter to the Editor follows:\n\nRegarding your editorial “An Ethanol Extortion Play” (May 11): When we talk with our constituents, we hear about high gas and diesel prices. We have a solution that will bring down fuel prices for Americans: E15 fuel, 15% ethanol, 85% gasoline. Legislation allowing year-round, nationwide sales of E15 has bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Opponents, the most vocal of which are a handful of oil refineries, are trying to stop it. Your editorial mirrors their misguided talking points.\n\nExpanding E15 availability lowers gas prices by 20 to 40 cents per gallon on average. That could mean around $400 per year in savings for a U.S. household—precious dollars that could be spent on other needs.\n\nE15 has been in the marketplace by presidential waiver for eight years. In that time, not one refinery has closed because of E15 availability. And, for all the talk of smog worries, data from Growth Energy shows E15 reduces smog-forming pollutants. Likewise, despite concerns voiced in some quarters, existing fuel infrastructure can be used for E15, just as it can for the E10 fuel Americans usually buy.\n\nThe market has spoken: E15 is a net positive. We know E15 will lower prices at the pump, and we’re committed to providing affordable options for families. Securing year-round, nationwide E15 is at the forefront of our agenda.\n\nSens. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa), Joni Ernst (R., Iowa), Deb Fischer (R., Neb.), Pete Ricketts (R., Neb.) and Roger Marshall (R., Kan.)\n\nWashington", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-questions-treasury-secretary-on-benefits-of-working-families-tax-cuts-act-importance-of-bringing-down-budget-deficits", "title": "Grassley Questions Treasury Secretary on Benefits of Working Families Tax Cuts Act, Importance of Bringing Down Budget Deficits", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, questioned Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent about the benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and the need to reduce deficits and the national debt.\n\n“[The Working Families Tax Cuts Act] has been essential to the success that we have seen for the past four quarters ... On the household side, as I said, almost 50% of the tax returns we received had one of the president's four signature policies ... It is the certainty that allows both big and small businesses to be able to plan for the future, for hiring, for capital expenditures, and it is this capital stock and investment that generates high after-tax returns,” Bessent said.\n\nIn his remarks, Bessent emphasized the need to reduce spending and bring down the budget deficit to 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).\n\nGrassley also praised the Treasury Department’s effort to crack down on tax cheats who abuse the conservation-easement deduction and encouraged Bessent to continue faithfully enforcing a recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settlement.\n\nVIDEO\n\nOn the conservation-easement deduction:\n\nI’m going to start first with a commendation to the department in regard to a program that Senator Wyden and I have been involved in. And, I think the department is doing the right thing, but I think you’re getting pressure to change.\n\nSo, I want to commend you and the IRS for protecting the integrity of the conservation easement deduction by holding those engaged in abusive syndicated conservation easements, hold them accountable.\n\nThese abusive transactions generally rely on highly inflated appraisals that result in taxpayer-investors saving two dollars in taxes for every one dollar spent. So, to be perfectly clear, these arrangements perverted a charitable deduction to turn a significant profit.\n\nIn 2020, the Finance Committee [released a] report that details Senator Wyden’s and my investigation of these arrangements clearly shows that both the promoters and the taxpayer-investors understood them to be tax shelters.\n\nSo, I encourage you and the IRS to stand by recent settlement offers – and ignore those who I think are lobbying you to water it down.\n\nOn the benefits of the Working Families Tax Cut law:\n\nIn 1981, at the time of growing deficits and elevated inflation, [Federal Reserve] Chairman Paul Volcker advised Congress to cut spending and to pursue pro-growth policies. He urged Congress to focus on reforms that would incentivize Americans, in his words, “to invest, to save and to work.”\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cut law adhered to the Volcker approach. It reduced spending by over $1 trillion while making provisions of the 2017 tax law focused on spurring domestic investment permanent, like full expensing for new factories and factory improvements.\n\nHow important has the Working Families Tax Law been in terms of promoting economic growth, job creation and wage growth?\n\nOn the need to cut the budget deficit and address the national debt:\n\nYou’ve been a proponent of targeting annual deficits of 3% of [Gross Domestic Product (GDP)], which roughly aligns with the post-World War II average. During the last two years of the Biden administration, we saw deficits of 6.2% and 6.3%. In 2025, President Trump’s first year in office, the deficit came in at 5.8% of GDP.\n\nHow does President Trump’s budget and deregulatory agenda ensure the annual deficit stays on a downward trend toward that 3% that you advocate?", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-judiciary-committee-releases-updated-text-of-the-secure-america-act", "title": "Senate Judiciary Committee Releases Updated Text of the Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee’s title of the Secure America Act is funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through Fiscal Year 2029 to ensure Democrats’ open border, defund-the-police agenda can no longer harm the American public. Click HERE for bill text.\n\n“Democrats broke the appropriations process because they want to reopen the southern border, defund federal law enforcement and leave American communities vulnerable to violent criminals, potential terrorists, illicit drugs and deadly contraband. Republicans’ top priority is to provide for the public safety and security of American citizens,” Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said. “The Secure America Act will ensure Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding is no longer held hostage by Democrats’ radical leftist agenda. Democrats’ irresponsible and partisan government shutdown will result in a more robust DHS, with the funds to fulfill its mission through 2029.”\n\nThe Judiciary title:\n\nClick HERE for a one-pager and HERE for a section-by-section of the bill.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/03/icymi-hagerty-joins-squawk-box-on-cnbc-to-discuss-proxy-advisors-and-acting-dni-nominee-bill-pulte/", "title": "ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Squawk Box on CNBC to Discuss Proxy Advisors and Acting DNI Nominee Bill Pulte", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.hagerty.senate.gov", "scraper": "hagerty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000601", "name": "Bill Hagerty", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington—On Wednesday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Squawk Box on CNBC to discuss Proxy Advisors and Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Nominee Bill Pulte.\n\n*Click the photo above or here to watch*\n\nPartial Transcript\n\nHagerty on Proxy Advisors: “[Proxy advisory firms] are the companies that tell shareholders how to vote exactly on management’s proposals… What we find, though, is that the proxy advisors are actually owned overseas—Canada, Switzerland, but not American companies. They’re using, misusing and abusing their power to achieve political objectives. […] It’s a total shakedown. It’s corrupt. These are social investing activists that are getting involved in funding proxy advisory services to try to create an outcome that they could never achieve legislatively. […] I met with the Business Roundtable recently and went through what we’re dealing with in this situation. This is an opportunity for activists to come in through a side door and try to create influence. I think we need to take a very hard look at it and make certain that that power isn’t being abused. This is something that I will look into much more deeply.\n\nHagerty on Acting DNI Nominee Bill Pulte: “Bill is a very high-energy person. As we say in the South, he knows how to ‘get ‘er done.’ He gets things accomplished. He has earned the trust of the President of the United States, and I think that’s critically important—particularly in an environment where intelligence agencies have been weaponized. […] Before I came into the Senate, I was the United States Ambassador to Japan. We have an enormous military capability in Japan. In fact, the largest deployment of US military overseas—anywhere in the world—is in Japan. We also have a very large intelligence operation there. I’m a business person. I had a very large intel operation that I was responsible for… I would have all of the intelligence agencies that reported to me meet in a skiff and explain what they were working on that week, why I wanted them to be aligned. I didn’t want them spying on one another. I wanted them to work with each other and coordinate. That hadn’t happened before, and that’s because a business person has a different perspective. I think that’s the type of approach that would be welcome here in Washington.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-cosponsors-legislation-to-combat-the-maternal-mental-health-crisis", "title": "Heinrich Cosponsors Legislation to Combat the Maternal Mental Health Crisis", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Mental health conditions — including substance use disorders — are the leading cause of preventable maternal death in the United States\n\nWASHINIGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the bipartisan, bicameral Moms Matter Act, commonsense legislation to increase investments in maternal mental health programs and better support moms and pregnant women.\n\nMental health conditions — including substance use disorders — are the leading cause of preventable maternal death during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. However, despite the high need for care, over 80% of pregnant and recently postpartum women live in maternal mental health resource shortage areas.\n\nThe Moms Matter Act will help combat this crisis by increasing investments in local maternal healthcare programs and expanding access to these programs.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation will:\n\nEstablish a Maternal Mental Health Equity Grant Program to invest in local initiatives supporting people with mental health conditions or substance use disorders during or after pregnancy; and\n\nProvide funding for programs to grow and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral healthcare workforce to expand access to high-quality maternal mental healthcare and substance use disorder services.\n\nThe Moms Matter Act is led by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.). Alongside Heinrich, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Companion legislation is led in the House by U.S. Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by over 200 maternal health organizations, including Moms Rising, March of Dimes, Reproductive Freedom for All, and the National Partnership for Women and Families.\n\nThe full text of the bill is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-rounds-introduce-legislation-to-improve-americans-access-to-physical-therapy-address-healthcare-workforce-shortage", "title": "Heinrich, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Improve Americans’ Access to Physical Therapy, Address Healthcare Workforce Shortage", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) led the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act, legislation to improve Americans’ access to physical therapy and address the healthcare workforce shortage in rural communities.\n\nMany communities designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) face limited access to rehabilitative care and evidence-based, non-opioid treatment options, even as demand for physical therapy continues to grow. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has designated 32 of 33 New Mexico counties as HPSAs.\n\nThis legislation helps address longstanding healthcare workforce shortages by integrating licensed physical therapists into key federal safety-net programs, expanding access to rehabilitative care in rural communities, and enabling community health centers to offer more physical therapy services.\n\nSpecifically, the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act:\n\nCompanion legislation has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Morgan H. Griffith (R-Va.).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Community Health Centers, the National Rural Health Association, the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, the American Health Care Association, American Physical Therapy Association, and more. A full list of endorsers is here.\n\n“APTA thanks Sens. Heinrich and Rounds for their leadership in introducing the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act,” said American Physical Therapy Association President Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen the physical therapist workforce and improve access to care in rural and underserved communities. Including physical therapists in the National Health Service Corps and expanding flexibility for community health centers will help ensure patients receive essential services to prevent disability, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life.”\n\nA one-page summary of the bill is here.\n\nA section-by-section summary is here.\n\nThe text of the bill is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-stansbury-announce-house-passage-and-senate-committee-advancement-of-legislation-to-transfer-federal-land-to-pueblos-for-the-indian-pueblo-cultural-center", "title": "Heinrich, Stansbury Announce House Passage & Senate Committee Advancement of Legislation to Transfer Federal Land to Pueblos for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) announced that their Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025, which is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), passed the U.S. House of Representatives and received a hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The legislation places three tracts of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding land into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.\n\nU.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) speaks in support of the Albuquerque Indian School Act at a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing to consider pending legislation, June 3, 2026.\n\nAt a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing today to consider the Albuquerque Indian School Act, Heinrich testified in support of the bill and urged his colleagues to advance the legislation out of committee. Watch the full video of Heinrich’s testimony here.\n\n“My Albuquerque Indian School Act is more than just a land transfer. It is about putting a small but important piece of land back where it belongs – with New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos,” said Heinrich. “The development of these under-utilized parcels of land will create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and expand business services for Pueblo communities and the broader public. After the House passed my legislation this week, today’s Senate hearing marks another important step in our effort to get this bill across the finish line and signed into law.”\n\n“Yesterday's passage of the Albuquerque Indian School Act in the House of Representatives is a major step forward in a decades-long effort to return land to the stewardship of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos in Albuquerque,” said Stansbury. \"This legislation will place nearly 10 acres into trust for the Pueblos, continuing the transformation of this historic site into a center for Pueblo culture and economic opportunity. For generations, Tribal leaders, advocates, and members of New Mexico’s Congressional delegation have worked across party lines to advance this vision, and we are one step closer to making it a reality. This legislation is about more than land — it is about tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and investing in the future of Pueblo communities. I am proud to have led this effort in the House and grateful for the broad bipartisan support that helped move it forward.”\n\n“Expanding economic development and cultural education opportunities for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is critical for the 19 New Mexico Pueblos it serves. That is why I partnered with Senator Heinrich to introduce the Albuquerque Indian School Act, legislation that will help the center grow, support job creation, and generate new revenue for New Mexico’s Pueblos and our communities,”said Luján, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I am proud to see this legislation pass the House and advance in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. I will continue working to ensure it passes the Senate and is signed into law.”\n\n“The Albuquerque Indian School Act is about justice, healing, and Tribal sovereignty,” said Leger Fernández. “For generations, this land carried the painful legacy of the federal Indian boarding school system. Today, the House took an important step to return it to the 19 Pueblos—where it belongs—and turn a painful history into a future built on cultural sovereignty, opportunity, and respect.”\n\nThe Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 builds upon a longstanding, bipartisan effort to transfer the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding tracts to the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico for the development and growth of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a nationally recognized museum and cultural institution owned and operated by the Pueblos, dedicated to both preserving and perpetuating pueblo history, culture, and art, while facilitating their future economic growth and long-term economic sustainability.\n\nThe text of the bill is here.\n\nIn 2015, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Delegation successfully passed into law the Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act, legislation to place four tracts of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School into trust for the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, consolidating the last parcels of the old school property into the Albuquerque Indian School campus. This followed several prior bipartisan efforts, from 1969 to 2008, led by former U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), and former U.S. Representative Manuel Luján Jr. (R-N.M.).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/watch-hickenlooper-shreds-trump-over-slush-fund-for-tina-peters-cost-of-living-emergency/", "title": "WATCH: Hickenlooper Shreds Trump over Slush Fund for Tina Peters, Cost-of-living Emergency", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Hickenlooper: “The president calls it the art of the deal… taxpayers pay in. His allies get payouts.”\n\nHickenlooper plans to force a vote on his amendment to permanently stop Trump’s slush fund payments\n\nOn Monday, he penned an op-ed for MS NOW about Tina Peters walking free\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor to tear into President Trump’s unprecedented effort to give taxpayer handouts to election criminals like Tina Peters from the president’s $1.8 billion fund. Hickenlooper plans to force a vote on his amendment to permanently kill the president’s slush fund during the upcoming votes on the Republicans’ ICE funding bill, which he will vote against.\n\n“President Trump plans to hand out nearly two billion of YOUR taxpayer dollars to January 6 rioters, to his wealthy business partners, and to people who have attacked democracy,” said Hickenlooper. “The acting Attorney General says they’ll no longer pursue this slush fund. I don’t believe that for one second. The only promises this administration has seemed to keep are to billionaires and President Trump’s cronies.”\n\nWatch his speech HERE.\n\n“This administration isn’t just trying to give your tax dollars to criminals. They’re spending trillions on bombs and tax breaks for billionaires,” he continued. “And what do Americans get in return? Higher bills, benefits that have been gutted, and a tab they never agreed to pick up.”\n\nOn Monday, Tina Peters walked out of prison in Colorado and joined Steve Bannon to continue spreading her election lies.\n\nTwo weeks ago, Republicans delayed their votes on their $70 billion funding package for Trump’s immigration enforcement to avoid voting on Hickenlooper’s amendment. Now, the Trump administration is walking back their slush fund plans but Hickenlooper will still move forward with his amendment to force Republicans to vote on the record and stop the slush fund permanently.\n\nDuring his speech, Hickenlooper also highlighted stories from Coloradans he has met who are getting crushed by the cost-of-living emergency Trump manufactured.\n\n“Just talk to Leah, a young woman, who I met recently at a health care roundtable in Colorado Springs. She’s the full-time medical caregiver for her daughter Victoria, who was diagnosed as a baby with spina bifida. Victoria is paraplegic, fed through a tube, and requires a ventilator. Leah works around the clock to keep her child alive,” said Hickenlooper. “This year, Leah’s income will be cut by 40% as a direct result of this administration’s Medicaid cuts. That cut puts her daughter’s life at risk.”\n\nHe also shared the story of a woman he met at a nonprofit in Denver, “Brittany’s daughter recently had a severe asthma attack. Brittany watched her daughter gasp for breath and then begin turning blue. In that split second, she faced a second fear: should she rush her daughter to the hospital herself and risk the drive, with no one to care for her daughter, or call an ambulance, which she knew she couldn’t afford. It’s a fear that no parent should have to live with. The Trump administration made it a reality because they chose these tax breaks for these billionaires over health care for working people.”\n\nFor a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks as prepared for delivery is available below:\n\n“On Monday, Tina Peters walked out of prison.\n\nThe convicted felon and former county clerk is free after serving less than a quarter of her sentence. A sentence she earned when she violated her oath and undermined Colorado’s free and fair elections.\n\nThat doesn’t just make her a conspiracy theorist. It makes her a criminal.\n\nTina Peters had her day in court – she was prosecuted by a Republican district attorney and convicted by a jury of her peers in a Republican stronghold.\n\nThe verdict was unanimous. Tina Peters was and is guilty as sin.\n\nBut if you ask the Trump administration, they believe she deserves a pay day.\n\nLast month, the Department of Justice announced the creation of a $1.8 billion fund – a slush fund – for criminals just like Tina Peters.\n\nPresident Trump plans to hand out nearly two billion of YOUR taxpayer dollars to January 6 rioters, his wealthy business partners, and people who attack our democracy.\n\nWe are not going to let that happen.\n\nThe acting Attorney General says they’ll no longer pursue this slush fund. I don’t believe it for one second. The only promises this administration keeps are to billionaires and President Trump’s cronies.\n\nThe president calls it the art of the deal: Americans pay in. His allies get payouts.\n\nThis administration isn’t just trying to give your tax dollars to criminals. They’re spending trillions on ballrooms, bombs, and tax breaks for billionaires.\n\nAnd what do Americans get in return?\n\nHigher bills, gutted benefits, and a tab they never agreed to pick up.\n\nWhile the Trump administration is busy cashing in – working people are facing a cost-of-living emergency.\n\nThe president’s war in Iran is sending costs through the roof.\n\nThe costs are already adding up. On energy alone, Americans have spent an average of $450 more since the start of the war. Gas in Colorado is nearly $4.50 a gallon. And before the year is out, American families will spend hundreds more on groceries.\n\nHere’s how bad it’s gotten. Americans now carry a record $1.25 trillion in credit card debt – the highest level since the stock market crash in 2008. That’s the equivalent of every single American owing $3,600.\n\nThat’s not a working class that’s thriving. It’s one that’s barely surviving.\n\nAnd here’s the cruel reality – people are working harder than ever!\n\nColoradans are doing everything they can to hold up their end of the bargain – long days, multiple jobs, paying taxes.\n\nBut the more they contribute, the less they get in return. And there’s a clear explanation for this.\n\nThe president doled out $4 trillion in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and the largest corporations – so rich guys like him can skip their taxes. And to pay for it, they slashed $1 trillion from Americans’ health care – that’s over ten years.\n\nTrump’s tariffs generated $133 billion. Nearly every dollar came straight out of American consumers’ pockets – an average $1,000 per person.\n\nThe Supreme Court ruled those tariffs illegal, and a federal court ordered the administration to repay American businesses. Have they complied? Of course not. They’re using every excuse in the book to resist. They have failed to pay back the $166 billion they owe. Even worse, just yesterday, President Trump announced new tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union.\n\nWhen they’re not busy taxing Americans, the Trump administration is pouring hundreds of millions into a new ballroom. Meanwhile, 9,000 families in Colorado just lost their SNAP benefits.\n\nOur economy is leaving too many Americans behind.\n\nJust talk to Leah, who I met recently at a health care event in Colorado Springs. She’s the full-time medical caregiver for her daughter Victoria, who was diagnosed as a baby with spina bifida. Victoria is paraplegic, fed through a tube, and requires a ventilator. Leah works around the clock to keep her child alive.\n\nThat hard work is about to get even harder. This year, Leah’s income will be cut by 40% as a direct result of this administration’s Medicaid cuts. That cut puts her daughter’s life at risk.\n\nThe Trump administration claims these Medicaid cuts were about preventing graft and fraud. But there’s clearly no fraud in a mother trying to keep her child alive.\n\nLeah doesn’t even know if they’ll be able to keep their house – that’s specifically fitted to take care of Victoria’s needs. Without Leah’s round the clock care, Victoria would have to be institutionalized in an acute care facility at a much higher cost.\n\nLeah is living every parent’s worst nightmare. She works as hard as possible every day to keep her child alive. And now, it’s still not enough.\n\nSo many Americans are living with that kind of fear.\n\nAt a local nonprofit in Denver, I met a woman named Brittany, who told me health care is one of her biggest stressors.\n\nBrittany’s daughter recently had a severe asthma attack. Brittany watched her daughter gasp for breath and then begin turning blue. In that split second, she faced a second fear: should she rush her daughter to the hospital herself and risk the drive, or call an ambulance she knew she couldn’t afford.\n\nIt’s a fear no parent should have to live with. The Trump administration made it a reality because they chose tax breaks for billionaires over health care for working people.\n\nAt another event in Denver, I met Luisa, who spends $90 a week on gas so she can drive 28 miles to work every day. She moved further from Denver because the housing was more affordable. Now she wonders if she made the right choice.\n\nLuisa is watching costs increase while she takes home less every week. She does everything she can to insulate her kids from her fear. On weekends, she takes her kids to the park. She hopes they are too busy playing to remember how hungry they are. ‘It’s one less meal to buy,’ she said.\n\nOur country is measured in these moments. The way we care for the most vulnerable. The life-or-death journey between the house and the hospital. The cost to fill an empty fridge.\n\nBy every measure, President Trump has failed.\n\nHe’s run up costs, paid himself and his friends –and stuck Americans with the bill.\n\nThis is the moment we decide whether that’s acceptable. Whether the people who work the hardest, pay the most, and ask for the least finally get a country that works for them.\n\nIt’s a question that echoes through our entire history. One that built the civil rights movement, women’s suffrage, and the long fight for workers to have a seat at the table.\n\nAt its core, it’s an American question. Who does this country actually work for?\n\nThis administration has given their answer to Coloradans.\n\nLeah from Colorado Springs loses $80,000. Brittany calculates the cost of an ambulance while her daughter can’t breathe. Luisa hopes her kids forget they’re hungry.\n\nAmericans fund the system. Trump takes billions for himself. Coloradans get the shaft.\n\nWe know there’s a better way.\n\nAmericans have held up their end of the bargain long enough — the long days, the multiple jobs, the taxes paid on time.\n\nThey’ve earned more than a slush fund for felons. More than a government that builds ballrooms while 9,000 Colorado families lose their groceries. More than an administration that takes everything and returns nothing.\n\nWe introduced an amendment to stop election criminals like Tina Peters from getting a dime of your taxpayer money. Soon, Republicans will be forced to vote on it.\n\nWhile hardworking Americans struggle with rising costs, those who undermine our elections are the last people the government should subsidize.\n\nWe need to put an end to the slush fund. And we need to put it in writing so the Trump administration can’t change their mind later. Working Americans have paid in too long to keep getting played. And we will fight tooth and nail to make sure they get what they’re owed.\n\nThank you, Mr./Madam President. I yield the floor.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-vorbeck-product-will-have-huge-benefit-for-navy", "title": "Hoeven: Vorbeck Product Will Have Huge Benefit for Navy", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Vorbeck Materials has finalized a $6.6 million contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to support the company’s development and adoption of PFAS-free firefighting foam technology, including developing flame-retardant that can be mixed with salt water, which will have a huge benefit for the Navy in fighting ship-based fires, but also in extreme cold environments as salt water lowers the freezing point. Hoeven secured the funding for the contract through his role on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, supporting the growth of the company’s operations in North Dakota.\n\nThe senator recently marked the grand opening of Vorbeck’s 47,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, which serves as the company’s hub to produce advanced fire suppressants using graphene-based materials and will initially produce 1 million gallons of firefighting foam. This comes as part of the company’s broader mission to develop advanced materials for extreme environments, focusing on defense, aerospace and industrial applications. To this end, Vorbeck is also working to develop lightweight and flexible graphene-based antennas, which would have applications in special operations, military ground vehicles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and space.\n\n“We worked to fund this $6.6 million contract, which secures the future of Vorbeck’s operations in North Dakota and contributes to the growth of our high-tech ecosystem,” said Senator Hoeven. “The company’s graphene-based technologies have a wide range of applications. In addition to meeting the demand for PFAS-free firefighting foam, Vorbeck’s work will have huge benefit to the Navy, because mixing their fire-retardant product with sea water will enable them to address ship-based fires, and it will also have real benefit with extreme cold weather.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-discusses-burden-of-federal-benefits-cliff-on-workers-small-businesses/", "title": "Husted discusses burden of federal benefits cliff on workers, small businesses", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“So that’s why I introduced the Upward Mobility Act, to try to solve that problem, to give people a shot at the American dream by not being trapped in this generational cycle of poverty.”\n\nView Husted’s remarks here.\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today delivered remarks at the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s hearing on how the federal benefits cliff traps Americans in a generational cycle of poverty and stifles job creation and productivity for our small businesses.\n\nA benefits cliff occurs when a person receiving public assistance earns more money through a raise, promotion or additional work hours that results in the partial or complete loss of federal benefits that normally totals significantly more than the increased wages.\n\nA single parent with two children in Dayton, Ohio could be offered a salary increase from $33,000 to $34,000. That $1,000 raise would make the family ineligible for $4,600 in food, housing, and child care costs. The $1,000 raise thus results in a nearly $4,000 negative, financial impact.\n\nHusted’s landmark legislation, the Upward Mobility Act, seeks to reform federal welfare programs to help ensure Americans are not penalized for pursuing higher wages, additional work and greater economic opportunity. The bill would create a pathway out of poverty for lower income earners.\n\nThe Upward Mobility Act would establish a five-state pilot project. The participating states would receive their federal contribution in a single funding stream so states can design programs to smooth out their benefits cliff. It would also allow states to keep any savings generated and reinvest it in helping others out of poverty. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has already volunteered Ohio as one of the pilot states.\n\nFact sheets on how the federal benefits cliff hurts Americans in every state in the nation can be downloaded at www.Husted.Senate.gov/Upward.\n\nKey excerpts include:\n\n“I’m very passionate about this particular topic in Ohio.\n\n“This is probably the most bipartisan issue I know because over my time in public service, I have heard social services agencies tell me, ‘Please do something to eliminate the benefits cliff.’ I’ve heard businesses say to me, ‘Please do something to eliminate the benefits cliff.’”\n\n. . .\n\n“When we were trying to do something on this at the local level, we kept running into the fact, well, if somebody wants to get ahead and work more hours or get a raise, they lose more benefits than they gain in earnings.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Many employers say, ‘Hey, I wanted to hire somebody full time, or I wanted to give them a raise, but they wouldn’t take it because of the benefits cliff.’\n\n“That’s what inspired me to take the appointment to the U.S. Senate so that I could work on this issue, because at the state level and the local level across this country, people who want to solve the problem can’t, because the federal government for 50 years has created a trap for people who would like to have upward mobility.\n\n. . .\n\n“Americans are the most generous people on Earth, but our public assistance programs are failing them, though, by trapping them in this generational cycle of poverty. The benefits cliff is the decades-old problem that I’ve seen firsthand that would give people a path to financial stability and a chance to join the middle class.”\n\n. . .\n\n“They would receive essentially a, you know, a $4,000 pay cut by earning $1,000 more, and a single parent who is living at the edge can’t afford to take that risk because they don’t have the stability that they need to take the risk of trying to move forward. So, they make a logical choice. They make a logical economic choice by forgoing that opportunity.”\n\n. . .\n\n“So that’s why I introduced the Upward Mobility Act, to try to solve that problem, to give people a shot at the American dream by not being trapped in this generational cycle of poverty. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have this conversation today.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-cornyn-introduce-legislation-to-cut-red-tape-for-farm-credit-institutions", "title": "Kaine & Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Cut Red Tape for Farm Credit Institutions", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Farm Credit Adjustment Act, legislation to extend the Farm Credit Administration’s (FCA) audit schedule for low-risk institutions from every 18 months to up to every 24 months. This extension would reduce regulatory burdens and costs for farm credit institutions, helping ensure they have the ability to deliver for the hundreds of thousands of farmers, agribusinesses, and rural operations they serve.\n\n“Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry—making farms and our farmers an indispensable pillar of our economy,” said Kaine. “I’m glad to be introducing this bipartisan legislation to cut red tape that can hold farm credit institutions back from providing the support farms across the country need to thrive. I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.”\n\nThe Farm Credit Act of 1971 currently requires the FCA to examine all Farm Credit System institutions on a mandatory 18-month cycle. The regulatory burdens and costs associated with these audits negatively impact the ability of low-risk farm credit institutions to provide timely service. These audits often fall at the end of the calendar year when producers rely on their local farm credit institutions to help support their spring planting operations.\n\nThis bill would amend that requirement by giving the FCA the discretionary authority to extend the examination cycle to up to 24 months for institutions it deems low risk. Rather than mandating this extended timeline, the change is entirely at the FCA's discretion, meaning the agency retains full flexibility to examine any institution more frequently if circumstances warrant\n\nThe Farm Credit Adjustment Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07) and Pat Fallon (R-TX-04).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-house-passage-of-iran-war-powers-resolution", "title": "Kaine Statement on House Passage of Iran War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a War Powers Resolution to force an end to President Donald Trump’s war with Iran:\n\n“It shouldn’t be surprising to the President and his national security team that this war is deeply unpopular—especially when the Trump-Vance Administration has offered no explanation to the American people about what our objectives are, whether we can achieve them through military force alone, what the legal rationale is, or what the financial and human costs and risks are for our country. Today’s House vote is more evidence that this Administration is focused on the wrong things. Americans have zero interest in being dragged into another prolonged war in the Middle East, and I’ll continue pushing my colleagues to end this unnecessary and costly war when my War Powers Resolution comes up for its next vote soon.”\n\nThe Senate recently voted to advance Kaine’s War Powers Resolution on Iran. Polls continue to show widespread disapproval of the war.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/virginia-delegation-invites-virginians-to-submit-photos-for-a-congressional-time-capsule-celebrating-america-250", "title": "Virginia Delegation Invites Virginians to Submit Photos for a Congressional Time Capsule Celebrating America 250", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Virginia congressional delegation invites individuals across the Commonwealth to submit photographs to be considered for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. The delegation is collecting photographs that represent the many treasures Virginia has to offer in 2026 – whether they capture everyday life, natural landscapes, historic places, community events, local traditions, work, or recreation. Selected photographs will be included in Virginia’s submission to the time capsule.\n\n“From foundational ideas of freedom and opportunity born in our cities to the sacrifices made on our battlefields, Virginia has played a central role in America’s history,” said the delegation. “This time capsule is a wonderful opportunity for Virginians to show off the Commonwealth 250 years into our nation’s journey, and to offer those in the year 2276 a glimpse of Virginia and America during the nation’s semiquincentennial.”\n\nPhotographs can be digitally submitted here.\n\nPhotographs must be submitted by Friday, June 12, 2026, to be considered.\n\nAs part of Congress’s efforts to celebrate the United States of America’s 250th birthday, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act directs the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to create and prepare a congressional time capsule to be sealed in the Capitol Visitor Center. The capsule will serve as a snapshot in time and will be buried after preparations are complete. Each state and territory delegation is allowed one jointly decided submission. The capsule will be opened on the nation's 500th anniversary, July 4, 2276.\n\nThe photographs representing Virginia in 2026 will be jointly selected and submitted to the time capsule by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA-02), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), John McGuire (R-VA-05), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/under-king-questioning-intelligence-nominee-undercuts-independence-claims", "title": "Under King Questioning, Intelligence Nominee Undercuts “Independence” Claims", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), questioned an administration nominee on his independence and integrity – stressing that the nation’s most significant national security mistakes occur when “biased” information is given to leaders. In a SSCI open hearing on the nomination of Mr. Michael Vance to be Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (I&R), Vance first stated that he would act follow the long tradition of independence –void of political motivations – within the Intelligence and Research branch. However, when Senator King pushed him on credible facts, like if President Biden won the 2020 election, the nominee deflected thus undercutting his independent claims.\n\nSenator King began, “Mr. Vance, in your opening statement, you use the word independence 4 or 5 times, which I really appreciate. You use the phrase candid, timely, and free of political influence, integrity and independence. This isn't an academic concern. If you look back over the past 60 years, I think many of our foreign policy disasters that have cost American lives were based upon not faulty intelligence, but intelligence that was that was biased in favor of the views of the policymakers in charge at the time. Vietnam. Bay of Pigs. Iraq. Talk to me about the importance of the integrity of the analytic process and the willingness to tell the president of the United States, or that national director of national intelligence or this committee, something that we don't want to hear that is inconsistent with our, policy preference.”\n\n“Senator, thank you very much. For that very important question. Analytic integrity, a willingness to speak candidly about the content of the intelligence record is absolutely at the core of intelligence work,” Vance responded. “We do policymakers no favors by telling them the things that they want to hear. We do them, I think a much greater service when we're able to speak authoritatively about the content of the intelligence record and to share that with them in a respectful and helpful way. I think one thing I can tell you about my own career is that in the course of our nearly 24 years of working in the federal government, one thing I've never been accused of is bending the intelligence record to suit a particular policy narrative. And it's certainly a part of the I&R is long standing organizational tradition, which is speaking candidly about the content of the record.”\n\n“A quick follow up: who won the presidential election in 2020?” Senator King questioned.\n\nVance replied, “Senator, thank you for the question. Joe Biden was certified as president of the United States in January 2021.”\n\n“Did he win the election?” Senator King replied.\n\nVance followed up, “Senator again, Joe Biden was certified as president of the United States in January 2021.”\n\n“I'm uncomfortable with your discussion about independence if you won't answer that question directly,” Senator King concluded firmly.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. He has repeatedly questioned Obama, Biden, and Trump Administration officials on their willingness to speak truth to power – even when the truth is politically inconvenient.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-raises-concerns-with-treasury-on-marijuana-tax-relief-following-federal-rescheduling/", "title": "Lankford Raises Concerns with Treasury on Marijuana Tax Relief Following Federal Rescheduling", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raising questions about the tax implications of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent decision to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, and seeking clarity on how the US Department of the Treasury intends to handle potential retroactive tax relief for marijuana businesses.\n\nUnder Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, businesses trafficking in Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances are prohibited from claiming ordinary business deductions or credits. This reflects Congress’s determination that operations engaged with federally prohibited substances should not claim the same tax advantages as lawful businesses. Movement to Schedule III could allow marijuana businesses to claim federal tax benefits previously unavailable under federal law.\n\nRead the full letter text HERE or below:\n\nDear Secretary Bessent,\n\nThe Department of Justice’s April 23, 2026, final rule rescheduling certain marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III carries significant implications for the federal tax treatment of marijuana businesses.\n\nUnder Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, businesses trafficking in Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances are prohibited from claiming ordinary business deductions or credits. This reflects Congress’s determination that operations engaged with federally prohibited substances should not claim the same tax advantages as lawful businesses. Movement to Schedule III could allow marijuana businesses to claim federal tax benefits previously unavailable under federal law.\n\nWe have long been concerned about the potential fiscal and societal consequences of rescheduling, which is why we introduced the No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act to prohibit marijuana businesses from receiving federal tax deductions or credits regardless of the drug’s classification.\n\nIn addition, we were particularly troubled that the final rule encouraged the Secretary of the Treasury to consider providing retrospective tax relief to marijuana businesses. The rule states that such relief would only apply to businesses that provide FDA-approved drug products or hold state-issued licenses. However, many state-licensed marijuana operators participate in both medical and recreational markets, making it unclear how Treasury would distinguish business activities that qualify or do not qualify for federal tax treatment.\n\nThe shortcomings of relying on inconsistent state licensure are already evident. For example, having a state license to grow or sell marijuana in Oklahoma does not mean that the business acts lawfully. At the height of its medical marijuana program, Oklahoma had 9,178 licensed marijuana growing operations. While law enforcement has worked diligently to close down many of these operations that violated the law, they were all at one point state licensed marijuana businesses. There are documented instances where licensed operations funneled marijuana to the black market and engaged in other crimes, like money laundering and human trafficking. Many of these operations have also been owned and operated by Chinese nationals who have exploited state marijuana laws to commit crimes.\n\nSimilar concerns have been observed in states like California and Maine, highlighting systemic issues with state-level licensing and regulation of marijuana markets. Across the country, businesses follow a patchwork of laws to become a licensed marijuana business. Some may be more stringent than others, but it remains the case that state licensure alone does not guarantee legal compliance or justify eligibility for federal tax benefits.\n\nAccordingly, we request answers to the following questions by June 29th:\n\nCan you further clarify the definition of “retrospective tax relief” in this context? How many prior tax years is the Treasury Department planning to consider for tax relief for marijuana businesses?\n\nHow will the Treasury Department ensure that marijuana businesses that are potential candidates for tax relief have not violated any law, including the diversion of marijuana to the black market, human trafficking, and money laundering?\n\nWhat is the estimated reduction in federal revenue associated with providing marijuana businesses access to ordinary business deductions and credits?\n\nHow would providing retrospective tax relief to marijuana businesses help American families?\n\nWhat would be the impact on annual federal deficits and the national debt to give certain marijuana business owners a newly created retroactive tax benefit?\n\nWhat statutory authority permits the federal government to give business owners who sold or manufactured a product against federal law a tax benefit?\n\nThank you for your consideration and we look forward to our continued engagement with you on this important issue.\n\nSincerely,\n\n[X]\n\nBackground\n\nLankford has long held that marijuana businesses selling a federally illegal product should not receive federal tax breaks. He introduced the No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act to ensure rescheduling does not trigger a federal tax windfall for the industry. Under the Biden Administration, he led Senate opposition to the rescheduling push itself, arguing the proposal was driven by politics rather than science. Oklahoma’s experience with its medical marijuana program, marked by thousands of licensed operations later tied to black market activity, money laundering, and human trafficking, has been central to his concerns.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/6/lee-cosponsors-bipartisan-email-privacy-act-to-protect-americans-from-warrantless-searches", "title": "Lee Cosponsors Bipartisan Email Privacy Act to Protect Americans from Warrantless Searches", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.lee.senate.gov", "scraper": "mikelee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000577", "name": "Mike Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) cosponsored the bipartisan Email Privacy Act with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to protect Americans from warrantless searches of their emails and other personalized digital records. The House version of this legislation was introduced by Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01).\n\n“Americans should not lose their Fourth Amendment protections simply because their private communications are stored with a third-party provider,” said Senator Mike Lee. “By eliminating the outdated 180-day rule and requiring the government to obtain a warrant for the contents of emails and other electronic communications, this legislation brings ECPA into line with the realities of the 21st century.”\n\n“Right now, the only thing standing between the government and warrantless access to all of the old emails in your inbox is a federal appeals court decision,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “That's not good enough when it comes to Fourth Amendment protections for one of the fundamental forms of communication right now. I’m proud to partner with a bipartisan coalition to put clear protections for Americans' rights into black-letter law.”\n\n“The Fourth Amendment is clear: the government must get a warrant before searching an individual’s private property, including written communications. As today’s world has grown increasingly digital, that principle should apply just as strongly to an email inbox as it does to a desk drawer or file cabinet,” said Congressman Warren Davidson. “That’s exactly why I’m proud to cosponsor the Email Privacy Act—to ensure our freedoms carry into the digital world and that all communications are protected as the Founders intended. Congress must pass this commonsense legislation so Americans’ rights are fully respected in the 21st century.”\n\n“The current law governing online privacy standards is egregiously out of date, leaving millions of Americans’ private communications and data vulnerable,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. “Our laws must reflect the capabilities of modern technology rather than being stuck in the past. Personal email communications and physical documents should be protected with the same level of security. This bill makes critical changes that will update email privacy standards and modernize Americans’ civil liberties.”\n\nBackground\n\nCurrently, law enforcement can obtain private email communications older than 180 days without a warrant because the law is based on outdated storage capabilities. Congress passed the Electronic Communications Privacy Act in the 1980s to establish email privacy standards. In the four decades since, email usage and storage have evolved significantly while protections have not.\n\nThe Email Privacy Act would protect Americans’ digital communications by requiring warrants to access emails regardless of their origin date. The bill also allows email providers (Gmail, Yahoo!, Hotmail, iCloud, etc.) to notify users when their data has been accessed, and updates voluntary disclosure language.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Association for Competitive Technology, the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Democracy & Technology, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Consumer Choice Center, Consumer Technology Association, Demand Progress, Due Process Institute, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Engine, Fight for the Future, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Institute for Policy Innovation, Internet Infrastructure Coalition – I2Coalition, NetChoice, Project On Government Oversight, R Street Institute, Restore the Fourth, Software & Information Industry Association, TechFreedom, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\n\nRead the full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=27124999-87EE-49AC-9068-EBE5D7E65DFD", "title": "Graham Reintroduces Legislation to Combat 'Smash-And-Grab' Crimes", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today reintroduced the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act of 2026 to address the dangerously high number of “smash-and-grab” thefts targeting gun dealers by enhancing penalties for criminals who steal firearms from federally licensed firearms and ammunition dealers.\n\nThe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that from 2021 to 2025, 4,046 FFL theft incidents were reported. During these incidents, a total of 23,319 firearms were stolen from FFLs.\n\nSouth Carolinians have been directly impacted by these burglaries as thieves have stolen 618 firearms from FFLs across the state between 2021 and 2025. Just last week, two men drove a car through a pawn shop in Spartanburg and stole multiple weapons before fleeing the scene of the crime.\n\n“I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation to make ‘smash-and-grabs’ more costly for criminals. Americans have a right to lawfully buy, own and sell firearms – criminals who steal them must pay the price,” said Senator Graham.\n\nIn addition to Graham, this legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina).\n\nThe legislation is supported by NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association.\n\n“This legislation is what true gun safety looks like. Congress is sending a clear message that the safety of our communities is nonnegotiable and targeting firearm retailers to steal guns in order to commit further crimes is intolerable,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NSSF. “The firearm industry is grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham for providing those firearm retailers who follow the law the protection they deserve. This legislation assigns the responsibility for crime where it belongs – with the criminal. These are real solutions that make our communities safer.”\n\nThe FFL Protection Act of 2026:\n\nIncreases the statutory maximum penalty for knowingly stealing any firearm in an FFL’s business inventory from 10 to 20 years.\n\nImposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years for burglary from an FFL and 5 years for robbery from an FFL.\n\nCriminalizes the attempted theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-bonamici-davids-pocan-introduce-legislation-to-care-for-rural-lgbtqi-seniors", "title": "Markey, Bonamici, Davids, Pocan Introduce Legislation to Care for Rural LGBTQI+ Seniors", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Text (PDF)\n\nWashington, (June 3, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) along with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Sharice Davids (KS-03) today introduced legislation to offer LGBTQI+ specific services for older LGBTQI+ Americans and individuals living with HIV in rural communities.\n\nLGBTQI+ older adults in rural communities often face greater barriers to receiving the support and resources they need because of geography, costs, insufficient broadband infrastructure, and lack of specialized providers. Stigma can also deter members of the LGBTQI+ community and people living with HIV from seeking help. The Elder Pride Act would update the Older Americans Act (OAA) and provide funding to help rural Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve LGBTQI+ individuals and those living with HIV.\n\n“LGBTQ+ older Americans deserve the protections their neighbors are afforded. After decades of exclusion from and discrimination in health care settings, workplaces, and local communities, queer and trans elders should be able to age with dignity, grace, and surrounded by community. The Elder Pride Act will help ensure that all older adults are able to have access to the care and services they need,” said Senator Markey.\n\n“It’s unacceptable that many elder Americans are unable to access the care they need simply because of who they love and where they live,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “I’m grateful to lead the Elder Pride Act with Representatives Pocan and Davids to help provide LGBTQI+ seniors and those who live with HIV in rural areas with the care they need to age with dignity.”\n\n“Many of our LGBTQI+ elders fought tirelessly for equality in a world that refused to accept their identity,” said Congresswoman Davids, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “While they overcame tremendous odds to give future generations the rights they deserve, our elders, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face discrimination when accessing long-term care and healthcare. I am proud to support the Elder Pride Act because who you are and who you love should never increase your risk for isolation, poverty, and poor health outcomes as you age.”\n\n“Congress has a responsibility to ensure LGBTQI+ older adults and older people living with HIV in rural communities have the support they need to age with dignity,” said Congressman Pocan, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “I’m honored to join Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Davids in introducing the Elder Pride Act to ensure meaningful investments in support services for these rural community members.”\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by SAGE, Congressional Equality Caucus, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), InterACT, MAZON: a Jewish Response to Hunger, Justice in Aging, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), The Institute for Health Research & Policy at Whitman-Walker, Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Grantmakers In Aging, Home Care Aide Council, Gerontological Society of America, Fenway Health, LGBTQIA+ Aging Project, Oregon LGBTQ+ Aging Coalition, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, MassEquality, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, LGBTQ+ Elders of Color, Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging, and National Women's Law Center Action Fund.\n\n“Every LGBTQ+ person in every community across the country deserves to thrive. The Elder Pride Act will ensure that LGBTQ+ people who live in more rural areas, which represent 29% of LGBTQ+ older Americans, and those living with HIV have access to the support and services they need to age with dignity,” said SAGE CEO Lynn Faria. “We’d like to thank Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) for reintroducing this important legislation.”\n\nThe Elder Pride Act would establish an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to advocate, coordinate activities, recommend policies for, and collect data on LGBTQI+ older adults. It would also create a rural grant program designed to fund programs that provide:\n\ncultural competency training for service providers;\n\nconnections between LGBTQI+ older adults and local service providers and community organizations;\n\nexpanded use of nondiscrimination policies and community spaces for older adults who are members of the LGBTQI+ community or another protected class;\n\nresources on sexual health and aging, including for individuals with HIV, for senior service providers; and\n\ncare or services to LGBTQI+ and seniors of other protected classes.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). The legislation is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Sean Casten (IL-06), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-leads-15-senate-democrats-calling-for-affordability-safety-worker-priorities-in-surface-transportation-bill", "title": "Markey Leads 15 Senate Democrats Calling for Affordability, Safety, Worker Priorities in Surface Transportation Bill", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Calls for protections against Trump’s politically motivated attacks on infrastructure projects\n\nLetter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (June 3, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today led 15 of his Democratic colleagues in writing to the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Committees on Environment and Public Works; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and Appropriations, urging the committees to continue the progress made in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. In the letter, Senator Markey and his colleagues urge the Senate committee leaders to prioritize several key areas, including:\n\nProtect infrastructure grants from political interference — All infrastructure grant authorizations must include guardrails that prevent current and future administrations from cancelling or delaying already awarded grants.\n\nMake transportation safer — Infrastructure investments must prioritize safety through investment in safe road design, accountability requirements, and rigorous safety standards.\n\nAddress the affordability crisis — Infrastructure investments must make transportation more affordable for Americans by providing a historic investment in transit, walking, biking, EV charging, and passenger rail, maximizing consumer choice and lowering costs.\n\nCreate good, union jobs — Infrastructure and transportation policy must include purposeful, pro-union policies such as project labor agreements, rail safety protections, and apprenticeships that create middle-class jobs.\n\nAddress the climate crisis and protect public health — The next surface transportation bill must protect expand existing programs aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality and reject punitive EV fees.\n\nThe letter was signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We look forward to working with you to ensure the next surface transportation bill delivers real benefits to the American traveler by protecting against politicization, supporting safety improvements, cutting costs, creating good jobs, and protecting the climate and our health. With these priorities in mind, this bill can establish a world-class infrastructure system for decades to come.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-joins-colleagues-in-wsj-letter-highlighting-benefits-of-year-round-e15/", "title": "Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues in WSJ Letter Highlighting Benefits of Year-Round E15", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington –U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) in a Wall Street Journal Letter to the Editor outlining the benefits of E15, including lower gas prices for consumers, and reaffirming their commitment to providing affordable options for families by securing permanent, year-round, nationwide E15.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators wrote:\n\nRegarding your editorial “An Ethanol Extortion Play” (May 11): When we talk with our constituents, we hear about high gas and diesel prices. We have a solution that will bring down fuel prices for Americans: E15 fuel, 15% ethanol, 85% gasoline. Legislation allowing year-round, nationwide sales of E15 has bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Opponents, the most vocal of which are a handful of oil refineries, are trying to stop it. Your editorial mirrors their misguided talking points.\n\nExpanding E15 availability lowers gas prices by 20 to 40 cents per gallon on average. That could mean around $400 per year in savings for a U.S. household—precious dollars that could be spent on other needs.\n\nE15 has been in the marketplace by presidential waiver for eight years. In that time, not one refinery has closed because of E15 availability. And, for all the talk of smog worries, data from Growth Energy shows E15 reduces smog-forming pollutants. Likewise, despite concerns voiced in some quarters, existing fuel infrastructure can be used for E15, just as it can for the E10 fuel Americans usually buy.\n\nThe market has spoken: E15 is a net positive. We know E15 will lower prices at the pump, and we’re committed to providing affordable options for families. Securing year-round, nationwide E15 is at the forefront of our agenda.\n\nClick here to read the full letter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-our-children-deserve-compassionate-care-not-irreversible-medical-interventions/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Our Children Deserve Compassionate Care, Not Irreversible Medical Interventions", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Questions Witnesses at Senate HELP Committee Hearing\n\nWashington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned witnesses Dr. Kurt Miceli, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Do No Harm,and Chloe Cole, De-transitioner and advocate, at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee hearing focused on exposing the dangers and irreversible gender transition procedures in minors.\n\nAs a practicing OB-GYN for more than 25 years, Senator Marshall sounded the alarm on the devastating long-term physical and psychological consequences of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries performed on minors who are far too young to grasp the permanence of those decisions. He made clear throughout the hearing that children battling anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles deserve genuine, compassionate care — not experimental interventions that rob them of a healthy future.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nHighlights from the hearing include:\n\nSenator Marshall: “Well, thank you, Chairman, and I appreciate our guest today, Dr. Marcella. Like you, I practiced medicine for 25 years. I saw hundreds, maybe thousands, of adolescent girls. As you can imagine, when a mom or an aunt is bringing in their 13-, 15-, or 17-year-old daughter, there’s usually something going on. A lot of it was related to STDs, pregnancy, family planning, and those types of issues. Many of those young ladies also had underlying challenges. I wouldn’t necessarily classify them as mental illnesses, but there was anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other similar concerns. But transgender issues — whether it was transition surgery or hormones — were never something anyone approached me about. What’s different today? I was practicing up until about 10 years ago, and this seems like something relatively new. It seems like a fad. Do you have any insight into that?”\n\nDr. Miceli: “Thank you for the question, Senator. I think there’s a lot we can look at in terms of the Dutch Protocol and the studies that came out in 2011 and 2014. Those studies were really developed in response to efforts to find ways of helping individuals who were seeking to transition. But I think the reality is that the evidence base today is quite different. As you’ve noted, there have been considerable changes over the past 10 years, particularly when you look at the influence of social media, the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions, and the other challenges that many people face. One of the things we can’t forget is the need to focus on those underlying conditions. If we look at a recent study out of Finland, for example, we see that during the period from 1996 to 2010, about 24 percent of the individuals who presented to a gender clinic had a comorbid psychiatric illness and were seeking psychiatric care. From 2010 to 2019, that number doubled to 48 percent. By comparison, among the control population, the rate was about 15 percent.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “Thanks. Certainly, we have a mental health epidemic among our youth. Ms. Cole, first of all, you’re the bravest person I’m going to meet this week, and I want you to know that your willingness to testify is one of the most courageous things I’ve ever seen. Your testimony is very compelling. In fact, I think it’s one of the most compelling testimonies I’ve heard in a long, long time. So, thank you for sharing your story. Can you help me understand something? Where did you first get the idea that being transgender was an option or a path for you? Go ahead.”\n\nMs. Cole: “Thank you, Senator. I learned about transgenderism and the definition of the word transgenderthrough social media. It was primarily through groups of young people who were talking about different topics in the culture, from pop culture to politics. From there, I just kept learning about these ideas — that sex and gender are two separate things, that both exist on a spectrum, and that there are some people, even children, who are born in the wrong body because they feel uncomfortable with the changes that come with puberty. As a girl who was at a very uncomfortable point in her life — moving to a new school, being one of the first in my class to really start physically developing, and receiving attention that was focused on my body rather than on me as a human being — I thought maybe this was something that applied to me. Maybe I was a boy because I didn’t like that discomfort. Maybe I wasn’t just a tomboy; maybe I was actually transgender.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “Okay. Certainly, I want to express empathy as well, much like Senator Kaine did. We’re not here to persecute anybody; we’re here to help. But the studies would suggest that these irreversible surgeries and medical treatments do not necessarily address the underlying mental health challenges, and I think that is becoming increasingly well established. You know, my big concern as a grandfather, a father, and an OB-GYN is the irreversibility of these procedures, the potential side effects, and the issue of infertility. I took care of hundreds of women who had mastectomies as a result of breast cancer. Many of them suffered from lymphedema. They experienced swelling under their arms and chronic pain. I can only imagine the chronic pain and other complications that may result from some of the bottom surgeries. But infertility alone would be enough for me to pause and question allowing these procedures for minors. Ms. Cole, could you speak a little more about the informed consent process that you did or did not go through? Did anyone discuss the potential complications, the irreversibility, infertility, or those types of long-term consequences with you?”\n\nMs. Cole: “I do not believe that either I or my parents were properly informed of the consequences of these procedures. From the puberty-blocking drugs to the cross-sex hormones — of which I received increasingly large doses over the years — and the surgery itself, every one of those treatments has had lasting effects on my life. To this day, I am still suffering the consequences. It has been five or six years since I stopped these interventions, and I continue to experience chronic pain in my joints, my back, and my pelvis. I don’t know whether I am at an increased risk of reproductive cancers, which is a known potential side effect of these treatments. I don’t know if I will be able to have children of my own, which is part of the reason I detransitioned in the first place. When I was about 16 years old, I realized that one day I wanted to become a mother. I wanted to be able to have children of my own naturally, to get married, to become pregnant, to breastfeed my children, and to experience that beautiful bond. But all of that may have been taken away from me before I could even call myself a woman — before I was even an adult. Hearings like this are not part of some coordinated attack on people who experience discomfort around their gender. It is not hateful to question bad science or bad medical practices. We are simply looking out for the well-being of children who are not equipped to make permanent decisions and whose parents are often being told that they have no other choice.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-senator-moody-introduces-leo-k9-protection-act-to-protect-animals-in-law-enforcement/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Introduces LEO K9 Protection Act to Protect Animals in Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody recently introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act, a bill to hold accountable those who harm law enforcement animals. This legislation strengthens penalties for intentionally harming law enforcement animals and expands federal protections to cover state and local police animals assisting federal law enforcement.\n\n“These highly trained animals help law enforcement apprehend dangerous criminals, detect narcotics and explosives, assist with searches, find missing persons, and save lives. Anyone who intentionally harms police animals in the line of duty should face serious consequences. Law enforcement animals that serve with brave men and women protect our communities, and they in return deserve to be protected,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act, legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for individuals who use a deadly weapon to harm a federal police dog or horse in the line of duty.\n\nThe bill expands federal protections to include state, county, and local law enforcement animals assisting a federal agency.\n\nThis legislation provides a good-faith exception for individuals providing emergency veterinary care to injured law enforcement animals.\n\nThe bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue regulations allowing emergency medical service providers to transport injured police animals at their discretion.\n\nThis legislation was named in honor of K9 Leo, a fallen Marion County, Florida, canine deputy.\n\nThis bill was originally introduced in the House by Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL-4).\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/press-releases/moreno-blasts-protect-college-sports-act-for-failing-to-protect-female-athletes", "title": "Moreno Blasts Protect College Sports Act for Failing to Protect Female Athletes", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.moreno.senate.gov", "scraper": "moreno", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001242", "name": "Bernie Moreno", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement on the Protect College Sports Act, which fails to protect female athletes.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/pressed-by-murray-on-whether-he-advised-trump-to-go-to-war-with-iran-rubio-affirms-unwavering-support-for-iran-war/", "title": "Pressed By Murray on Whether He Advised Trump to Go to War with Iran, Rubio Affirms Unwavering Support for Iran War", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the Department of State—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed Secretary Marco Rubio on whether he advised Trump to go to war with Iran, and she slammed Trump’s proposal to blow $1.5 trillion on his war budget instead of helping families afford groceries, gas, housing, health care, and child care.\n\n[IRAN WAR]\n\nSenator Murray questioned Secretary Rubio on his role in advising the president on matters of national security and what his opinion was on engaging in war with Iran.\n\nMURRAY: Mr. Secretary, you are not only the Secretary of State—you are also the president’s National Security Advisor. Those are both full-time jobs when we’re at peace, let alone as we have troops deployed in multiple conflicts around the world and the president is threatening to invade Cuba.\n\nSo, I want to just ask you specifically about Iran. You were one of just a handful of top aides with a seat at the table when the president ultimately did decide to launch the Iran war.\n\nDid you advise the president against the war?\n\nRUBIO: I’ll never tell anybody what I advised the president privately, but I will tell you that the president had before him all the information that he needed. I agree with the decision that he made, if that’s what you’re asking, because the President of the United States saw a threat of Iran developing a nuclear weapon behind a conventional shield that, in about a year, would have been impenetrable, and we could not allow them to develop that immunity, and then they could break out to a weapon.\n\nMURRAY: So, you won’t tell us. you know, this is a question that millions of Americans are asking, how on earth did we get here? So, I wanted to know what did you advise the president? Were you for or against this war, or did you—the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor—have no opinion?\n\nRUBIO: No, I just told you I support the president’s decision. I think he made the right decision, but I cannot tell you, and will never do. And you have to understand, nobody in my role has ever done is to go to you and say, “oh, I was in a meeting and I told the president this,” I just can’t do that, I won’t do that, it’s unwise to do that, and it’s unfair. But I am telling you, the president made the right decision, that’s my view, I believe in it strongly.\n\nMURRAY: You do now, okay. Let me just—\n\nRUBIO: I always have, I mean, in terms of my view of the challenge that it poses.\n\nMURRAY: Okay, well back in March, you said this war would end in: “weeks, not months.” And here we are four months, hundreds of troops injured or killed, and billions of dollars later.\n\nTrump promised everybody he was going to lower prices and no new wars. Now we have higher prices and a new war. Trump promised the American people this war would be fast and decisive. It has been slow, and secret, and endless.\n\nAnd the majority of Americans do oppose this conflict. What my constituents are telling me is they want child care, they want health care to be more affordable, they don’t want Trump to have 1.5 trillion dollars for a defense budget to start wars around the globe. I hear that constantly from so many people.\n\n[VALUE OF INVESTING IN DIPLOMACY & ASSISTANCE]\n\nMURRAY: You know Secretary Rubio, let me just say this: diplomacy and development tools help keep us safe here at home by mitigating conflict, by mitigating disease, other global threats. But the budget that you are here to defend—which would slash this work to the bone, while sending war spending through the roof—makes clear that diplomacy is Trump’s last priority.\n\nAnd by the way it’s not just the budget, or the unhinged rants attacking allies like Greenland and Canada, or threatening to “end civilizations,” or Trump treating war like a game—the White House posting literal video game edits as if he weren’t getting American soldiers injured.\n\nIt’s also the actions that you have taken over the past year to gut the State Department—deeply concerning, dismantle foreign aid, abdicate American leadership. Under your leadership, it is deeply concerning that State left 500 tons of food aid to rot in ports, and it had to be incinerated. Or pushing out thousands upon thousands of dedicated public servants—including families who put country first here, and left their home to serve around the world only to be sacked with no rhyme, no reason. I’ve heard from them.\n\nMeanwhile, you are planning to put Trump’s face on U.S. passports. As if that is going to help our image when all that’s happening. And the hack-and-slash job that you have done to foreign assistance, and you’re asking for in this budget, has not only shattered America’s global leadership, it has led to millions of preventable deaths. Programs have been frozen, grants have been cancelled, lifesaving work utterly turned upside down.\n\nI want to talk about global health—the stakes of life and death are here under global health. PEPFAR-supported testing reach[ed] nearly five million fewer people than the year before. In Zambia, babies born to HIV-positive moms used to be tested within hours of birth, and treatment started immediately for positive cases. Now babies are not being even tested until they’re six weeks old.\n\nSo you are not just cutting resources that I just reference—you are actually cutting the United States out of the conversation on global health threats and leaving all of us less prepared. We are in the middle of a deadly Ebola epidemic, we are seeing a worrisome hantavirus outbreak, this administration has halted funding to the World Health Organization. And you are currently withholding nearly two billion dollars in FY 25 Global Health funding that was appropriated with bipartisan support here, signed into law by President Trump, and expires in less than four months.\n\nNow, I know that Ebola funding somehow miraculously started moving when we were seeing bad headlines—but what is moving right now Mr. Secretary is less than two percent of what is available. So my point is that the delay in mobilizing those resources has cost us valuable time and let this disease kill more people. And the fact is, we already had these support systems in place, they were in place, until this Administration destroyed them.\n\nAnd even as we stare down a crisis caused by this administration’s incompetence in my opinion, you are here today to defend a budget that doubles down on that—that is what is really disturbing to me—with a 40% cut to Global Health Programs in this budget. So to my point of view, this budget doesn’t make America great again, it makes the world sicker and less safe.\n\nAnd that I’m just talking about the cuts that you’re proposing with this budget, because we cannot ignore the biggest line item in the president’s overall budget that’s in front of us—which is war. 1.5 trillion dollars for war.\n\nNot a cent [more] for child care. Not a cent to make health care more affordable. That is the budget that you are here today to defend, and it spends $1.5 trillion on war and slashes your Department to ribbons.\n\nSo that is what is concerning to me, as you come before our committee today to back this request up. It just seems to me we are cutting diplomacy and paying defense contractors, and I just believe from my point of view, and I know you disagree with me, but I just think this is the wrong way for our country to go. A budget is a statement of values. I’ve said it many, many times, and I think it is in big question where the values are in this budget. So that’s where I am.\n\nRUBIO: Mr. Chair, Senator Boozman, can I respond? Because she touched a lot of topics. I don’t know if I can get all of them, you know, but, but I’m going to get to most of them.\n\nCHAIR: Sure.\n\nRUBIO: Because I strongly disagree with almost everything you’ve said,\n\nMURRAY: I figured you would.\n\nRUBIO: A couple points. First, let’s talk about the State Department. The State Department was actually one of the least impacted of all the agencies in government.\n\nMURRAY: I’m not talking about least impacted. You heard—\n\nRUBIO: No, no, no, no. But let’s be frank, we didn’t—not a single, for example, overseas employee was RIF’d from the State Department. The vast majority of the reduction in forces came from the career civil service, not the foreign service, and that’s because we got rid of the functional bureaus and put all the power under the regional bureaus. It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done, and I think it’s going to prove to be very wise. And we already see the impacts of it.\n\nLet’s walk through some of the programs you’ve pointed to. So, for example, our disaster response today around the world, because we combine those accounts, is faster than it’s ever been, and more effective than it’s ever been. These are not theories, it is the reality. We responded to hurricanes in the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Cuba, by the way, $3 million in aid to Cuba, faster at a record pace than ever before. We’ve responded to two typhoons in the Indo-Pacific faster than we’ve ever responded, because we combined and consolidated those accounts, and we’re able to move very, very quickly in that regard.\n\nBeyond that, you mentioned the PEPFAR. The reality of it is, first of all, you have to combine it with all these other programs that we’re involved in, but if you look at the numbers for the last, well in the third quarter of 2026, 2025, the exact number of people that were receiving medications were receiving medications during that period of time. The exact number, and it’s going to even improve, because we’re adding innovation to it. There have been recent innovations in AIDS treatment, HIV treatments that are even more effective than some of the legacy programs that are available.\n\nMURRAY: Mr. Secretary it is very clear why you are the secretary, because you’re very good at words.\n\nRUBIO: No, but I’m giving you, I don’t know how else can I answer you other than words?\n\nMURRAY: I will stand by my statement against yours. I just will.\n\nRUBIO: What was that?\n\nMURRAY: I will stand by all of the facts that I gave.\n\nRUBIO: Okay, but I get a chance to respond, right?\n\nMURRAY: Well, my times out, it’s up to the chair.\n\nCHAIR: You can respond.\n\nRUBIO: Okay. So, on the other things you’re not talking about, those I think are very valuable to this, are these global health compacts that we’re entering with 32 countries, 27 of them in Africa. In which we’re basically going to the country to say, “okay, we used to give money for clinics, we used to give money for health care, we used to give money for maternal care,” and we used to have it in a bucket, and it was maternal care globally, and then we went out and dished out contracts for people to go into individual countries.\n\nNow we’re entering into contracts, compacts, agreements with the country, and we’re saying to them, “okay, what are your needs?” And we’re doing this through the embassies. “What are your specific needs in this country?” And entering into a compact, not just to provide them aid for these things that they need, but to help them strengthen their national health care systems, so that long term they will be self-sustaining. Now, in some countries, it may take 10 years to get to that point, some it may take less. But for the first time, we are not just having these buckets that then are distributed broadly around the world. It is targeted at the highest needs of those countries based on their own domestic strategies and allowing us to become a value added to their strategy and to build their capacity. That’s something that hasn’t been talked about.\n\nYou look at what we’ve done with OCHA [United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs], we’ve signed the first humanitarian reset agreement in Geneva, and along with our anchor pledge of 2 billion in support for the 18 country-based crisis level pool funds. This is going to allow us to respond in a more effective way. With the Global Fund, we’ve entered into agreement with the Global Fund. They’ve put out repeated statements thanking the United States for the role that we are playing with the Global Fund, and we’re prepared to do more if donors match what we are providing, we’re prepared to do even more in that regard.\n\nThe list goes on and on. The point is, this is not about, first of all, this is not about denying and being punitive towards the world. This is about delivering aid, but delivering it in a more effective and concise and consolidated way that actually gets more aid to more people faster, that is the goal. And I think we’re well on our way to achieving it.\n\nNow, as far as the budget is concerned, you know we operate under an OMB guidance that tells us, “this is how much you have, tell us what you would do if this is what you get.” We present this to you, having served here for a long period of time, I said this before you walked in, so perhaps you missed this point, is we always understand that there’s going to be a congressional process in which you’re going to look at our request and generally ignore it, but in many cases add to it or reframe it, and we’re prepared to work with you as we did last year in the passage of an appropriations bill, which we would like to see passed, because when you pass appropriations bills, it gives us the structure that we need in order to carry out these reforms.\n\nMURRAY: Mr. Secretary, I just will tell you, I appreciate that you have words to explain everything from your point of view. I’m talking from reality on the ground, and from what I am seeing and hearing, and I fear deeply that we are losing our place and our value globally. So, you and I have a disagreement. Thank you.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-delivering-funding-to-100-black-men-of-atlanta/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Delivering Funding to 100 Black Men of Atlanta", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Atlanta, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is delivering resources to strengthen the 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Fatherhood Initiative.\n\nBringing Republicans and Democrats together, Sen. Ossoff is delivering funding to strengthen and expand 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Fatherhood Initiative.\n\nAccording to the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, the initiative provides bi-weekly programs with life coaches to help individuals reach personal and professional goals and connect them to housing, mental health, and job placement resources, monthly workshops focused on co-parenting, legal rights, financial literacy, and employment readiness, and community spaces to connect with peers.\n\nSen. Ossoff is delivering $320,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on February 3.\n\n“100 Black Men of Atlanta provides vital resources to the community, and I’ve been proud to work alongside their leadership and members. I elevated this project as a top priority and secured bipartisan support to deliver this funding,” Sen. Ossoff said. “I will continue working closely with 100 Black Men of Atlanta in their work to strengthen educational and economic opportunities.”\n\n“On behalf of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, we are deeply grateful to Senator Jon Ossoff for his leadership and commitment to strengthening families across our community. This investment in our Fatherhood Initiative affirms what we have always believed: when fathers are equipped, supported, and empowered, entire communities thrive. These resources will allow us to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue providing the coaching, life skills, and critical support systems that help fathers lead with purpose, stability, and vision. We look forward to building on this partnership to create lasting change for the families we serve,” said Aaron N. Swain, Chairman, 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-trump-republicans-wage-assault-on-free-and-fair-elections-padilla-schiff-senate-democrats-elections-experts-prepare-to-protect-the-2026-midterms/", "title": "As Trump & Republicans Wage Assault On Free and Fair Elections, Padilla, Schiff, Senate Democrats, & Elections Experts Prepare to Protect the 2026 Midterms", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Building on their newly announced Election Protection Task Force, Senate Democrats met with election experts to safeguard voting rights\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee which oversees federal elections, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Task Force, met with key election experts to stress-test responses to several threats to the 2026 midterms, including foreign interference and misinformation, the deployment of federal agents to polling places, and law enforcement agents seizing ballots from local election officials. The meeting was the second convening of the Election Protection Task Force since its April launch. Participants included former Attorney General Eric Holder, Marc Elias of the Elias Law Group, Ian Bassin of Protect Democracy, Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward, and election law expert Norm Eisen.\n\n“As millions of Americans exercised their right to vote yesterday, Donald Trump and his MAGA allies were working overtime — not to make life better for families who are struggling to make ends meet, but scheming to silence the voices of countless voters across the country. They have already moved to seize ballots, purge eligible voters from the rolls, dismantle the core protections of the Voting Rights Act, and now handed control of America’s most sensitive national security apparatus to a Trump loyalist whose only qualification is his willingness to do Trump’s bidding, including election interference. Between now and the November midterms, we expect these attacks will only intensify. That is exactly why this task force exists. We will fight back in the Senate, in the courts, and in the states, and we will ensure that Donald Trump can’t ‘takeover’ our elections. Our democracy is not his to take,” said Senator Padilla.\n\n“Donald Trump and his enablers are not hiding their intention to interfere in the upcoming midterm elections — indeed they are already working to suppress the vote — and our Task Force is preparing for all the contingencies. In the specific scenario that I proposed for today, we confronted how this administration’s weaponization of federal law enforcement — including ICE or CBP — could be used to intimidate voters and depress turnout. This and the other scenarios we workshopped today will help ensure readiness across the country to confront these threats, combat attacks on our elections, and identify any gaps in our democracy’s defenses,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“Trump and Republicans are hellbent on rigging our elections and undermining our democracy. Democrats won’t let that happen,” said Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.“ Our Election Protection Task Force, the most expansive effort to date to protect the 2026 midterms, is readying for the threats we know are coming – and today we gamed out how we can thwart them before Republicans can undermine our free and fair elections. Democrats will be ready with lawyers and response teams to respond the moment Trump or his allies try to interfere with our elections. Democracy is on the line. Democrats are going to fight like hell to make sure our elections belong to the voters – not Donald Trump.”\n\nAs their agenda grows more unpopular due to a worsening affordability crisis and mounting corruption scandals, the Trump Administration has worked to disrupt free and fair elections and tip the scales toward Republicans ahead of the midterms. Trump has said he’ll deploy an “election integrity army” to polling places across the country and is making it harder to vote-by-mail. His Justice Department sought to seize state voter rolls. FBI agents and the Director of National Intelligence raided election offices in Georgia. Republicans pressed election officials in Arizona to turn over documents. Poll workers are being threatened nationwide.\n\nOver the coming weeks and months, the Senators’ Task Force will continue to announce additional steps in the fight to safeguard the right to vote and ensure that every American has fair access to the ballot box this November.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-padilla-bills-supporting-2000-acres-of-tribal-land-management-considered-in-senate-committee-hearing/", "title": "Bipartisan Padilla Bills Supporting 2,000+ Acres of Tribal Land Management Considered in Senate Committee Hearing", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on two of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan bills to promote Tribal management of over 2,000 acres of land in California. The Committee considered his legislation to transfer federal land to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Pit River Tribe. Padilla introduced these bills with Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) last year to protect tribal communities and local environment in surrounding regions.\n\nYuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act\n\nThis bill would transfer 1,475 acres of land from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation in exchange for 1,460 acres of land the Tribe already owns. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Indians, is a federally recognized Native American Tribe of Serrano people. Their reservation is located in San Bernardino County, California, and their people have lived in the San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding areas for thousands of years.\n\nFor years, the Tribe has been working toward a land exchange with the Forest Service, which would enable them to acquire lands that were once home to a Tribal village known today as Arrowhead Springs. The Tribe has gone through the administrative process to transfer this land, but it has been time consuming and expensive, costing over $5 million, including for purchasing multiple parcels of land in the San Bernardino National Forest and for other expenses associated with the land exchange. This legislation would facilitate this land transfer to allow the Tribe to manage their ancestral lands.\n\nFull text of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act is available here.\n\nPit River Land Transfer Act\n\nThis bill would transfer 584 acres of federal land administered by USFS to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the Pit River Tribe. The late Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.-01) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe Pit River Tribe consist of 11 autonomous bands traditionally inhabiting the area surrounding the Pit River and its tributaries. They are known for their deep spiritual connection to the land, with a rich cultural heritage centered around fishing, hunting, and seasonal gatherings.\n\nThe proposed land to be transferred is known as the Four Corners Property, located in Shasta County. The Tribe has strong cultural and historical connections to the Four Corners, and they view it as a central landmark of their ancestral lands. In October 1970, members of the Tribe erected a Quonset hut on the Four Corners, staking a peaceful, yet firm claim. That month, over 100 sheriff’s deputies, federal marshals, and forest rangers ordered the occupants to evacuate the property, which eventually resulted in violence and the hospitalization of several of the Tribal members.\n\nThe Tribe has been actively trying to acquire this land through various governmental processes for over a decade. However, they have experienced a series of delays that have added years to the process.\n\nFull text of the Pit River Land Transfer Act is available here.\n\nPadilla is a strong advocate for restoring Tribal ownership of ancestral lands. In 2024, the Senate passed Padilla’s Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act, which established over 170 acres as trust lands for the benefit of the Jamul Tribe. Under the Biden Administration, a series of Padilla’s bills to restore tribal stewardship of sacred lands and ensure federal land management laws respected Tribal sovereignty were signed into law. The package included laws to take more than 2,500 acres of land in the San Jacinto Mountains into trust for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and to place roughly 1,000 acres of federal land located in Humboldt and Siskiyou counties into trust for the Karuk Tribe.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-questions-federal-highway-administrator-on-california-highway-projects-and-infrastructure/", "title": "WATCH: Padilla Questions Federal Highway Administrator on California Highway Projects and Infrastructure", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, questioned Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Sean McMaster about the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Padilla pushed for the release of stalled funding for California transportation projects across the state and discussed rising costs families are facing as a result of the Administration’s policies.\n\nIn the hearing, Padilla pressed McMaster about unexplained pauses in grants awarded to California, including more than $160 million to support highway infrastructure in the Bay Area, $105 million for safety improvements near the Port of Redwood City, and nearly $100 million for interchange improvements in the Central Valley. Padilla secured a commitment from McMaster to provide an update on the status of funding for these and dozens of other previously awarded grants being held up by the Trump Administration. In addition to discussing blocked projects, Padilla reminded McMaster about the importance of securing transportation funding for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. He noted that the Administration has directed LA Metro to seek funding within existing DOT programs for transportation infrastructure to ensure the games run smoothly. He highlighted LA Metro’s attempts to work with FHWA to secure a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for the I-105 Express Lanes Project, which is central to LA Metro’s Games mobility plan. Padilla secured a commitment from McMaster to review the loan and follow-up in the coming days.\n\n“California has several projects that were awarded funding in previous fiscal years that have not been able to move forward, either because obligations have stalled or because other final actions remain pending,” said Senator Padilla. “California is a big state with a big economy, so these projects are not small or narrow investments. Several carry significant regional economic impact, and they represent federal dollars that have already been approved and committed.”\n\nPadilla also expressed concern about rising gas prices, noting that electric vehicles (EVs) have become more affordable and an increasingly popular option for consumers nationwide. As many federal EV and alternative fueling charging infrastructure programs fall under FHWA’s jurisdiction, Padilla questioned whether EV charging projects are being funded equitably and being taken seriously as a potential cost-saving measure for Americans who are getting squeezed at the gas pump due to President Trump’s war with Iran.\n\n“More than a billion dollars in charging projects are also shovel-ready, with funding awarded and waiting to be put to work,” said Senator Padilla. “Now, while the funding is not moving, it’s not just contractors that aren’t being hired or chargers that aren’t being built, but families are locked into high prices that Americans are experiencing right now and not being able to exercise options for what types of vehicles they want.”\n\nPadilla has been a strong advocate for critical funding for California’s transportation and infrastructure projects. This year, Padilla announced that the Los Angeles metro area will receive nearly $90 million for transit costs associated with hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. Last year, Padilla announced over $258 million for California transportation infrastructure projects across the state.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-slams-republican-reconciliation-bill/", "title": "WATCH: Padilla Slams Republican Reconciliation Bill", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to denounce President Trump and Republicans’ partisan reconciliation bill that does not address rising costs for Americans across the country and instead allocates an additional $70 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to carry out Trump’s inhumane mass deportation agenda. Republicans voted to advance consideration of the bill on a party-line basis.\n\n“The proposals and actions of the Republican majority and the White House isn’t trying to tackle the cost of healthcare. They’re not trying to tackle the cost of housing,” said Senator Padilla. “They’re not reducing the price of gas, that’s for sure, or addressing the increasing costs of groceries. The end result of the proposals before us continue to be personal gain for the president and those around him, plain and simple.”\n\nPadilla called for his colleagues to reject the partisan funding bill, highlighting that it does not address rising costs families are facing across the country, including gas, groceries, and housing. Padilla also criticized Republican attempts to fund Trump’s White House ballroom and his continued support for the “anti-weaponization fund” for payouts to January 6 rioters. Padilla instead proposed that his Senate colleagues regroup and negotiate a new reconciliation bill to actually address the concerns and urgent needs of everyday Americans — and holds ICE and CBP accountable.\n\n“They’re trying to ram more money to these agencies while shielding them from oversight and accountability. Let me remind us all of the deaths of Americans like Renee Good, Alex Pretti and Ruben Ray Martinez. Let me remind us of how this Administration is using children like 5-year-old Liam Ramos as bait. Let me remind our colleagues about the price gouging that’s happening: Mothers and children at Dilley Detention Center having to pay so much just to access clean water. And letting thousands of children languish in detention, jailing more than 6,200 children since the beginning of this Administration,” said Senator Padilla. “This Administration’s immigration enforcement efforts have clearly not just been extreme and cruel; they’ve been unlawful and indefensible.”\n\nPadilla has been vocal in his criticism of the Republicans’ attempts to provide additional funding to ICE and CBP without any guardrails, Trump’s out-of-control mass detention and deportation agenda, and Republicans’ misguided spending priorities. Last month, Padilla criticized the budget reconciliation bill at the Budget Committee markup, highlighting the affordability crisis that everyday Americans are facing. Padilla reiterated his concerns that the Republican-proposed budget reconciliation bill would pour even more funding into ICE and CBP without necessary reforms.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks is available here.\n\nFull transcript of Padilla’s remarks is available below:\n\nMr. President, like the reconciliation bill before us, the past few weeks have been really eye-opening for the American public to see in plain view the clear priorities of President Trump and his allies here in Congress.\n\nIt’s increasingly clear that their top priority is not addressing the affordability crisis that’s hurting so many families across the country. Families who are struggling just to get by.\n\nThe proposals and actions of the Republican majority and the White House isn’t trying to tackle the cost of health care. They’re not trying to tackle the cost of housing. They’re not reducing the price of gas, that’s for sure, or addressing the increasing costs of groceries.\n\nThe end result of the proposals before us continue to be personal gain for the president and those around him, plain and simple.\n\nBut I don’t think we should really be surprised by that. Don’t take my word for it.\n\nWe’re talking about a political party whose president, the leader of that party, who has said publicly, in his own words, quote, “I do not care about Americans’ financial situation,” end quote.\n\nLet me repeat that: a president, leader of the Republican Party, who says, quote, “I do not care about Americans’ financial situation,” end quote.\n\nIt doesn’t get any clearer than that, folks.\n\nBecause whether it’s a late-night social media post or what he says in front of the cameras for everybody to hear, this president has no problem telling us exactly what his priorities are, and his priorities are clearly not Americans’ financial situation.\n\nHis priorities include an abomination of a ballroom that he wants the American people to pay for to the tune of a billion dollars. After repeatedly saying that it wouldn’t cost a single taxpayer dollar and that it would be privately funded.\n\nAnother one of his priorities is ensuring immunity for himself and for his family, and shoring up support from his MAGA loyalists, including the January 6 insurrectionists who were prosecuted for violently attacking the Capitol and violently attacking Capitol Police.\n\nHe was trying to advance a self-serving, corrupt slush fund to pay off his supporters. That’s his priority.\n\nHere’s another one, just from yesterday: selecting an unqualified person, Bill Pulte, into an extremely sensitive position within our government as the director of national intelligence, whose track record leads us to see plainly their goal of interfering in our elections or politically pursuing anyone the President perceives as being an enemy.\n\nThese are the President’s priorities, colleagues. Not helping working families.\n\nAnd as clear as day, as he’s outlined these priorities, there’s no pushback by the Republican majority. They continue to enable every single one of these efforts.\n\nThe ballroom, which is nothing other than a vanity project that never should have happened in the first place. It’s a tragedy that the East Wing was torn down without a discussion, without the consultation with Congress that is clearly required.\n\nYet for weeks we heard Republican members of Congress parroting the lame excuse that, for security reasons, this was a necessary project.\n\nBut they have nothing to say about a UFC ring being built on the lawn of the White House? Really?\n\nAnd by the way, what happened to the private donations that were supposed to be paying for the ballroom project? The President bragged about the $400 million, probably more, that he secured. So where is it? Where is that money?\n\nWe have to remain vigilant that ballroom project funding does not appear in this new reconciliation bill or work its way back in.\n\nNow, while Acting Attorney General Blanche stated yesterday that the so-called weaponization fund was not moving forward, it’s really hard to take this Administration at its word when they’re constantly saying one thing and doing another. Lies over and over to the American people.\n\nWhen we first learned about their plans to create this fund, I actually came to the floor and asked that this floor pass by unanimous consent my No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act, which I introduced back in January, to stop this proposal in its tracks.\n\nTrump already gave pardons to January 6 insurrectionists. Let’s not give payouts as well.\n\nSo we must act to ensure that no one who attacked the Capitol, and especially those who assaulted law enforcement officers that day, can ever qualify for any kind of payout like this.\n\nAnd again, a few words on Bill Pulte, Donald Trump’s pick to serve as acting director of national intelligence.\n\nIt’s clear that his only qualification — the only qualification that matters to President Trump — is blind loyalty to President Trump. A willingness to do whatever Trump asks.\n\nTime and again, we’ve seen Pulte use sensitive information in his role at the Federal Housing Finance Agency to target Trump’s political opponents.\n\nNow just imagine what he might do — imagine what he will do — with the sensitive information at his fingertips in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, whether it’s attacking opponents or finding new, dangerous ways to advance Donald Trump’s election corruption and efforts to take over — the president’s words again — elections.\n\nEach of these is a misplaced and dangerous priority that Donald Trump puts over the needs of the American people.\n\nAll these priorities do nothing to advance our national interest or improve the lives of working families across the country.\n\nSo let’s not allow ourselves to be distracted from the biggest of the misplaced priorities at the heart of this reconciliation bill.\n\nWhat I hear some of our Republican colleagues saying is, okay, no ballroom here, no slush fund here. They don’t commit to not coming back to it in other efforts.\n\nThey say let’s come back to the intent and core of what this reconciliation bill was at the outset: billions and billions and billions of dollars more for ICE and CBP, for immigration enforcement — the same agencies that are still sitting on more than $100 billion of previously approved and appropriated funds that they can’t even spend.\n\nWhat happened to fiscal responsibility?\n\nInstead of ensuring that money flows as agencies can spend it, they’re trying to ram more money to these agencies while shielding them from oversight and accountability.\n\nLet me remind us all of the deaths of Americans like Renee Good, Alex Pretti and Ruben Ray Martinez.\n\nLet me remind us of how this Administration is using children like 5-year-old Liam Ramos as bait.\n\nLet me remind our colleagues about the price gouging that’s happening. Mothers and children at Dilley Detention Center having to pay so much just to access clean water, and letting thousands of children languish in detention, jailing more than 6,200 children since the beginning of this Administration.\n\nThat’s a shame.\n\nAnd now they want to shield them from more than 425 judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, including some appointed by Donald Trump himself, who have issued more than 10,000 rulings finding that ICE has violated the Constitution of the United States. That is not an exaggeration.\n\nMore than 10,000 findings of ICE violating the Constitution of the United States, violating due process, and violating federal laws since the start of this Trump Administration. Ten thousand rulings.\n\nThat’s more than a 90% loss rate in court by this Administration.\n\nThis Administration’s immigration enforcement efforts have clearly not just been extreme and cruel; they’ve been unlawful and indefensible.\n\nWhat we should be doing, colleagues, is discussing how to help American families better afford their groceries and better afford to put gas in their cars so they can get to work.\n\nHelping American families afford their rent, their child care and their health care.\n\nSo many Americans are reeling from the “Anything But Beautiful Bill,” from the expiration of the ACA tax credits, and so many Americans are suffering from the experience of witnessing, or having, their children ripped from their arms, with loved ones, family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers disappearing to detention — many in the United States, many now in a foreign country.\n\nThey’re suffering through all of that while still wondering how they’re going to make ends meet at the end of the month.\n\nThose are the priorities for countless families across the country who are hurting and struggling right now that we should be focusing on.\n\nBut instead, no. We’re focusing on what this reconciliation bill offers in front of us.\n\nI’ve said it before. I think most folks at some point in this chamber have used the reference that budgets are a reflection of our values. A reconciliation bill is a budget bill.\n\nIt too is a reflection of values and priorities that reveal what we prioritize. They reveal what we stand for, what we fight for, and serve as a guide to see whether it truly reflects the needs and priorities of the American people or not.\n\nIf you look at the language, if you look at the contents of the reconciliation bill in front of us, it’s clear that Donald Trump and our Republican colleagues have no interest in addressing the urgent needs of the American people.\n\nSo I ask, colleagues: let’s reject this bill full of misplaced priorities.\n\nLet’s actually regroup and put a bill together that will lower costs for American families, expand their opportunities and help Americans get ahead.\n\nAnd I guarantee you, if we were to do that in good faith, you wouldn’t have to resort to this party-line, strictly partisan process of budget reconciliation. That would be something that would garner bipartisan support and be in the best interest of our country, our economy and the needs of the American people.\n\nThank you, Mr. President.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.paul.senate.gov/the-senate-page-program/", "title": "The Senate Page Program", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.paul.senate.gov", "scraper": "paul", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000603", "name": "Rand Paul", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senate Page Program\n\nIntroduction\n\nWelcome! Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Senate Page Program. It is my privilege to occasionally sponsor a Page, and I welcome your interest in this exciting and educational program.\n\nPage Program\n\nLiving away from home and attending school with students from across the country allows Pages to experience a myriad of new ideas, perspectives, and issues. Pages meet some of the Nation’s most prominent leaders and witness firsthand the political debates of the United States Senate, often referred to as the “greatest deliberative body in the world.”\n\nPage duties consist primarily of delivery of correspondence and legislative material within the Congressional Complex. Other duties include taking messages for Senators, calling them to the phone, preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk. Pages are paid on the basis of an annual salary of $ 38,547.\n\nThere are four established page sessions. The academic year consists of two semesters which run from early September through mid-January and from mid-January through mid-June. The summer program consists of two sessions which are three or four weeks in duration depending on the legislative calendar.\n\nFollowing classes at the Senate Page School, which begin at 6:15 am and extend until 9:45 a.m. or one hour prior to the commencement of the Senate, Pages report for duty to their respective cloakrooms and work until 4:00 p.m. or until the Senate adjourns for the day, whichever is later. The Senate regularly is in session well past traditional business hours.\n\nDaniel Webster Senate Page Residence\n\nPages are required to live in the Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence during the school year. The cost of living in the residence hall is $1,380 per month and includes breakfast and dinner each day. Payment is made through payroll deduction.\n\nWebster Hall is located on Capitol Hill, a quick walk from the Senate Chamber. Staff includes the Page Program Director, Administrative Specialist and proctors. Proctors reside full-time in Webster Hall. The living quarters are divided by sex and Pages must share rooms with each other. Each room is furnished, has closet space, a bathroom, and a telephone. Communal laundry and kitchen facilities are also located in Webster Hall.\n\nUnited States Capitol Police maintain a 24-hour security desk and a provision that requires all individuals to present identification and all visitors and guests to sign in. Capitol Police patrol the area by car and foot regularly throughout the day and night. Webster Hall is monitored by a security alarm system and all emergency and safety measures required by the District of Columbia for community life structures are present and enforced.\n\nPages selected for the Summer Page Program may live with their parents or a relative in the area; alternate housing arrangements must be submitted in writing by a parent or legal guardian for approval by the Page Program Director.\n\nRequirements for Selection\n\nSenate Pages must be sponsored by a Senator\n\nPages must be citizens of the United States or subject to agreements of the Department of State, and must have a social security number\n\nPage eligibility is limited to juniors in high school who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment.\n\nSummer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed the sophomore year and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment\n\nPages must verify a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a home school transcript and a certification of immunization to qualify for attendance at the school\n\nA general health assessment completed by a licensed physician is required, in addition to a certification of immunization\n\nPages are required to be covered by health insurance; if not covered, they will be required to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program\n\nDeadlines\n\nApplication deadlines for the page program are the same each year.\n\nSummer Session – February 15\n\nFall Session – June 15\n\nSpring Session – November 15\n\nApplication", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/06/03/sen-rosen-reps-lee-amodei-introduce-landmark-bipartisan-bill-to-support-veterans-exposed-to-radiation-in-nevada/", "title": "Sens. Rosen & Cortez Masto, Reps. Lee & Amodei Introduce Landmark Bipartisan Bill to Support Veterans Exposed to Radiation in Nevada", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch the Full Press Conference HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Representatives Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Mark Amodei (R-NV-02) introduced the Sergeant Dave Crete Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act. This bill would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to join the Department of Energy (DOE) in classifying the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), and all other locations where radiation and toxic exposure occurred, as contaminated; identify everyone who served within the NTTR since the date of the first nuclear test on the range in 1951; establish a process for servicemembers and veterans to provide proof of their service within the NTTR and at DOE covered facilities; and require the DOD to share this collected documentation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as any injuries, exposures, or illnesses related to their service, so that veterans will finally be able to claim and access their VA benefits.\n\nFrom the 1950s through the 1990s, the NTTR – and the then-Nevada Test Site contained within it – conducted over 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests and other dangerous, toxic activities. Currently, because DOD does not consider the NTTR to be a location where contamination and exposure occurred, as DOE does for their civilian personnel who served in the same locations, NTTR veterans are not granted the same service-connected presumption of exposure to receive the care and benefits they would otherwise be owed under the PACT Act. And because their location of service in their personnel records is classified, these veterans are unable to verify where they served to the VA when attempting to file a claim for benefits. This undermines the very intent of the PACT Act and continues to force aging veterans to navigate impossible evidentiary burdens.\n\n“The veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range were unwittingly exposed to radiation and other toxins and for far too long have been forsaken by our government. We owe it to them to make sure that they receive the VA care and benefits they deserve” said Senator Jacky Rosen. “This is why I’m proud to introduce the Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act with Congresswoman Susie Lee. As the daughter of a veteran, it is my mission to work with both sides of the aisle to deliver for the men and women who served our nation.”\n\n“It’s embarrassing that we ask men and women to serve our country and then make it so damn difficult for them to access the care they need for conditions they develop as a result of that service. These veterans need our help, and they need us to continue fighting for them,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “This bill is another meaningful step in that fight, and I’m grateful for the continued partnership of Senator Rosen as we continue helping victims of toxic radiation exposure who served at NTTR.”\n\n“Taking care of the men and women who served our country is a responsibility we all share and a promise we owe them. Unfortunately, Mr. Crete and countless veterans who served alongside him have spent years fighting for benefits that should never have been in question,” said Congressman Mark Amodei. “This legislation builds off the work I’ve been leading to help right that wrong by recognizing their service and providing access to the care and support they earned through their sacrifices. Our delegation remains united to see this effort through to the finish line.”\n\n“Our veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range put their lives on the line to keep Americans safe,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Now that they are faced with the health impacts of their service, bureaucratic red tape is preventing them from claiming the benefits they are owed. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will ensure our veterans can finally access the care they need.”\n\n“The men and women who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range helped protect our nation during some of the most critical moments in our history. For far too long, their service, their sacrifices, and their illnesses have been FORGOTTEN. This legislation represents hope, not only for the veterans still fighting for care and recognition, but for the families who have spent decades seeking answers. No American who answered the call to serve should ever be FORGOTTEN, and today we take another important step toward honoring that promise. We are grateful to Senator Jacky Rosen and Congresswoman Susie Lee for their leadership and unwavering commitment to the veterans and families who have waited far too long to be acknowledged,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of the Board, The Invisible Enemy.\n\nSenator Rosen has been leading the push in Congress to ensure veterans who served within the NTTR receive the presumption of exposure, benefits, and care they deserve. Last year, she introduced the first version of the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act, which advanced out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Senator Rosen also included much of her FORGOTTEN Veterans Act in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. However, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson blocked its inclusion in the final FY2026 NDAA. Last week, Senator Rosen held a press event in Las Vegas, Nevada to announce the introduction of the new Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-secretary-rubio-on-president-trumps-china-trip-impact-of-iran-war-on-indo-pacific", "title": "Schatz Presses Secretary Rubio On President Trump’s China Trip, Impact Of Iran War On Indo-Pacific", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on sales of advanced technologies to China and concessions on Taiwan made during President Donald Trump’s recent trip to China. Schatz also questioned Rubio about the impact of the Iran war on key Indo-Pacific allies and partners.\n\n“It's pretty plain that the president violated one of the Six Assurances,” said Senator Schatz. “He says, we discussed arms sales in great detail; it depends on China; it's a very good negotiating chip for us. It seems to me that if the main objective is to touch gloves and initiate conversations, then why give away any of the things that they're already seeking in exchange for essentially nothing? I just don't understand why we would want to sell them our second best chips and why we would start to at least complicate the question of our assurances regarding Taiwan?”\n\nSenator Schatz added, “The Marshall Islands, the Philippines, and Tuvalu have declared a national emergency on their energy situation. South Korea says its energy crisis is a war-like situation. It is always the case that something in the Middle East undermines our ability to project power in the Asia-Pacific region. But it's not just a question of opportunity cost and attentional challenges. Now we're talking about our allies in the Asia-Pacific region really taking it on the chin with energy costs because of the Strait of Hormuz. What do we say to them: just hang in there?”\n\nVideo of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Rubio is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-urges-secretary-rubio-to-release-billions-in-funding-for-gavi-vaccine-alliance-global-fund-to-fight-diseases-save-lives", "title": "Schatz Urges Secretary Rubio To Release Billions In Funding For Gavi Vaccine Alliance, Global Fund To Fight Diseases, Save Lives", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the State Department’s budget request for FY27, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to quickly release billions of dollars in funding that Congress has appropriated for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and other global health programs.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Senator Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, said, “You have been granted extraordinary authority, not just as secretary of state, but national security advisor, and one of the closest members of the cabinet to the president. I want you to assert your authority and implement the law we have passed because that is the only way we will be able to pass the new bill. It is hard for me to have swallowed a 13 percent cut and then argue for another bill if the bill we already passed is not being followed.”\n\nOn funding for GAVI, Senator Schatz asked Secretary Rubio, “The statute is not unclear about whose authority it is and what you are obliged to do. Can we get a timeframe for moving this money?”\n\nSecretary Rubio responded, “I want to get this solved. I'll be engaged in getting it solved. I don't know of the time, but I mean shortly.”\n\nWithout U.S. support, GAVI estimates that 75 million children will not receive routine vaccinations over the next five years, with more than 1.2 million children dying as a result. GAVI has already reduced vaccinations because of funding being withheld.\n\nPressed by Senator Schatz about $661 million matched by other donors in funding that has not been made available to the Global Fund, Secretary Rubio said, “I think that will move shortly – very quickly.”\n\nSenator Schatz further pressed Secretary Rubio about another $3 billion being withheld for specific global health and other programs, noting Secretary Rubio is “perfectly capable of getting money released” when he wishes, and that malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS are urgent priorities.\n\nVideo of Senator Schatz’s opening remarks is available here. Video of his exchange with Secretary Rubio is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-congress-has-a-responsibility-to-protect-college-sports/", "title": "Senator Schmitt: Congress Has a Responsibility to Protect College Sports", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Highlights Congress’ Role in Implementing Key Reforms to Preserve a Uniquely American Institution\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on the Protect College Sports Act, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) discussed Congress’ role in preserving and strengthening the integrity of college athletics amid the chaos and instability of the current college sports system.\n\nWatch the Senator’s opening remarks HERE.\n\n“There [are] so many great lessons to be learned in life through college athletics, and I truly believe we are on the precipice of that going away… you certainly won’t have 500,000 student-athletes being able to learn those lessons every year. It’ll be something very different, very different than what we’ve grown accustomed to. I think college sports—college football in particular—is such a uniquely American institution and it really is worth fighting for. It’s worth preserving, but it’s not going to happen by itself anymore…”said Senator Schmitt. “People have asked me, ‘Why is Congress getting involved in this? And it’s a legitimate question… Why in the world would the federal government have anything to do with college sports? Well the truth is Congress is the only entity on the planet that can provide the anti-trust exemption status to empower a governing body to set the rules, and to enforce the rules… No one else can do it. It is up to us…\n\n“The way I view this thing is there’s two buckets: you have the governance issue, and you have the revenue issue. The governance issue is granting that authority, to have the rules to protect the student-athletes, for there to be enforcement. On the revenue side, look, the business model of college sports forever has been—basically—you make money on your football program, and it subsidizes all the other non-revenue sports, the women’s sports, the Olympic sports. We will lose out if this thing continues down the path. We will not have the same level of athletes competing in the Olympics.”\n\nSchmitt is an original cosponsor of the Protect College Sports Act. The bill includes Schmitt’s framework to allow conferences to pool media rights to generate new revenue and preserve opportunities for women’s and Olympic athletics programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-secures-350-million-fund-for-arresting-released-unlawful-aliens-in-reconciliation-bill/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Secures $350 Million Fund for Arresting Released Unlawful Aliens in Reconciliation Bill", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Schmitt-Authored Provision Provides Needed Resources to ICE by Supporting the Arrest of Unlawful Illegal Aliens Released from Local Custody\n\nU.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) released the following statement after securing an additional $350 million in the reconciliation bill text to give U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) dedicated resources to arrest unlawful illegal aliens released from local custody after jurisdictions refuse to honor ICE detainers, provide release notice, or coordinate safe jail-to-ICE transfers.\n\n“In 2025 alone, 17,864 aliens were released from local custody instead of being transferred to ICE. That is insane. These are not hard cases. They were already in jail. ICE had already identified them,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\n“My provision fixes that. If a jurisdiction refuses to hand these unlawful aliens over to ICE at the jailhouse door, ICE will have the resources to be waiting outside. Arrest them when they walk out. Protect Americans from preventable crime,” Schmitt continued.\n\nThe Schmitt-authored Fundprovides dedicated ICE resources for detainer management, release monitoring, custodial transfer, transportation, arrests, and detention connected to criminal aliens released from local custody.\n\n“This is about commonsense immigration enforcement in America. Unlawful aliens. Already in custody. Released instead of transferred to ICE. Democrats claim they support targeting the worst of the worst. Now they have no excuse,” Schmitt concluded.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-on-bloombergs-balance-of-power-shaheen-highlights-bipartisan-effort-to-cap-insulin-costs", "title": "ICYMI: On Bloomberg’s Balance of Power, Shaheen Highlights Bipartisan Effort to Cap Insulin Costs", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "**Shaheen’s bipartisan bill to cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 enjoys robust and growing support in Congress**\n\n(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined Bloomberg TV’s Balance of Power this evening to highlight her bipartisan legislation to cap monthly out-of-pocket insulin costs at just $35. Shaheen, co-chair of the U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus and author of the bipartisan INSULIN Act, discussed how capping insulin costs addresses a key concern from the American people by addressing health care affordability.\n\nClick HERE to watch the interview.\n\nKey quotes from Shaheen on Bloomberg TV:\n\n“Our hope is to ask all insurance companies to cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month so that it mirrors what we have done with Medicare. It also sets up a pilot program for those people who don't have health insurance that would, again, cap that cost of insulin at $35 a month.”\n\n“We think this is a bill that needs to be passed. We have 8 million people who are living with Type 1 diabetes in this country. It is the most expensive chronic disease, it’s one of the fastest-growing chronic illnesses in the country. We can provide some help for those people who are dealing with those high costs by passing this legislation.”\n\n“Insulin for those who need it [...] is not an option for people. If they don't have that insulin, they are going to die. So, we need to address this. Too many people are not able to afford the costs and we can do something about it by passing this bill.”\n\nThe Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act—which Shaheen leads alongside U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and John Kennedy (R-LA)—would cap the monthly-out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35. Importantly, the legislation would create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. Shaheen’s bill enjoys robust and growing bipartisan support with nine senators from each party backing the proposal.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-statement-on-trump-administrations-new-tariff-threat", "title": "Shaheen Statement on Trump Administration’s New Tariff Threat", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, today released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s latest proposal to impose tariffs of at least 10% on many of the nation’s top trading partners, including Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom:\n\n“This Administration appears dead set on making life harder and more expensive for working families and small businesses who already struggle to make ends meet.\n\n“Let’s be very clear: This latest attempt to impose sweeping tariffs on dozens of our trading partners under the guise of cracking down on forced labor practices is a transparent pretext to force a new tax on the American people, who are already paying more for everyday essentials as a result of the President’s war in Iran and economic agenda.\n\n“Enough is enough. President Trump promised to lower prices for Americans struggling with high costs, but we’ve seen just the opposite. As we did with the President’s illegal and costly tariffs levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Democrats stand ready to fight this backwards proposal.”\n\nA senior member and former chair of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, Shaheen leads efforts to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs, including with the introduction of the Speedy Tariff Refund Act to ensure full refunds of President Trump’s illegal tariffs that raised costs for American small business owners. In January of last year, before President Trump took office, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act to shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States by clarifying that the President does not have the authority to levy sweeping tariffs under IEEPA—while preserving IEEPA’s authority for sanctions and other tools. Shaheen then led more than 30 of her Senate colleagues and 171 House colleagues made in a bipartisan Amicus Brief she filed with the Supreme Court last year.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/doj-charges-scientists-from-rocky-mountain-laboratory-with-smuggling-monkeypox-into-the-u-s/", "title": "DOJ Charges Scientists from Rocky Mountain Laboratory with Smuggling Monkeypox into the U.S.", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sheehy.senate.gov", "scraper": "sheehy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001232", "name": "Tim Sheehy", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy today released the following statement after the Department of Justice charged two researchers — Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe — from Rocky Mountain Laboratory (RML) in Hamilton, MT, with conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox into the United States and giving false statements to federal law enforcement.\n\nThe Justice Department’s announcement comes a week after Senator Sheehy sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General T. March Bell concerning a whistleblower complaint alleging misconduct by RML and Dr. Munster. In the letter, Senator Sheehy urged thorough oversight of RML’s safety, security, and personnel management practices, as well as NIH’s protocols for employees under investigation.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/06/03/slotkin-klobuchar-colleagues-raise-concerns-on-prediction-markets/", "title": "Slotkin, Klobuchar, Colleagues Raise Concerns on Prediction Markets", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), both members of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, joined 13 of their colleagues in calling on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to strengthen oversight on prediction markets as they continue to grow.\n\n“These markets have a significantly higher proportion of retail participants than traditional derivatives markets, heightening customer protection concerns. At the same time, increasing reports of potential misconduct—including insider trading and market manipulation—have drawn increasing scrutiny from the broader public and from Congress. It is critical that the Commission provide additional guidance and regulation to address these concerns.”\n\nAlong with Slotkin and Klobuchar, the letter was signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).\n\nThe full letter is available below.\n\nDear Chairman Selig,\n\nWe write to provide comments on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s proposed rulemaking regarding prediction markets.\n\nThe volume of event contracts trading on prediction markets has grown exponentially over the past 18 months, and the number of Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) and Derivatives Clearing Organizations (DCOs) participating in these markets has also increased. These markets have a significantly higher proportion of retail participants than traditional derivatives markets, heightening customer protection concerns. At the same time, increasing reports of potential misconduct—including insider trading and market manipulation—have drawn increasing scrutiny from the broader public and from Congress. It is critical that the Commission provide additionalguidance and regulation to address these concerns.\n\nGiven the dynamic and growing nature of the prediction markets, it is crucial that the Commission provide clear guidance to DCMs, DCOs, and other market participants to prevent the listing of event contracts susceptible to manipulation or abuse and to focus the industry’s efforts on listing contracts with clear economic use cases, rather than purely speculative offerings with limited hedging value. In addition, the Commission must prioritize its examination and review of DCMs and DCOs to ensure that they have appropriate policies, procedures, and resources to comply with this guidance—and in fact are doing so. Finally, the Commission should work to require DCMs and DCOs to ensure that the terms and conditions of event contracts are clear and designed to minimize potential areas for dispute as to resolution and payout.\n\nListing of Only Appropriate Event Contracts\n\nThe explosion in the number and diversity of contracts offered for trading creates challenges for oversight by both the Commission and the various self-regulatory organizations it relies on to oversee the derivatives markets, including both the National Futures Association and the various DCMs and DCOs. Many event contracts offered on Commission-regulated exchanges appear to violate core principles because they are structurally vulnerable to manipulation where outcomes may be influenced or controlled by a limited group of individuals.\n\nOther contracts relate to events the outcome of which is already known to one or more persons (or will be known prior to expiration), making them particularly vulnerable to insider trading (for example, mention markets, where traders can bet on whether certain words will be used during a speech or event). The Commission should provide staff with the ability to identify and restrict categories of contracts that present similar risks.\n\nThe Commission also should encourage DCMs and DCOs to limit the number of contracts being self-certified for trading or clearing to those with clear economic use cases for hedging legitimate risks related to economically valuable activities.\n\nAdequate Examination and Enforcement\n\nThe CEA’s principles-based regulatory framework relies on self-regulatory organizations to have and enforce their own rulebooks that implement the various core principles. We are concerned that, in the rush to expand prediction markets, DCMs and DCOs may not have adequately invested in compliance, surveillance, and enforcement functions. Recent steps by some platforms to enhance surveillance and address insider trading underscore how underdeveloped these functions were during a period of rapid growth.\n\nIt is imperative that the Commission examine DCMs and DCOs involved in prediction markets for compliance with the applicable core principles and ensure that they are meeting their obligations in practice. This requires both appropriate written policies and procedures, as well as sufficient resources, staffing, and prioritization by management.\n\nSelf-regulatory oversight should be complemented by active enforcement by the Commission. In particular, the Commission should prioritize targeted enforcement related to potential insider trading and market manipulation, including cases involving government employees and others in positions of trust with access to nonpublic information. Enforcement should also focus on novel cases that can help define clear boundaries for acceptable conduct.\n\nWell-Designed Contracts\n\nWell-designed contracts with clear terms and conditions can help minimize customer confusion and harm. Given the novel nature of many event contracts, additional vetting is needed, particularly regarding resolution and payout processes. While so-called “death contracts” like those relating to Ayatollah Khamenei raise a host of concerns, they also demonstrate the importance of clarifying a contract’s terms up front so as to avoid disputes at resolution. Sufficient resources should be devoted to anticipating and addressing such issues prior to contract listing, rather than after problems arise. The Commission should provide guidance to DCMs and DCOs to assist them in developing these processes.\n\n* * *\n\nWe urge you to consider these concerns as you develop rules and guidance for the prediction market industry. In particular, we encourage you to work proactively to prevent issues before they arise through enhanced listing standards, targeted compliance efforts, and rigorous contract design, backstopped by more robust surveillance and enforcement efforts. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-sullivan-legislation-protecting-alaska-native-artists-cultural-heritage-and-economic-opportunities", "title": "House Passes Sullivan Legislation Protecting Alaska Native Artists’ Cultural Heritage and Economic Opportunities", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today celebrated the House passage of the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, his legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists who use walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing. The bill previously passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.\n\n“I want to thank my colleagues, especially Alaska Congressman Nick Begich, for working to get my ARTIST Act across the finish line in the House,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We are one step closer to ensuring the lawfully harvested and crafted walrus ivory works of Alaska Native artisans will no longer be targeted by well-intentioned but overly broad state laws aimed at stopping the illegal African elephant ivory trade. We’ve been working on this for over eight years, and I want to commend the Alaska Native leaders who first brought this issue to my attention and who’ve relentlessly supported our efforts to correct this historic injustice. I look forward to President Trump signing the ARTIST Act into law and protecting the right of the Alaska Native people to continue these centuries-old traditional practices, a critically important economic driver for Alaska’s rural communities.”\n\n“Ensuring Alaska Native artists’ ability to create and sell their traditional handicrafts is about more than income. It’s about supporting families who have used their work to preserve heritage and culture through generations. For many artists, materials such as ivory have long-been vital to their craftsmanship and are already protected under existing federal law. Recent restrictions on the use of sustainably and legally sourced items could make it harder to continue practicing these skills and passing on the culture of their elders. Safeguarding wildlife and honoring Indigenous art can coexist,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m pleased to support Senator Sullivan’s legislation to ensure a one-size-fits-all rule does not prevent the world from experiencing the beauty of Alaska Native art.”\n\n“For generations, Alaska Native artisans have created world-renowned works of art from legally and sustainably harvested walrus ivory,” said Congressman Begich. “The ARTIST Act ensures that overly broad state ivory bans cannot unintentionally criminalize these lawful handicrafts. This legislation protects the rights of Alaska Native artists to continue sharing their craftsmanship, traditions, and heritage with the rest of the country, while also supporting rural economies across Alaska. I’m proud to have led the House effort on this issue and grateful to Senator Sullivan for his partnership in getting this legislation across the finish line.”\n\nBelow are statements from key leaders and stakeholders in support of the ARTIST Act.\n\nQUOTES\n\n“Today’s vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the ARTIST Act to the president’s desk is an important milestone for our North Slope Iñupiat cultural self-determination,” said Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat President & CEO Nagruk Harcharek. “For thousands of years, our people have transformed walrus ivory into important tools, arts, and crafts. The ARTIST Act will ensure that our cultural traditions – which form the bedrock of our Iñupiaq identity – will be protected and can be perpetuated for generations to come. Quyanaqpak to the Alaska congressional delegation for your perseverance and standing by our side in this endeavor.”\n\n\"For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have sustainably harvested Pacific Walrus to survive in the Arctic,” said Melanie Bahnke, president of Kawerak, Inc. “As our ancestors have, we continue to rely on this resource for food, tools, and to create artwork celebrating our culture. We are grateful that the Congress passed this bill to ensure that our artwork and tools are not deemed illegal in various parts of the United States. On behalf of Kawerak and the people we serve, thank you, Senator Sullivan, for recognizing that banning our culture is wrong and for championing this bill through Congress.”\n\n“The Eskimo Walrus Commission (EWC) strongly supports this bill and thanks Senator Sullivan and his staff for working with us on it,” said Vera Metcalf, Director of the Eskimo Walrus Commission. “We also greatly appreciate the support from Kawerak, the Indigenous People’s Council on Marine Mammals (IPComm), the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), WWF Arctic Program, and especially our Alaska Native communities. The Pacific walrus remains a significant component of our Indigenous food security and remains a major feature of Alaska Native cultural heritage. Our use of ivory gives full expression to our traditional relationship with the Pacific walrus and our way-of-life. EWC thanks Congress for passing this bill to ensure the cultural and economic well-being of Alaska Native communities thrive.”\n\n“The ARTIST Act reaffirms the rights of Alaska Native artists to create and sell authentic artworks and traditional handicrafts in the U.S. that are made from sustainably sourced marine mammal products, including walrus ivory,” said Steve MacLean, Managing Director of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) U.S. Arctic Program. “This longstanding cultural tradition is a vital source of economic opportunity and income for many Alaska Native communities, and walrus remain a critical component of Indigenous food security and cultural expression. Senator Sullivan, working with the Eskimo Walrus Commission, has shown dedication and leadership in crafting this bill, which helps to restore opportunities for Alaska Native artists to share their artwork and provide for their families.”\n\n“The passage of this legislation into law marks a significant milestone in recognizing and protecting the cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and livelihoods of Alaska Native artisans,” said Ben Mallott, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives. “AFN celebrates this achievement, and we thank Senator Sullivan for his leadership and advocacy throughout this effort, as well as all those who helped advance this important legislation to the President’s desk.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nFor years, several states have enacted overly broad ivory bans intended to combat illegal African elephant ivory trafficking. Unfortunately, those laws have also swept in lawful, sustainable Alaska Native handicrafts made from walrus ivory—undermining centuries-old cultural practices and limiting important economic opportunities for Alaska Native artists and rural communities. The ARTIST Act clarifies that states may not ban the import, sale, or possession of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts, and ensures these lawful and culturally vital traditions can continue to be practiced, shared, and sold across the country.\n\nTIMELINE\n\nIn May 2026, Sen. Sullivan urged the CEO of Etsy to change a proposed ban on fur products that would negatively impact Alaska Native artists authentic garments, handicrafts, and accessories made from lawfully harvested animals.\n\nIn October 2025, Sen. Sullivan’s ARTIST Act passed the Senate unanimously.\n\nIn January 2025, Sen. Sullivan reintroduced the ARTIST Act at the start of the 119th Congress to continue his effort to protect the rights of Alaska Native artists.\n\nIn October 2024, Sen. Sullivan introduced the ARTIST Act.\n\nIn September 2020, Sen. Sullivan led a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on the Empowering Rural Economies Through Alaska Native Sustainable Arts and Handicrafts Act, Sen. Sullivan’s bill to preempt states from banning walrus ivory, whale bone, and other marine mammal products that have been legally carved by Alaska Native people under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).\n\nSen. Sullivan has advocated for Etsy and Facebook to amend their guidelines on handicraft sales to include products or artwork made by Alaska Native artists using sealskin, otter, walrus ivory, and other protected materials.\n\nIn September 2017, Sen. Sullivan wrote the National Governors Association and National Conference of State Legislatures with the Alaska congressional delegation to highlight the “potentially devastating and unintended consequences of broadly crafted state ivory bans that are currently in place or under consideration in nearly half of the United States.”\n\nIn September 2017, Sen. Sullivan introduced the Allowing Alaska IVORY Act, legislation to preempt states from banning walrus ivory or whale bone products that have been legally carved by Alaska Native people under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.\n\nIn October 2016, Sen. Sullivan convened a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee field hearing at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention to discuss a series of reported problems and confusion surrounding state laws across the country that prohibit ivory sales and harm Alaska Native artisans.\n\nIn June 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a regulation banning most commercial and non-commercial trade in raw and worked ivory of African elephants following a global decrease in elephant populations due to illegal poaching. Many states have since enacted broader bans on ivory sales that generally include walrus, mammoth, and fossilized ivory used by Alaska Natives and Alaskans to produce artistic carvings, clothing, or authentic handiworks. These actions led to confusion among consumers regarding other legal ivory products, resulting in decreased demand for legal Alaska Native handicrafts and mammoth ivory carvings.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2C05CD29-E0ED-4E6F-A6A5-AF9B269AC895", "title": "Thune: Trump Accounts Set Kids Up for Success", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, as of tomorrow, we will be one month away from the opening date for Trump Accounts.\n\n“These are new, tax-advantaged investment accounts for children created by Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n“And as of a few days ago, parents can now download the new app for Trump Accounts.\n\n“The app will allow parents to track current and projected account balances.\n\n“Schedule automatic account contributions – whether that’s $20 a month, or $200 a month.\n\n“And, eventually, choose among multiple broad-based investment accounts, all designed to make investment easy.\n\n“The app also offers several modules to educate children and parents on investing and to boost financial literacy.\n\n“Mr. President, Trump Accounts, as I said, were created as part of Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law.\n\n“We call it the Working [Families] Tax Cuts for a reason, Mr. President – because that’s who we were focused on with this legislation.\n\n“We prevented a massive tax hike on Americans making less than $400,000.\n\n“Made lower tax rates for hardworking Americans permanent.\n\n“Increased the child tax credit, which we had already doubled in 2017.\n\n“Implemented no tax on tips and no tax on overtime to give American workers a further break on their taxes.\n\n“Instituted a new bonus deduction for seniors.\n\n“And more.\n\n“All of these measures were designed to help everyday Americans and to make life a little easier for working families and help put their dreams within reach.\n\n“Trump Accounts are a part of that.\n\n“These tax-advantaged accounts were designed to allow parents to save for their children’s future beyond their education: to give kids a nest egg, whether large or small, to help them buy a home or start a business – to help them pursue their American dream.\n\n“And if kids choose not to withdraw money once they reach adulthood, they can use these accounts as retirement savings – a financial priority for every American.\n\n“Mr. President, to get savings started for a lot of families, kids born between 2025 and 2028 will receive a free $1,000 for their Trump Account should their parents choose to open one and opt in to the money.\n\n“That money alone will grow over a kid’s childhood.\n\n“And then, of course, parents will be able to add as desired – anywhere from a few dollars to up to $5,000 a year.\n\n“And parents are not the only ones who can make contributions.\n\n“Employers will be able to contribute to Trump Accounts for their employees’ kids.\n\n“And multiple philanthropists are also offering initial contributions for a lot of American children.\n\n“All of this is designed to give kids a leg-up in the world of savings and investment – and, as I said, a head start on their American dream.\n\n“Mr. President, musician Nicki Minaj attended a Trump Accounts summit with the president a few months ago.\n\n“She grew up in a housing project in a family that faced its share of financial struggles, and now she’s raising her own family.\n\n“And she has said of the Trump Accounts, and I quote, ‘This program will benefit everyone, decreasing the gap for future prosperity between children who traditionally aren’t born with a full bank account and children who are.’\n\n“‘… decreasing the gap for future prosperity between children who traditionally aren’t born with a full bank account and children who are.’\n\n“Increasing opportunity.\n\n“Opening new paths to prosperity.\n\n“Ensuring that working families can keep more of their hard-earned money.\n\n“That, Mr. President, is Republicans’ mission – and the goal of the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n“I’m proud that working families are benefiting.\n\n“And I look forward to seeing the opportunities that will be unlocked next month when Trump Accounts kick off.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-exposes-life-altering-risks-associated-with-transitioning-minors/", "title": "Tuberville Exposes Life-Altering Risks Associated with Transitioning Minors", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Chloe Cole, a de-transitioner and advocate, and Dr. Kurt Miceli, Chief Medical Officer of Do No Harm, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) hearing examining the use of gender-transition surgeries on minors. During the hearing, the witnesses raised concerns about the long-term effects of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical interventions, particularly when administered to children and adolescents. Sen. Tuberville also highlighted concerns regarding informed consent, with the witnesses arguing that many parents are not adequately informed of alternative avenues to protect their children.\n\nRead Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Mr. Chairman, thanks for having this hearing, this is a very confusing hearing to most of us. Why are we even having to talk about something like this?\n\nChloe, thank you for being here today. Thank you for your testimony. After all your surgeries and things that you went through over the years, do you think now, with all the information out there, that a minor can make an informed decision about transition?”\n\nCOLE: “Thank you for your question, Senator. I do not think that children have the developmental capacity or worldly experience to make decisions like this that are very adult in nature. Because this is not just a cosmetic change that these interventions cause to the body. Puberty is the only process through which a child can fully develop into adulthood—physically, psychologically, socially, and of course, reproductively. I didn’t know what was at stake. I didn’t know how much it would mean for me to lose my ability to breastfeed and, potentially, my ability to have children. At the time that I was allowed to go through this, because I still very much was a child myself. I was still growing up. No child can consent to being sterilized. Thank you.”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “You mentioned also that your parents were not fully informed about the alternatives like watchful waiting, counseling, and long-term risks, including infertility and sexual dysfunction. What improvements could be made in the informed-consent process so that minors and their parents are fully aware of what their options are?”\n\nCOLE: “Thank you, Senator. I think that, first of all, we need to stop allowing these treatments to happen in the first place because, frankly, they’re dangerous for children. They’re dangerous for the human body regardless of how old you are, but the younger you go, the more damage results from this. But I think that parents need to be told that they have an option that isn’t just medically experimenting on their own child. Their children don’t need puberty blockers. They don’t need cross-sex hormones. They don’t need surgery because the issue is not their body. This is completely psychological in nature. There is no gene, there is no structure in the body or brain, that makes somebody transgender. These are feelings that these kids are experiencing that are real, but it doesn’t mean that they are true because sex is not something that can be changed in human beings.\n\nParents need to be informed of the risks of doing these procedures, especially the younger […] their child is. And also, the fact that they can watchfully wait […] and see how the child’s feelings about their body progresses. For the most part, most children with gender confusion will desist by the time they enter adulthood and reintegrate their identity with their sex. That’s the information that parents need.”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Dr. [Kurt], nearly two dozen reviews have found weak or no credible evidence supporting gender-transition procedures for minors. Based on this evidence, why do you believe that major U.S. medical organizations continue to endorse this process?”\n\nMICELI: “Thank you for the question, Senator. I believe, unfortunately, many of our medical societies within the United States have been captured in some respect. I mean, we look at the American Medical Association, and it speaks to the quote-unquote ‘medical necessity’ of these gender procedures in minors, yet they don’t look at the evidence that is there. And that’s very much in contrast to what the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has done in terms of looking at the systematic reviews, recognizing that there is very low evidence of benefit, understanding that the risks are significant, and taking into account the ethical considerations, as well as the issue of consent. And when medical societies start doing that, we’ll find that more and more of them support the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ statement as opposed to supporting the WPATH Standards of Care, which has clearly been quite scandalous, I would argue. And certainly, in terms of taking off safeguards, taking off any sort of need for psychiatric assessment, totally eliminating barriers, and allowing free-fall access, it has been dangerous. And again, especially in light of the evidence, we need to look at the evidence reviews. We need to look at what our European counterparts have done in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Finland, and elsewhere. I think when we do that, we understand that these procedures are harmful and come with very low evidence of any benefit.”\n\nTUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-bashes-bessent-on-higher-prices-in-senate-finance-hearing-you-should-talk-to-the-people-in-georgia/", "title": "Warnock Bashes Bessent on Higher Prices in Senate Finance Hearing: ‘You Should Talk to the People in Georgia’", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the Trump administration’s continued indifference to the economic concerns of ordinary Americans\n\nA recent survey by Fox News states that more than 70 percent of Americans feel that the economy is getting worse, and consumer sentiment is at a record low\n\nPresident Trump’s policies and domestic agenda have added an enormous amount of money to the national debt without alleviating prices for American families. In May, the U.S. national debt held by the public ballooned to more than $31 trillion, exceeding GDP\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “Folks back at home in Georgia, whom I represent, are struggling to just make their lives work. And they know President Trump’s Iran war and the tariff taxes are only making things worse. Talk to farmers in Georgia, they’ll tell you that”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, during a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) bashed U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the Trump administration’s continued indifference to the economic concerns of ordinary Americans. In May, President Trump told a group of reporters outside the White House that Americans’ financial situation is not something he thinks about “even a little bit” despite the impact his war in Iran is having on the price of gasoline in Georgia and across the country.\n\n“Folks back at home in Georgia, whom I represent, are struggling to just make their lives work,” said Senator Warnock. “They know President Trump’s Iran war and the tariff taxes are only making things worse. Talk to farmers in Georgia, they’ll tell you that.”\n\nA recent survey by Fox News states that more than 70 percent of Americans feel that the economy is getting worse, and consumer sentiment throughout the country is at a record low. Since assuming office in January 2025, President Trump’s policies and domestic agenda have added an enormous amount of money to the national debt without alleviating prices for American families. President Trump and Washington Republicans’ signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will add nearly $5 trillion to the national debt. In May, the U.S. national debt held by the public ballooned to more than $31 trillion, exceeding GDP.\n\nSenator Warnock continues to push back against the Trump administration’s reckless tariff policy and the uncertain market conditions it creates for Georgia businesses. As ranking member of the Finance Subcommittee on Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, the senator has oversight jurisdiction over federal trade policies and continues to work to foster a financial climate that will bolster the Georgia economy.\n\nWatch the Senator’s full remarks HERE.\n\nSee below a transcript of the exchange between Senator Warnock and Secretary Bessent\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “Last month I asked the president’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve what I thought was a simple question, but he tried to dodge it. His answer was cute. I’m not sure the American people, who are struggling, were laughing. So, I’ll ask you the same question to see if I can get a clear answer. President Trump has said that his grade of the economy, his words, is “[A] plus plus plus plus plus”. He said this before he sent energy and gas prices soaring with this illegal war in Iran, a war that’s costing taxpayers billions of dollars, a billion dollars or more per day, turbocharging inflation.\n\n“So, I’ll ask the Secretary of the Treasury the same question. Given all of the challenges facing ordinary Americans, our political differences aside, what grade would you give the US economy right now?”\n\nSecretary Bessent (SB): “Which challenges other than temporarily elevated prices? Would you identify, Senator?”\n\nSRW: “I’m asking you, what grade would you give the economy?”\n\nSB: “I think we have the makings of one of the strongest economies in history. We’ve had 2.6% growth and core inflation has dropped. Food inflation, since President Trump began—as much as you all want to disagree—is 2.5%.”\n\nSRW: “I got it. So, you agree with the President? You would give the economy an A plus, plus, plus, plus plus?”\n\nSB: “I think we have all..”\n\nSRW: “From where you sit?”\n\nSB: “I think we have all the makings for a very strong economy. I think that we have temporarily elevated prices. We’ll come back down.”\n\nSRW: “I got it. So, you’re telling Americans it’s not so bad. Americans give the Trump economy a failing grade. You and I can disagree, but this is not about us. They give the economy a failing grade because they can’t afford anything. Folks back at home in Georgia, whom I represent, are struggling—let me finish—to just make their lives work. And they know President Trump’s Iran war and the tariff taxes are only making things worse. Talk to farmers in Georgia, they’ll tell you that.\n\n“But I’m not so sure folks fully grasped the long-term crisis that’s also brewing for our children and our grandchildren. Wars do not pay for themselves. And this year, under the Trump administration’s economic policies, the $31 trillion national debt exceeded GDP for basically the first time since World War II. Think about that. Now, to be fair, debt did exceed GDP during the COVID 19 pandemic, but that was only briefly, as the GDP crashed as a result of a once in a century pandemic. The big ugly bill alone will add nearly $5 trillion to the national debt. Something that I do care about, and I think it matters. I think it’s interesting that Republicans talk about it when Democrats are in charge, but I haven’t heard much discussion about the national debt lately. According to our nonpartisan scorekeepers in the Congressional Budget Office, it will add $5 trillion to the national debt. Do you still think that driving deeper into debt to extend billionaire tax cuts were a good investment?”\n\nSB: “Sir? That 90% of the filers who availed themselves on President Trump’s signature policies make below $100,000 and if you want to know who is responsible for the American people, you all torched them during the Biden administration. I’m not sure if you were part of that. We had a 21.5% increase. Joe Biden—had real negative wage growth.”\n\nSRW: “Sir, I’m asking you a basic question. Do you think that going into debt to extend billionaire tax cuts was a good investment? Yes or no?”\n\nSB: “I disagree with the categorization of billionaire tax cuts, when in fact most of the tax cuts went to work for ordinary Americans. Senator, you are quoting a Congressional Budget Office, which…”\n\nSRW: “According to the Yale Budget Office—the Yale Budget Lab…”\n\nSB: “The Yale Budget Lab is a bunch of Biden hacks.”\n\nSRW: “Well, you should talk to the people in Georgia. They will tell you, sir, that whatever tax relief you think you gave them was more than taken up by these tariffs, they, according to the Yale Budget Lab, the administration’s tariffs cost families three times as much as they got back in tax cuts. But I don’t talk to the folks at Yale, I talk to the folks in Georgia.\n\n“How about the Iran war, which is costing tens of billions of dollars and counting. You previously said we have plenty of money for the war. Wars increase the national debt. Is that spending still a good idea, sir? Yes or no?”\n\nSB: “Sir, do you think it’s a good idea to spend? Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”\n\nSRW: “So you do think it’s a good idea? You think the Iran war makes—”\n\nSB: “I think just as many people historically—when President Obama was in office—said that Iran may not have—”\n\nSRW: “President Obama left office in 2016!”\n\nSB: “I know, but I’m saying there are many people on this committee who said Iran should never have a nuclear weapon at any cost.”\n\nSRW: “I agree with that. They should not have a nuclear weapon, and they’re closer to it, thanks to this administration’s policy. And the Strait of Hormuz is still closed. And you should tell the people in Georgia that this war is a good idea. I think they’ll disagree.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-hearing-secretary-bessent-defends-president-trumps-stock-trades-dodges-warrens-push-for-investigation-on-potential-insider-trading", "title": "At Hearing, Secretary Bessent Defends President Trump’s Stock Trades, Dodges Warren’s Push For Investigation On Potential Insider Trading", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "At Hearing, Secretary Bessent Defends President Trump’s Stock Trades, Dodges Warren’s Push For Investigation On Potential Insider Trading\n\nPresident Trump’s recent ethics disclosures reveal more than 3,400 stock trades worth hundreds of millions of dollars in the first three months of 2026\n\nWarren: “We need stronger anticorruption rules and conflict of interest rules in Washington for everyone, and that includes the President, and it includes Congress.”\n\nWarren: “Instead of draining the swamp, what Donald Trump is doing is he is enriching himself by taking advantage of his position.”\n\nVideo of Exchange (YouTube)\n\nWashington, D.C. — At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on whether President Donald Trump’s stock trades pose a conflict of interest, highlighting Secretary Bessent’s previous statements in support of a congressional stock trading ban. Secretary Bessent defended President Trump’s trades, ignoring Senator Warren’s push for an investigation into potential insider trading.\n\nLast month, President Trump's latest financial disclosures showed he made over 3,400 trades worth hundreds of millions of dollars in the first fiscal quarter of 2026.\n\nDespite Secretary Bessent’s previous public support for a congressional stock trading ban, he defended the President's trades, stating, “President Trump is not sitting in the Oval Office engaging in a high-frequency trading strategy. Clearly, he had an outside manager who was doing that.”\n\nSenator Warren highlighted that President Trump signed the 113-page ethics disclosure publicly listing all of his individual stock trades, and those trades occurred as the President made decisions affecting those stocks.\n\nOn January 6, President Trump purchased up to a million dollars' worth of Nvidia stock. The following week, his administration loosened the rules on export controls so that Nvidia could sell its chips to China, raising the company's stock and ultimately benefiting President Trump. The disclosure also showed a purchase of tens of thousands of dollars worth of stock in Robinhood and the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY). On April 6, the Treasury Department announced it had chosen to implement the new Trump accounts program with BNY and Robinhood. Both stocks have risen since the announcement.\n\nSenator Warren continued to press Secretary Bessent’s views on whether it's a conflict of interest for President Trump to trade stocks and if the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should investigate these trades. Secretary Bessent dodged the question, refusing to answer directly.\n\nSenator Warren concluded the hearing by calling for stronger reforms against corruption: “We need stronger anticorruption rules and conflict of interest rules in Washington for everyone, and that includes the President, and it includes Congress. And instead of draining the swamp, what Donald Trump is doing is he is enriching himself by taking advantage of his position.”\n\nTranscript: Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Treasury.Senate Finance CommitteeJune 3, 2026\n\nSenator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, Secretary Bessent, let's start with something you and I agree strongly on. Last year, you came out in support of a trading ban for members of Congress, and I have introduced legislation to do exactly that. You explained the need for a ban on our trading stock by saying, “You look at some of these eye-popping returns, every hedge fund would be jealous of them,” and that “If any private citizen traded that way, the SEC would be knocking on their door.” Those are strong words from someone who used to run a hedge fund. Last month, President Trump's latest financial disclosures came out, and they show that he made more than 3400 stock trades, worth more than a quarter of a billion dollars, in just the first three months of 2026. That's roughly half of what all 535 members of Congress made last year combined. And the value of virtually every one of those stocks that the President traded in is directly affected by President Trump's official actions.\n\nSecretary Bessent, you and I agree that it is a conflict of interest for members of Congress to trade stocks. Do you also agree that it's a conflict of interest for President Trump to trade stocks?\n\nSecretary Bessent: A couple of things, Senator. One, President Trump is not sitting in the Oval Office engaging in a high-frequency trading strategy. Clearly, he had an outside manager who was doing that, and I think it's incumbent upon both houses of Congress to get their house in order before you move to the administrative branch.\n\nSenator Warren: Before? You think it's okay for the president to do this? Let's be clear, you are a Wall Street guy, so you know better. The investments that President Trump has made are not blind. President Trump literally signed the 113-page document publicly listing all of his individual stock trades at the same time that he is making decisions affecting those stocks. So you're going to sit here with a straight face and say it's not a conflict of interest for the President of the United States to do that?\n\nSecretary Bessent: I'm going to say this body needs to get its house in order first.\n\nSenator Warren: How about we get the White House in order at the same time?\n\nSecretary Bessent: I would encourage you to do that.\n\nSenator Warren: I don't trade in individual stocks. I don't own any individual stocks. My house is in order, thank you, Mr. Secretary.\n\nSecretary Bessent: Others on this committee can't say that, Senator.\n\nSenator Warren: Let's look at some individual trades. On January 6, Donald Trump purchased up to a million dollars' worth of Nvidia stock. One week later, his administration changed US policy and loosened the rules on export controls so that Nvidia could sell its chips to China. Now the price of Nvidia stock is through the roof. So, Secretary Bessent, you said last year if any private citizen traded the way members of Congress do, “the SEC would be knocking on their door.”\n\nSo, my question is, should the SEC be knocking on President Trump's door to start an investigation over this trade?\n\nSecretary Bessent: Again, if this body wants to ban individual stock trading, which I would advocate for yourself, start there. And if you want legislative action to continue, that's your prerogative.\n\nSenator Warren: So it's our prerogative. So you would support our saying that President Trump should be investigated over this? Our trades should be investigated and President Trump’s should be investigated?\n\nSecretary Bessent: I would support you getting your house in order, Senator.\n\nSenator Warren: And how about the White House getting its house in order? Would you support that investigation?\n\nSecretary Bessent: Again, please lead by example.\n\nSenator Warren: I would like to see the President of the United States lead by example. You say there should be an investigation when that kind of activity takes place. How about we start with the White House?\n\nSecretary Bessent: You create statutes. The president does not.\n\nSenator Warren: Let's do one more. President Trump bought tens of thousands of dollars worth of stock in Robinhood and the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, known as BNY. On April 6, your Treasury Department announced it had chosen the financial agent to implement the new Trump accounts program, BNY, and its partner, Robinhood. Both stocks, of course, have risen since then.\n\nSo, Secretary Bessent, let me ask you a different question. If these stock purchases that Trump made were made using inside information, would that be illegal?\n\nSecretary Bessent: Again, I'm not a lawyer. I'm not going to speak to that.\n\nSenator Warren: Would it be worth investigating? You don't have to be a lawyer. You’re the one who said what should be investigated.\n\nSecretary Bessent: Why don't we investigate many people on this committee, Senator? Why don’t we start here?\n\nSenator Warren: And you don’t think the White House should have to follow the same set of rules that are already the law?\n\nSecretary Bessent: I think you should get your house in order here.\n\nSenator Warren: My house is in order, thank you, Mr. Secretary.\n\nSecretary Bessent: And you should have your fellow committee members, many on your—mostly on your side of the aisle—do the same.\n\nSenator Warren: We need stronger anticorruption rules and conflict of interest rules in Washington for everyone, and that includes the President, and it includes Congress. And instead of draining the swamp, what Donald Trump is doing is he is enriching himself by taking advantage of his position. That is not public service. He's the one who should lead by example.\n\nSenator Warren has led the fight to root out corruption and hold the Trump administration accountable:\n\nIn June 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), along with Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.), pressed White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles following reports that the White House interfered to deliver a lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) contract to Vulcan Elements, a key Trump Jr.-linked company.\n\nIn May 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed the Acting Director-Designate for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), David Venturella, on his decades-long revolving-door career between ICE and the private prison industry and his reported use of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel and resources for personal or political favors.\n\nIn May 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced the Banning Lobbying And Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, a bipartisan bill to impose a lifetime ban on lobbying by former members of Congress.\n\nIn March 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Representative Maxine Waters, Representative Angie Craig (D-Minn.), and 37 other lawmakers, wrote to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) urging the agencies to address illegal insider trading in prediction markets by federal employees.\n\nIn February 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), along with Representatives Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) and Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) pressed the Inspectors General (IGs) of 16 key agencies to open investigations into senior Trump officials who were recently lobbyists or “shadow lobbyists” and may be using their roles to benefit their former employers and clients.\n\nIn January 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on potential conflicts of interest surrounding the awarding of multiple lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and loans to companies associated with President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.\n\nIn December 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) pressed the Trump administration to follow through on promises to limit defense companies' stock buybacks and incentivize them to increase research and development spending.\n\nIn September 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Donald Korb, nominee for Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), ahead of Korb’s confirmation hearing, pressing him on his stark conflicts of interest and urging him to make ethics commitments to mitigate these conflicts.\n\nIn July 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote to former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin seeking an explanation and further information on his recent decision to start a strategic advisory firm. Austin had publicly promised Senator Warren during his 2021 confirmation process that he would not become a lobbyist after his government service ended.\n\nIn July 2023, United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and United States Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) introduced the Retired Officers Conflict of Interest Act – a bill that would require public reporting on retired service members working on behalf of foreign governments and create civil penalties if they break the law.\n\nIn December 2020, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) reintroduced the Anti-Corruption & Public Integrity Act to strengthen ethics laws and crack down on government officials’ conflicts of interest across the government.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-lawmakers-slam-white-house-after-reports-of-egregious-corruption-involving-lucrative-pentagon-loan-gifted-to-trump-jr-tied-company", "title": "Warren, Lawmakers Slam White House After Reports of “Egregious Corruption” Involving Lucrative Pentagon Loan Gifted to Trump Jr.-Tied Company", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, Lawmakers Slam White House After Reports of “Egregious Corruption” Involving Lucrative Pentagon Loan Gifted to Trump Jr.-Tied Company\n\nNew reporting revealed White House interfered to secure DoD loan for Trump Jr.-linked Vulcan Elements\n\n“If this report is accurate, it reveals a staggering level of corruption and influence peddling that … enrich(ed) the President’s son at the expense of U.S. national security and taxpayer dollars.”\n\nText of Letter (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), along with Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.), pressed White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles following reports that the White House interfered to deliver a lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) contract to Vulcan Elements, a key Trump Jr.-linked company.\n\n“If this report is accurate, it reveals a staggering level of corruption and influence peddling that superseded this process, enriching the President’s son at the expense of U.S. national security and taxpayer dollars,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nAfter President Trump was elected to his second term, Donald Trump Jr., his son, joined venture capital firm 1789 Capital as a partner. Since then, 1789 Capital-backed companies have won hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of contracts and loans from Trump’s DoD.\n\nNew reports appear to indicate egregious corruption behind closed doors at the White House and Pentagon to influence the DoD’s approval of one of these loans. The most valuable DoD award to date is a $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements. The loan was worth twice Vulcan Elements’ entire valuation. After the award, “estimates of its valuation grew tenfold”— creating an immediate windfall for the President’s son.\n\nReporting revealed that Vulcan’s approval for the loan came amid White House interference in the process. Specifically, “interviews and Defense Department records reviewed by ProPublica show that the request to loan hundreds of millions of dollars to the firm linked to Trump Jr. was made by Peter Navarro, a White House adviser to President Donald Trump and a friend of Trump Jr.’s,” and that Navarro’s prodding prompted staff to fast-track the approval.\n\nIn addition to the $620 million loan, Vulcan landed $10 million in direct contracts with DoD and received a $50 million equity investment from the Department of Commerce (\"Commerce\").\n\n“The American public – and service members that are in harm’s way – expect that the DoD contracting process is fair, unbiased, and competitive to ensure that only the best companies, providing only the best products, receive taxpayer dollars,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers also raised concerns about other instances of Trump administration investments that have — or could — enrich Trump Jr. Last year, PsiQuantum, a quantum chip start-up backed by 1789 Capital, received a $10.8 million Pentagon contract, and Commerce recently took a $100 million equity stake in the company. In another case, after a story broke that the Trump administration was considering funding a group of drone companies, including a drone company that “counts Donald Trump Jr. as a shareholder and advisory board member,” the company’s stock value increased by more than 50 percent.\n\nThe lawmakers asked Wiles to provide answers to their questions regarding these Pentagon contracting decisions no later than June 16, 2026.\n\n“Congress and the public deserve answers about whether the White House is rigging or intervening in Pentagon contracting decisions in order to benefit the President’s family, and if so, who is responsible and how this impacts national security and the expenditure of taxpayer dollars,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nSenator Warren previously pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on potential conflicts of interest surrounding the awarding of multiple lucrative DoD contracts and loans to companies associated with President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.\n\nSenator Warren has led the fight to root out corruption and hold the Trump administration accountable:\n\nIn May 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed the Acting Director-Designate for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), David Venturella, on his decades-long revolving door career between ICE and the private prison industry and his reported use of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel and resources for personal or political favors.\n\nIn May 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced the Banning Lobbying And Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, a bipartisan bill to impose a lifetime ban on lobbying by former members of Congress.\n\nIn February 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), along with Representatives Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) and Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) pressed the Inspectors General (IGs) of 16 key agencies to open investigations into senior Trump officials who were recently lobbyists or “shadow lobbyists” and may be using their roles to benefit their former employers and clients.\n\nIn January 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on potential conflicts of interest surrounding the awarding of multiple lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and loans to companies associated with President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.\n\nIn December 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) pressed the Trump administration to follow through on promises to limit defense companies' stock buybacks and incentivize them to increase research and development spending.\n\nIn December 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called for then-Attorney General Pam Bondi to recuse herself from the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s review of any Warner Bros. merger due to potential conflicts of interest related to her former employer, lobbying firm Ballard Partners.\n\nIn September 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Donald Korb, nominee for Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), ahead of Korb’s confirmation hearing, pressing him on his stark conflicts of interest and urging him to make ethics commitments to mitigate these conflicts.\n\nIn July 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote to former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin seeking an explanation and further information on his recent decision to start a strategic advisory firm. Austin had publicly promised Senator Warren during his 2021 confirmation process that he would not become a lobbyist after his government service ended.\n\nIn July 2023, United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and United States Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) introduced the Retired Officers Conflict of Interest Act – a bill that would require public reporting on retired service members working on behalf of foreign governments and create civil penalties if they break the law.\n\nIn December 2020, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) reintroduced the Anti-Corruption & Public Integrity Act to strengthen ethics laws and crack down on government officials’ conflicts of interest across the government.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-presses-secretary-bessent-about-national-debt-and-tax-policies-at-finance-committee-hearing/", "title": "Welch Presses Secretary Bessent About National Debt and Tax Policies at Finance Committee Hearing", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bessent concedes need to address tax haven loophole that allows corporations to avoid paying their fair share\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the ballooning national debt and its implications for hardworking Vermont families.\n\nSen. Welch: “I want to talk about what I think is a looming crisis that gets far too little attention in this Congress and that’s the national debt…The projection of the debt, first of all, January of 2025, it was $36.2 trillion. It’s now $39.2 trillion…The trajectory of this debt is just going up and up and up. The Congressional Budget Office right now says that that debt held by the public—is 99% of the Gross Domestic Product—is scheduled to go up by 2030 to 120%. And, we’re now paying interest, as you know probably better than anybody, of $970 billion. So, taxpayer revenues are going $970 billion to debt—that exceeds our military budget. Obviously, that means we cannot spend that on other things that folks in Mr. Crapo’s district and folks in my district need. The federal interest payments rose to 18.5% of all of our revenues and the CBO says that’s going to go up to 25.8% by 2036. We don’t talk about it at all. It’s not even a topic. Which is astonishing to me because it’s such a threat.”\n\nSenator Welch continued: “I absolutely believe that the people who owe money should be paying that money, and that we should have assertive enforcement in order to get that collected—regardless of what the growth rate is. That’s number one. Number two…companies are now using these low-tax dodge countries: like American Express avoided $423 million in taxes by using the Island of Jersey, saying that’s where they do their work. BLACK+DECKER cut their bill by $27 million by using Cyprus. Many companies use Malta—S&P Global cut its tax bill by $269 million. Is that something that we should tolerate?”\n\nSecretary Bessent: “No.”\n\nWatch Senator Welch’s full remarks below:\n\nSenator Welch opposed Secretary Bessent’s nomination. In his confirmation hearing, Senator Welch pushed Secretary Bessent about the affordability crisis and the need for the incoming administration to work with Democrats to extend tax credits to help all Americans access affordable health care, childcare, and housing. Last summer, Senator Welch grilled Secretary Bessent about how President Trump’s unpredictable economic policies have wrought instability for Vermonters in every corner of the Green Mountain State.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-touts-progress-at-u-s-southern-border/", "title": "Young Touts Progress at U.S. Southern Border", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "**Click here or above to watch Senator Young’s floor speech.**\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) spoke on the Senate floor about how tough border security policies put in place by President Trump and new resources provided by Congress to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking are working.\n\nTo watch Young’s full floor speech, click here.\n\nSenator Young’s full remarks are below:\n\nMr. President, I cannot be the only member of this body to notice that several words and phrases are used a lot less on the Senate floor these days.\n\nThey include:\n\nOpen borders.\n\nIllegal crossings.\n\nCatch and release.\n\nAnd migration surges.\n\nThese terms have dropped from our debates and are no longer in the news, because President Trump and Republicans in Congress helped largely close the border to illegal immigrants.\n\nWith support from this President and this Republican Congress, our law enforcement personnel ceased catch and release and stopped the record migration surges.\n\nThis is what the American people elected us to do: end the chaos at our southern border and block the flow of illegal immigrants into our communities.\n\nWe did these things so effectively, it has almost gone unnoticed.\n\nOf course, there were some who denied there was a crisis in the first place.\n\nThe numbers from one administration to the next tell a different story:\n\nFrom 2021 to 2024, over ten million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border. By design.\n\nPresident Joe Biden paused deportations, laxed requirements for asylum seekers, ended construction of a border wall, and suspended Remain in Mexico.\n\nThe previous administration created an influx of illegal immigrants that endangered public safety and taxed resources in communities along and far from the border.\n\nThese policies also undermined Americans’ faith in legal immigration because they prioritized law breakers over those who wish to come to America legally and embrace its values.\n\nAs soon as he was inaugurated, President Trump increased the number of troops along the southern border, began deporting illegal immigrants, and reinstated Remain in Mexico.\n\nAnd Republicans in Congress did our part too.\n\nThe Big Beautiful Bill, passed by this Congress and signed into law by President Trump a year ago, increased resources to secure the border and combat drug smuggling and human trafficking.\n\nThe bill contained funding for additional Border Patrol Agents.\n\nAs a result, the screening and vetting of illegal immigrants increased.\n\nAnd increased funding for the Department of Justice enabled the hiring of additional immigration judges to clear out the back log of asylum cases.\n\nToday, the results speak for themselves:\n\nIn November 2024, there were 106,333 reported border encounters.\n\nIn January 2025, the number dropped to 61,465.\n\nIt was down to 8,326 the next month.\n\nA year later, in April 2026, apprehensions on the southern border were 94 percent lower than the monthly average during Biden’s presidency.\n\nThe seizure of drugs – cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana – has increased by weight 60% from since April 2024.\n\nAnd we just marked an entire year of zero releases at the southern border.\n\nA nation that does not control its borders, that cannot enforce its laws, is a nation that willingly surrenders its sovereignty.\n\nAbandoning our right to determine who participates in that process – indiscriminately allowing all comers to enter our country – endangers our citizens, burdens our taxpayers, and makes a mockery of the rule of law.\n\nIt is also dangerous to the immigrants themselves, some of whom perish on their way to our southern border.\n\nAmericans realized this, even if some of their leaders did not.\n\nAnd this is why President Trump and Congressional Republicans acted to end the border crisis.\n\nHow can you tell?\n\nThe relative silence in the mainstream media and on this floor from many of our Democratic colleagues tells you all you need to know.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-announces-june-2026-staff-mobile-office-hours", "title": "Yakym Announces June 2026 Staff Mobile Office Hours", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MISHAWAKA, IN – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) announced the following dates, times, and locations that his office will be holding mobile staff office hours in June 2026 throughout Indiana’s Second District. Mobile office hours are designed to be respectful one-on-one conversations with the Congressman’s team, primarily for federal casework assistance. These are not town halls and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.\n\nCass County\n\nThursday, June 4, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET\n\nWalton Public Library\n\n110 N Main Street\n\nWalton, IN 46994\n\nElkhart County\n\nTuesday, June 23, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET\n\nNappanee City Hall\n\n300 W Lincoln Street\n\nNappanee, IN 46550\n\nFulton County\n\nRochester District Office – Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET\n\n709 Main Street\n\nRochester, IN 46975\n\nThursday, June 18, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET\n\nAkron Clerk’s Office\n\n206 W Rochester Street\n\nAkron, IN 46910\n\nKosciusko County\n\nThursday, June 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET\n\nBell Memorial Public Library\n\n101 W Main Street\n\nMentone, IN 46539\n\nTuesday, June 23, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET\n\nEtna Green Town Hall\n\n106 S Walnut Street\n\nEtna Green, IN 46524\n\nLa Porte County\n\nThursday, June 11, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT (2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET)\n\nKingsford Heights Public Library\n\n436 Evanston Road\n\nKingsford Heights, IN 46346\n\nMarshall County\n\nThursday, June 18, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET\n\nArgos Town Hall\n\n201 W Walnut Street\n\nArgos, IN 46501\n\nMiami County\n\nThursday, June 4, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET\n\nPeru City Hall (2nd Floor Conference Room)\n\n35 S. Broadway\n\nPeru, IN 46970\n\nPulaski County\n\nThursday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET\n\nPulaski County Public Library\n\n121 S Riverside Drive\n\nWinamac, IN 46996\n\nStarke County\n\nThursday, June 11, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT (12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET)\n\nStarke County Courthouse\n\n53 E Washington Street\n\nKnox, IN 46534\n\nSt. Joseph County\n\nMishawaka District Office – Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET\n\n2410 Grape Road, Suite 2A\n\nMishawaka, IN 46545\n\nWabash County\n\nThursday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET\n\nWabash City Hall\n\n202 S Wabash Street\n\nWabash, IN 46992", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/06/03/rep-young-kim-discusses-fy27-state-department-budget-priorities-with-secretary-marco-rubio/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Discusses FY27 State Department Budget Priorities with Secretary Marco Rubio", "date": "2026-06-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairwoman of the East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee Young Kim (CA-40) asked questions during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing featuring Secretary of State Marco Rubio.\n\nAs Secretary Rubio appeared before the Committee to discuss the FY27 State Department budget, Chairwoman Kim raised questions on key priorities such as critical minerals, international shipbuilding, and Taiwan arms deliveries.", "collected_at": "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/06/04/rep-aguilar-announces-over-3-6-million-for-sac-health-to-expand-quality-affordable-healthcare-services/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Announces Over $3.6 Million for SAC Health to Expand Quality, Affordable Healthcare Services", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Announces Over $3.6 Million for SAC Health to Expand Quality, Affordable Healthcare Services\n\nSAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced a $3,633,272 grant award for SAC Health System to expand its healthcare services and continue providing high-quality, affordable primary care to underserved and vulnerable populations in the Inland Empire. The funding will support and sustain SAC Health’s daily operations and core services provided to the community, including medical, specialty, dental and behavioral healthcare.\n\nThe funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration’s Health Center Program (H80) grant awards.\n\n“From dental services to behavioral health and their mobile clinic, SAC Health is a leader in providing quality, affordable and accessible care to people in the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “With this grant funding, SAC Health will be able to strengthen and expand services for current patients and those in need, helping to keep families in our community healthy and happy.”\n\n“We are deeply grateful to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for their continued partnership and this generous $3.6 million annual FQHC grant,” said Jason L. Lohr, MD, Chief Executive Officer, SAC Health. “This annual grant is a powerful blessing that allows SAC Health to live out our mission of serving and empowering our community. With this $3.6 million award, we can sustain and expand critical, community-focused services that patients rely on every day. Healthcare is a fundamental need, and these funds ensure that financial hardship or the cost of a doctor visit will never stand in the way of someone receiving the compassionate care they deserve.”\n\nSAC Health is a non-profit community healthcare corporation and Federally Qualified Health Center, offering health services across 35 specialties to thousands of patients in Southern California every year.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1639", "title": "Alford Advances $15.2 Million for Fourth District as Appropriations Committee Passes Transportation and Housing Funding Bill", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Mark Alford issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2027.\n\n“The House Appropriations Committee has now advanced three quarters of our funding bills through the full committee—ahead of time and under budget,” said Congressman Alford. “I’m incredibly proud this latest bill includes more than $15 million for critical Fourth District infrastructure projects as we work to turn the ‘Show Me State’ into the ‘Grow Me State.’ As communities across the Fourth District expand and we continue our efforts to attract additional growth to the region, it’s vital that our roads and bridges keep up. This bill also expands access to the American Dream of homeownership and will make housing more affordable, which are two of my top goals as Co-Chair of the Real Estate Caucus.”\n\nThrough his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $15,200,000 in federal investments for critical infrastructure projects in the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:\n\n$5,200,000 for the I-70/Lefholz Road Interchange Project in Jackson County to bolster the development of a new interchange at I-70 by adding a new connection between McQuerry and Lefholz Roads to address continued growth in the eastern portion of the county, including in Grain Valley and Oak Grove.\n\n$4,000,000 for the I-70 Expansion Companion Infrastructure Project in Columbia, MO, which will complement the existing state-led expansion by adding one lane in each way through the city and enhancing pedestrian safety features.\n\n$3,000,000 for the Dallas-Laclede County Bridge Replacement Project, which will enhance multimodal connectivity by providing a shared-use path connection by replacing a functionally deficient bridge, as well as providing safety and operational improvements, along the 64 Highway corridor at the Dallas-Laclede County Line hear Bennett Springs State Park.\n\n$3,000,000 for the Cedar-Polk 32 Highway Infrastructure Improvements Project, which will enhance safety and improve traffic operations along the 32 Highway corridor along the border of Cedar and Polk Counties by constructing turn lanes and curve realignments, while also replacing a functionally deficient bridge.\n\nOther Alford priorities included in the Transportation & HUD funding bill include:\n\nLanguage to provide Missourians with timely notifications of severe weather by ensuring the National Weather Service’s Weather Service Units at the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control centers are fully staffed.\n\nInvestments in transportation safety to modernize air traffic control bu providing resources to hire 2,300 new controllers and replace dated telecommunication infrastructure—building on the investments from the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nRequirements for HUD to study the impact of mortgage portability, which would allow federally backed mortgages to be carried between properties by a single borrower.\n\nDirects agencies to support small and rural small and rural communities in navigating competitive grant processes, while increasing transparency in the evaluation and award selection process for discretionary grants.\n\nProvisions to exempt first-time homebuyers who are first responders or teachers from mortgage insurance premiums, while encouraging HUD to consult with the Veterans Administration to examine whether VA Home Loans could be incorporated into a similar program.\n\nLanguage to support manufactured housing, giving rural families more options for affordable housing and an additional path to the American dream of homeownership.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1641", "title": "House Passes Agriculture Funding Bill, $4+ Million for Fourth District Projects", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives passing H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\nWatch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 8646 here or by clicking the image above.\n\nAs a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $4,254,782 in reasonable federal investments for the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:\n\n$1,597,750 to modernize the Cass County Sherriff’s Digital Forensics Unit, including the construction a secure addition to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office to address growing demand for digital evidence processing by providing updated laboratory space, climate-controlled evidence storage, upgraded infrastructure, and specialized forensic equipment to support law enforcement investigations.\n\n$450,000 for water quality and fire protection improvements in the City of Lexington to enhance water quality, reliability, and public safety for residents and businesses in Lexington while strengthening the overall resilience of the community’s water system.\n\n$1,000,000 to construct a new public safety building in El Dorado Springs for both the Fire and Police Departments, enhancing the services first responders can provide to the community.\n\n$1,000,000 for wastewater infrastructure improvements in the City of Higginsville, including installation of a new wastewater pump station and force main, to centralize treatment and provide essential sanitary sewer services.\n\n$207,032 to upgrade the 911 emergency system in Morgan County by modernizing the call handling system as well as hardware and software with support, enabling NextGen Core Services connection to the ESI net, implementing Text-to-911, and Net Clock.\n\nAdditional Alford priorities secured in the FY2027 Agriculture appropriations bill include:\n\nExpands efforts to address foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land by improving the USDA’s tracking system for foreign-owned land and ensuring the Secretary of Agriculture remains a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review agricultural transactions that implicate national security.\n\nContinued support for agricultural research and education at the University of Missouri, including $3 million for Livestock Genetic Engineering and Health Research and dedicated funding for the Center for Agroforestry.\n\n$10 million in dedicated funding for the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP), which provides satellite and aerial imagery used for weather forecasting and agriculture.\n\nThe PURR Act, which establishes the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) as the sole regulatory authority over pet food for dogs and cats. The pet food industry is a major job creator in Missouri.\n\nA provision to allow frozen fruits and vegetables in the GusNIP program, in line with Congressman Alford’s SHOPP Act.\n\nA $500,000 increase in funding for the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) to support Missouri pork producers.\n\nContinued support for efforts to combat High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to support Missouri poultry producers.\n\nNew support for research on diseases in cattle spread by Asian Longhorned Ticks to support Missouri cattle ranchers.\n\nEnhanced support for Operation Stork Speed by bolstering the domestic infant formula supply by encouraging more efficient and streamlined formula manufacturing inspections.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nRead a summary of the legislation here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=14356", "title": "Babin, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect MQ-9 Capabilities and Preserve Air National Guard Readiness", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://babin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "babin.house.gov", "scraper": "babin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001291", "name": "Brian Babin", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced the Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act. This bipartisan legislation prohibits the Air Force from reducing MQ-9 units or staffing levels in ways that would erode their current operational capabilities.\n\nRep. Babin said, “The 147th Attack Wing at Ellington Field in my district represents exactly why this effort is urgently needed. MQ-9 units have provided the nation with persistent ISR, strike, and other critical capabilities that strengthen our national defense. The platform that delivers this capability may evolve over time, but we cannot allow the capability, expertise, and readiness these Airmen provide to disappear without a clear and responsible path forward. I am proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Rep. Houlahan and Senators Cruz, Kelly, and Slotkin to ensure these units are not left behind. At a time when our adversaries are growing more aggressive, we should not weaken our military or hollow out proven capabilities. I will keep fighting to protect Ellington Field, strengthen our Air National Guard, and ensure the United States remains the strongest and most feared military power on Earth.”\n\nU.S. Senator Ted Cruz introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate.\n\nSen. Cruz said, “The MQ-9 is a proven, cost-effective platform that provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. In Texas, they were invaluable after the devastating July 4, 2025 floods, when the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Attack Wing deployed the MQ-9 to support search, rescue, and recovery operations along the Guadalupe River. I am proud to introduce this legislation to protect the MQ-9’s operational capabilities and preserve this vital asset.”\n\nSen. Kelly said, “This aircraft is a critical platform for the Arizona National Guard to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform strike missions. We must invest in the best tools that strengthen our national security. With this bill we’re making sure servicemembers have the equipment they need at a time of growing global threats.”\n\nSen. Slotkin said, “Protecting Air National Guard missions has been a priority for me since my time in the House. The message is simple: don't take away missions from the National Guard until you have a plan to replace it. The same rule applies here. I’m glad to have bipartisan support to protect these missions and the servicemembers that form the backbone of our military, including at Battle Creek in Michigan. The SUSTAIN Act holds the Air Force to a basic standard: show us the plan before you start cutting people and planes. Our National Guard units deserve that, and our national security will be stronger because of it.\"\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act prohibits the U.S. Air Force from reducing MQ-9 aircraft, units, or staffing levels from the date of enactment through September 30, 2032. The bill provides an exception for MQ-9 aircraft that are determined to be no longer mission-capable and too costly to repair due to a critical malfunction or if an MQ-9 unit undergoes a change of mission.\n\nThis bill has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2898", "title": "Bacon, Meeks, Hoyer, Fitzpatrick, Kaptur, Keating, and Kiley Issue Statements on Passage of Bipartisan Ukraine Support Act", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bacon.house.gov", "scraper": "bacon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001298", "name": "Don Bacon", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Bill Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee, and Kevin Kiley (CA-03) today issued the following statements on the passage of Ranking Member Meeks' bipartisan Ukraine Support Act, the first comprehensive legislation to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia to pass the House in the 119th Congress.\n\nYou can watch Rep. Bacon’s remarks on the House floor here.\n\n“Tonight, the House faced a Churchill vs. Chamberlain moment. Stand on the side of freedom and democracy, or show weakness to an invading thug who wants to restore Russian domination over a free people. Tonight, we chose Churchill,” said Rep. Bacon. “In 2024, I visited Ukraine and witnessed firsthand the devastation and cruelty that Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people. That trip and the courage of the Ukrainians have bolstered my belief that America must continue to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s brutal invasion, and the bipartisan vote this evening proves that support still exists here in Congress. I strongly urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation without delay to provide Ukraine the military aid it needs to win and impose tough sanctions that further isolate and punish Putin.”\n\n“Inaction on Ukraine ends now. Today’s bipartisan vote to pass the Ukraine Support Act demonstrates that the House stands with the Ukrainian people and that we will hold the criminal Russian regime accountable for its illegal war. I thank my Democratic colleagues and my Republican colleagues who’ve co-sponsored this bill, without whom this vote would not have been possible. And I especially thank the Ukrainian American community and all those Americans standing with Ukraine, for their tireless efforts to see this bill move forward. Now the Senate must follow suit, and work with our bipartisan group in the House to deliver the most comprehensive package possible to the President’s desk for his immediate signature,” said Ranking Member Meeks.\n\n“Today’s vote was a victory for Ukraine, for the United States, for freedom, and for international law. It was made possible because Democrats and Republicans came together behind an effort that is bigger than partisan politics – it’s about whether our nation will hold firm to its ideals and stand up for democracy, and I thank my Republican colleagues who joined us. The people of Ukraine are demonstrating that they have what it takes to win this war and outlast what Vladimir Putin can throw at them. But they cannot do it alone. Europe has stepped up, and America has been a critical partner – but we have not approved a major Ukraine-assistance package since 2024. It’s time for the Senate to follow the House and act quickly on this $8 billion in security assistance and broad, sweeping sanctions so Ukrainians can continue to push ahead toward victory,” said Rep. Hoyer.\n\n“Putin is counting on America to grow tired, divided, and distracted. Today, with a historic bipartisan vote, the House sent the opposite message,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and survival, but the stakes do not stop at Ukraine’s borders. Standing with Ukraine is a matter of American security, allied strength, and moral clarity—and it tells the world that aggression will not be met with hesitation or retreat. From the start of Russia’s illegal war of terror, I have worked to ensure America’s policy is rooted in peace through strength: equipping Ukraine to win, holding Putin accountable, and ensuring brutality never becomes leverage. This legislation gives force to that principle, and I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who stood with us on the side of freedom. Now, the Senate must do the same.”\n\n“The Ukraine Support Act which the House passed today with Democratic, Republican, and Independent support was a choice between Liberty and Tyranny. Our Free World must stand tall against tyrants, not mollycoddle them. Liberty is not negotiable, It is fundamental,\" said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. \"The war-torn people of Ukraine are not asking for charity, they’re asking for US partnership with that of our closest allies in the European Union. Today we said loud and clear: we stand with Ukraine, we need sanctions on Russia, and we will always stand by our allies. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation with haste and help us reassure our allies around the world of American’s unwavering commitment to Liberty loving people everywhere. If we do not, the next strategic reality we will face is defending our interests against an emboldened armed, expansionist Russia at a much, much higher cost.”\n\n“The importance of Ukraine’s success against Russia’s war of aggression cannot be overstated. We should be assisting them because it is the right thing to do, but at the very least, we are obligated to do it in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum. Passage of the Ukraine Support Act would demonstrate the House’s continued support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia. Critically, this bill includes billions in additional military assistance and comprehensive Russia sanctions,” said Ranking Member Keating. “I am proud to have co-led the introduction of this legislation and greatly appreciate the strong bipartisan support this bill received from Democratic and Republican members of the House. I urge the Senate to take it up so the United States can continue to support our ally Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression.”\n\n“I provided the decisive signature to force a vote on the Ukraine Support Act because the time for Congress to act is now. Today, in a bipartisan way, we made it clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide the material support necessary for their self-defense. We made it equally clear that Russia will pay a severe price for its unprovoked aggression and ongoing violence. This is the leverage needed for constructive negations to end this conflict. This is what is required for peace,” said Rep. Kiley.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=738", "title": "Rep. Balint Statement on Voting YES on Lebanon War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after voting in favor of a War Powers Resolution to cease U.S. involvement in Netanyahu’s deadly war in Lebanon.\n\n“Americans don’t want their taxpayer dollars to fuel Netanyahu’s attacks in Lebanon that have killed hundreds of civilians and displaced over a million people, just as they do not want to fund Trump’s war of choice in Iran. Both Netanyahu and Trump have continued to double down on chaos and conflict, leaving the American people to foot the bill at a time when they can’t even afford the basics—rent, groceries, prescriptions, or gas. Congress must draw the line.”\n\nRep. Balint has consistently warned that continued spending on overseas conflicts comes at the expense of investments Americans need here at home, including lowering costs, expanding affordable housing, strengthening health care, and supporting working families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/moore-goldman-introduce-legislation-to-launch-federal-investigation-into-impact-of-widespread-sports-betting", "title": "Moore, Goldman Introduce Legislation to Launch Federal Investigation into Impact of Widespread Sports Betting", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "blakemoore.house.gov", "scraper": "blakemoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001213", "name": "Blake D. Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Dan Goldman (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Gambling Disorder Health Study Act to direct the federal government to conduct a comprehensive, multi-year investigation into the causes, development, and long-term effects of gambling disorder and to evaluate prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies.\n\nDespite a skyrocketing percentage of Americans engaging in online gambling following the overturn of the federal ban on sports betting, no federal agency is currently designated or funded to lead national research in this area. This legislation would appropriate 10% of the federal excise tax revenue on state-authorized wagers to fund this study for up to three fiscal years.\n\n“We are in a new age of gambling addiction as sports betting and prediction markets have proliferated into every aspect of life. Lawmakers and all Americans need to take a deeper look into the causes and effects of gambling addiction so we can best craft real solutions. This bill will go a long way in helping us address this crisis,\" Rep. Moore said.\n\n“Gambling addiction is a growing public health crisis, especially for young men, and the federal government needs to start treating it as such,” Rep. Goldman said. “This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense first step to help us understand the full implications of the apps and sites that have made gambling readily accessible 24/7; to identify those most at risk of addiction; and to develop strategies to intervene and treat them, just as we do with other forms of addiction. Congress must take a more active role in fighting gambling addiction and pass this bill.”\n\n\"As online gambling surges, permeating the lives of Americans, we are increasingly concerned about how this experiment will unfold for those who will inevitably develop dependencies that can hurt families, weaken relationships, harm finances, and destroy mental health. The Kennedy Forum supports this bill so we can better understand the scope and scale of the issue and help curb the emerging wave of addictions for profit that rely on shame, isolation, and silence to proliferate in our culture,” said Lauren Finke, Senior Director of Policy at The Kennedy Forum.\n\nGambling addiction has become a significant public health concern in the United States, exacerbated by the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting following the Supreme Court’s decision in Murphy v. NCAA (2018), which overturned the federal ban on sports betting. By 2024, sports betting expanded from one operational state in 2017 to 39 operational states, in addition to Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico as of 2025. Correspondingly, total sports wagers increased from $4.7 billion in 2017 to approximately $220 billion wagered annually between traditional sports betting platforms and prediction markets.\n\nToday, 27% of Americans and over half of men between the ages 18-49 claim to have an active account with an online sportsbook. Moreover, 33% of men aged 18-49 have claimed to have used an online event-based prediction market to place a bet on a sports event. This growing prevalence of gambling creates concern regarding addiction and its broader mental health impacts. National data indicates that internet searches for gambling addiction help-seeking have increased 23 percent since Murphy v. NCAA, and approximately 2-3% of the national population meet one or more of the criteria for gambling disorder and experience problems due to their gambling behavior.\n\nDespite these trends, gambling addiction has not received the same level of federal attention as other addictions. Gambling disorders are classified as behavioral addictions in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, no federal agency is currently designated or funded to lead national research in this area, even though the federal government collects revenue from gambling activity through an excise tax. This lack of federal attention is particularly concerning given the widespread exposure and access to gambling.\n\nThe Gambling Disorder Health Study Act would:\n\nDirect a federal study into the causes, development, associated demographics, and long-term effects of gambling disorder and gambling-related harm and evaluate prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies. Such study would analyze the contributing factors to and policy implications of gambling disorder, including but not limited to sports betting legalization, media exposure, and other social dynamics.\n\nRequire the HHS Secretary to provide annual reporting to Congress on the study’s progress and provide policy recommendations to Congress.\n\nAppropriate 10% of the federal excise tax revenue on state-authorized wagers to fund this study for up to three fiscal years.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by The Kennedy Forum, Foundation on Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS), New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), Stop Problem Gambling, Texans Against Gambling, and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/06/04/icymi-buchanan-questions-treasury-sec-bessent-on-support-for-small-businesses-seniors/", "title": "ICYMI: Buchanan Questions Treasury Sec. Bessent on Support for Small Businesses, Seniors", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Applauds Working Families Tax Cuts and Bessent’s Leadership\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, questioned U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent on the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts and how it benefits small businesses and Florida’s seniors at a House Ways and Means Committee hearing.\n\nHere’s what Buchanan said about the Working Families Tax Cuts and its benefits for small businesses and seniors:\n\nOn the importance of making 100 percent bonus depreciation permanent for small businesses\n\nBuchanan: “Thank you for being here today, Mr. Secretary. Passing the Working Families Tax Cuts was a major win for all Americans. In addition to the record tax refunds that millions of Americans have received, I’m especially excited about the law as it pertains to small businesses. One hundred percent bonus depreciation for business investments will boost economic growth and manufacturing by encouraging small businesses to invest in America. … More than anything else, I’m excited about the fact that we made a lot of this permanent. It’ll make a huge difference, going forward, and it has already.\n\n“Mr. Secretary, the small businesses in my district tell me that 100 percent bonus depreciation is so important, and that that decision is key in buying equipment and other things. What are your thoughts on that and your experience on bonus depreciation?”\n\nSec. Bessent: “Congressman, I believe that the bonus depreciation, the full deductibility of the equipment, is one of the greatest driving forces we are seeing in our manufacturing and, in fact, our Main Street revival. I think equally important is the permanence. The Republican Congress made this permanent. Great certainty, and the 20 percent pass through rate that was also made permanent, is giving small businesses this permanence.”\n\nOn how the 199A small business deduction is cutting taxes for small business owners\n\nBuchanan: “Can you touch on 199A? That’s a big thing for a lot of people in the district. It levels the playing field with the cooperations … I wanted to get your thoughts on what you’re seeing.”\n\nSec. Bessent: “It gives the average small business about $7,000 more per year. And the small business deduction cuts taxes for 8 million small business owners by $4,600. And again, what is important here is the certainty and the permanence. It allows the small businesses to hire, to invest and plan for the future.”\n\nOn the expanded senior deduction supporting the nearly 200,000 seniors in FL-16\n\nBuchanan: “Being in Florida, we have a lot of seniors. … They’re excited about this cut. I think it’s about 200,000 seniors that I have in my district. … One of the big things is to make sure we’re talking to a lot of our seniors because most of them are taking advantage, but my sense of it is, not all of them are taking advantage. What are we doing to communicate with the seniors that haven’t taken advantage of the opportunity?”\n\nSec. Bessent: “Congressman, I was just down at The Villages in Florida, the largest retirement community, not in the United States, but in the world. And I cannot tell you the enthusiastic reception, them being able to keep most of their Social Security has made. … In general, when we saw the senior deductions, 68 percent of the filers made less than $100,000, and 96 percent of the filers, 96 percent, make less than $200,000.”\n\nBuchanan is a respected leader in Florida’s business community and has created thousands of jobs over the course of his career. He previously chaired both the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Buchanan currently serves as Vice Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and sits on the Joint Committee on Taxation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=16504", "title": "Carter secures $1.37 million for Blackshear critical infrastructure upgrades", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "buddycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "buddycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001103", "name": "Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today announced $1.37 million in funding for the Blackshear, Georgia, Highway 84 Water and Sewer Infrastructure Expansion Project as part of the House-passed Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Appropriations Act of 2027.\n\nThis funding will support the city’s rapid growth, fueled by recent economic development projects, and provide enhanced services for current residents.\n\n“Investments in basic infrastructure unlock the future potential of Georgia's communities and cities, and Blackshear is no exception. The $1,375,000 expansion of water and sewer infrastructure is precisely the type of project that enabled Pooler to become the fastest-growing city in Georgia, quadrupling its population during my tenure as Mayor,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for Blackshear and will continue supporting these investments in rural Georgia.”\n\n\"Highway 84 is one of the most important corridors in our area, and expanding water and sewer infrastructure along this route will help ensure Blackshear is prepared for future growth. This project will create new opportunities for economic development, support existing businesses, and provide the infrastructure needed to meet future demands,” said Keith Brooks, Mayor of Blackshear. “We appreciate Congressman Carter's support and his efforts to help move this important project forward for our community.\"", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/video-budzinski-calls-for-improved-delivery-for-rural-americans-at-postal-hearing", "title": "VIDEO: Budzinski Calls for Improved Delivery for Rural Americans at Postal Hearing", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Co-Chair of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus, questioned Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) Vice Chair Robert Taub during a House Oversight Committee hearing focused on the financial future of the U.S. Postal Service and the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) Plan. Budzinski raised concerns about the PRC’s findings regarding the impact of the RTO implementation on rural communities and pressed Taub on the agency’s assessment of the harm caused by these changes.\n\nCongresswoman Budzinski has been a staunch advocate of improved mail service, while strongly opposing efforts toward privatization and proposals that would reduce service reliability and speed for rural communities. Budzinski leads the Congressional Postal Service Caucus, a bipartisan group that focuses on these issues in the House of Representatives.\n\nYou can find a video of Budzinski’s opening remarks HERE and her remarks as prepared for delivering below:\n\nGood Morning and thank you to Chairman Sessions and Ranking Member Mfume for allowing me to waive onto this hearing.\n\nSecondly, I want to thank Vice Chair Taub and all of the Commissioners for being here today.\n\nThe United States Postal Service is approaching a pivotal point in its long and storied history.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2025, the Postal Service lost over 9 billion dollars and lost around 2 billion dollars in Quarter 2 of Fiscal Year 2026. I think we can all agree that loss is unacceptable.\n\nAt the most recent Board of Governors meetings, Postmaster General Steiner reiterated his calls for Congress to work with USPS to find solutions to the financial issues they are facing.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus, I am committed to that mission.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415680", "title": "Smith thanks President Trump, VA Sec. Doug CollinsSmith highlights improved VA operations and commitment to Veterans under new VA leadership", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), former Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, met with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins, where he thanked him for the Trump Administration’s historic commitment to improving Veterans’ quality of life and care, reducing Veteran homelessness, and speeding up the processing of VA benefits and claims.\n\n“Secretary Collins has been doing an extraordinary job as the new head of the VA,” said Smith, the author of 14 enacted laws to assist Veterans, including the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act (PL 107-95) (HR 2716).\n\n“Under Secretary Collins’ and President Trump’s leadership, the VA has made ending Veteran homelessness a priority—in fact, in FY25 alone, the VA permanently housed 51,936 homeless Veterans. This achievement was made possible in-part through partnerships with vital charitable organizations like Soldier On, which serves many Veterans in my congressional district,” he continued.\n\n“The VA has already made significant improvements to the quality of their facilities, the speed of their paperwork processing, and the reallocation of federal funds towards critical health initiatives, and I look forward to seeing the heights to which the VA will soar over the course of President Trump’s and Secretary Collins’ tenures.”\n\nSince President Trump has taken office in January of 2025, the VA has:\n\nReduced the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits by 62%;\n\nEliminated the backlog of Veteran families waiting for VA health care;\n\nProcessed more than three million VA disability claims;\n\nOpened 25 new VA health care clinics throughout the U.S.;\n\nOffered Veterans more than 1.9 million appointments outside of normal operating hours;\n\nLaunched a reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration management structure;\n\nRequested proposals for new community care contracts;\n\nIncreased the expenditure cap for in-home and community-based services for Veterans with certain complex medical conditions;\n\nAccelerated the deployment of its integrated electronic health record system;\n\nPermanently housed 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country in FY25;\n\nMade it easier and faster for VA-enrolled Veterans to access care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense;\n\nPartnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify and recover $106 million in duplicate billing; and\n\nEnded DEI and treatment for gender dysphoria at the department, reversing the divisive Biden-era policies and stopping more than $14 million in DEI spending.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415681", "title": "Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at CECC hearingThe PRC’s Threats to Americans: Transnational Repression & State-Level Responses", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)’s June 4th hearing, entitled “The PRC’s Threats to Americans: Transnational Repression & State-Level Responses”:\n\nBefore we begin, I want to mark a solemn anniversary. Today marks the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Thirty-seven years ago, millions of Chinese citizens peacefully asked for political reform, democratic openness, and basic human dignity. Their hope was met with tanks.\n\nThe Chinese Communist Party unleashed the People’s Liberation Army on peaceful demonstrators. Mothers lost sons. Fathers lost daughters. And China lost an idealistic generation to the violence of June 4, 1989.\n\nThere has been no full accounting of those killed, imprisoned, or disappeared. The Party still tries to erase a massacre the world must never forget. But Tiananmen cannot be erased.\n\nThe enduring image of that day is the Tank Man—the solitary figure standing before a column of tanks. His courage reminds us that the desire for freedom is not Western, not foreign, and not imposed from outside. It is universal.\n\nAs I have said before, a choice has to be made by us all: you either stand with the Tank Man, or you stand with the tank. There is no middle ground. And there is no middle ground in the subject before us today.\n\nTiananmen is not a detour from this hearing. It is the key to understanding it. The same Party that tried to crush truth at home now tries to chase truth abroad. The tactics have changed. The technology has changed. The reach has expanded. But the purpose is the same: to make people afraid to speak the truth—by almost any means necessary.\n\nInside China, the CCP uses surveillance, censorship, prison, torture, forced disappearance, and fear to maintain power. But what happens in China no longer stays in China. The Party wants to control what is said about China here and control who says it.\n\nThe CECC has warned about the CCP’s long arm for years. Long before “transnational repression” became common phrase, I held a dozen or so hearings in this Commission documenting and exposing a consistent pattern of global abuses—starting with Confucius Institutes in 2014.\n\nOver time, tactics have become more digital and more ruthless: detaining family members in China, doxxing, spyware, deepfakes, Hong Kong bounties, and illegal police stations right here in the United States. It is outrageous and unacceptable and must be stopped. Transnational repression is not the only threat Americans face. But it is part of a broader, interconnected CCP strategy.\n\nWe see that strategy in scam networks stealing from US citizens, fentanyl poisoning our cities, PRC-linked land purchases near military installations, efforts to corrupt politicians and elections, steal private personnel and biometric data, and intellectual-property theft from businesses and universities.\n\nThese may look like separate problems. But they share a common purpose: exploit our openness, gather leverage, weaken our institutions, spread propaganda, and make Americans pay a price for standing up to Beijing. Transnational repression is the most personal form of that strategy. It brings the pressure campaign to the doorstep of the student, journalist, dissident, artist, and family member. That is why state and local responses matter.\n\nA victim may first call local police. A student may go to a university official. A state attorney general may see the pattern. A state legislator may realize existing law does not fit the threat. So, the questions are practical: do local officers recognize this threat, do universities know how to protect students, do states have the tools they need, and does the federal government have a real strategy?\n\nThat is why I am proud to work with Chairman Sullivan, Senator Merkley, and Representative McGovern on the Transnational Repression Policy Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would define the abuse, improve coordination, train officials, support targeted communities, and hold perpetrators accountable. Because victims need more than sympathy. They need protection and a place to turn.\n\nBut let me make one point clear. A regime that fears a student’s question, a refugee’s protest, an artist’s statue, or the simple memory of Tiananmen is not a strong and confident superpower. It is afraid. And fear in the hands of a dictatorship is dangerous. It becomes coercion. It becomes censorship. It becomes repression that crosses borders and reaches into our communities. So, our answer must be unmistakable.\n\nIf the CCP threatens people here, there must be investigations and prosecutions. If it reaches across our borders to spread fear, there must be sanctions. If it takes family members hostage to silence a critic, we will demand their release and expose the cruelty of that tactic. And if it tries to censor a free people, we will defend and spread the rights Beijing fears most: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and the right to tell the truth without fear.\n\nBecause in the United States of America, unlike in China, no one needs the Party’s permission to speak, to worship, to protest, to remember, or to be free. That is why this hearing matters.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415687", "title": "Turkish Minute article on Smith's TLHRC hearing'US congressional commission spotlights Turkey's authoritarian rule and rights abuses'", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Turkish Minute\n\nPublished June 4, 2026\n\nTurkey is moving toward full authoritarian rule as the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan intensifies its crackdown on political opposition, independent media, civil society and perceived critics at home and abroad, US lawmakers and expert witnesses warned at a congressional hearing on Wednesday.\n\nSpeakers pointed to the March 2025 arrest of İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, pressure on the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), the misuse of terrorism charges against government critics, Turkey’s refusal to comply with European Court of Human Rights judgments and its targeting of dissidents overseas as signs of accelerating authoritarian consolidation.\n\nThe hearing was held by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan body in the US House of Representatives, and hosted by Representatives Christopher Smith, a Republican representing New Jersey, and James McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts. Witnesses included Henri Barkey, an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations; Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; Serkan Gölge, a NASA scientist who was imprisoned in Turkey for nearly five years; and Andrew O’Donohue, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.\n\nRep. Smith said thousands of people remain imprisoned in Turkey on terrorism-related charges based on activities that were lawful at the time, such as attending schools affiliated with the Gülen movement, having bank accounts at Bank Asya or maintaining ties to family members accused of links to the movement.\n\nSmith also said Turkey targets critics abroad through surveillance, intelligence-gathering and intimidation campaigns, citing an incident in which Erdoğan’s security detail attacked protesters in Washington, D.C., during an official visit.\n\nPresident Erdoğan has targeted followers of the Gülen movement, inspired by the late Muslim cleric Fethullah Gülen, since corruption investigations in December 2013 implicated him as well as some members of his family and inner circle. He dismissed the probes as a Gülenist conspiracy and later designated the movement as a terrorist organization in May 2016, intensifying a sweeping crackdown after a coup attempt in July of the same year that he accused Gülen of orchestrating. The movement denies involvement in the coup attempt or any terrorist activity.\n\nCongressman McGovern said the human rights situation in Turkey has continued to deteriorate, pointing to pressure on the main opposition CHP, criminal investigations targeting journalists and activists and Ankara’s refusal to comply with binding judgments from the European Court of Human Rights.\n\nHenri Barkey said Turkey’s state institutions have been reshaped to ensure Erdoğan’s political survival, with the judiciary increasingly used as a political tool against opponents. He described İstanbul Mayor İmamoğlu’s arrest as the most aggressive use of prosecutorial power against electoral competition in Turkey’s history.\n\nİmamoğlu, widely seen as President Erdoğan’s strongest political rival, was arrested in March 2025 on corruption charges that critics say are politically motivated and intended to sideline him ahead of the 2028 general election.\n\nBarkey warned that the appointment of trustees to opposition-run municipalities on terrorism-related grounds has enabled authorities to override democratic election results.\n\nBarkey also said tens of thousands of people dismissed under emergency decrees following the coup attempt in 2016 continue to face what he called “civil death,” losing not only their jobs but also passports, professional licenses, pensions, social security and health insurance while being stigmatized as linked to terrorism without evidence or conviction.\n\nFollowing the attempted coup, the Turkish government declared a state of emergency, known as OHAL, that remained in effect until July 19, 2018. During that period, the government purged state institutions through emergency decrees, dismissing more than 130,000 public servants, including 4,156 judges and prosecutors and more than 24,000 members of the armed forces, over alleged links to terrorist organizations.\n\nSerkan Gölge, who was imprisoned in Turkey for nearly five years before returning to the US, said his case showed how individualized justice has been replaced by collective punishment. He said activities that were legal at the time, including opening a bank account and attending a legally operating school, were presented years later as evidence of terrorism.\n\nGölge said the punishment extended to his family, with his wife and children, all US citizens, prevented from leaving Turkey while he was imprisoned.\n\nDescribing his prosecution as an example of “hostage diplomacy,” Gölge said his US citizenship brought international attention to his case, while hundreds of thousands of less visible victims of the post-coup crackdown remained largely forgotten.\n\nGölge said the post-coup purge of the judiciary left defendants in politically sensitive cases with little hope of impartial review after Turkey’s judicial council suspended 2,745 judges and prosecutors the day after the coup attempt, with more than 4,000 ultimately removed. He said the message to those who remained was clear: Rule against the government, and “you may be next.”\n\nAndrew O’Donohue warned that Turkey has reached a “dangerous inflection point,” saying the country is shifting from a system in which elections are unfair but still competitive to one in which opposition forces are prevented from gaining power.\n\nHe described İmamoğlu’s arrest as a decisive moment in that transition and warned that the muted international response risked enabling further democratic backsliding.\n\nMichael Rubin described the current period as among the most repressive in modern Turkish history, saying Erdoğan used the 2016 abortive putsch as a “gift from God” to justify a pre-planned extensive crackdown against perceived opponents.\n\nHe characterized Erdoğan’s targeting of opposition figures such as former pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtaş, İmamoğlu and CHP leader Özgür Özel as “political decapitation,” saying it was aimed at reshaping society along authoritarian lines while preserving the ruling establishment’s access to state resources.\n\nThe hearing also addressed religious freedom and the situation of Turkey’s Christian communities. While Barkey described the outlook as “a lost cause,” Rubin warned that silence would likely result in a further deterioration of religious freedoms.\n\nWitnesses called on Washington to tie cooperation with Ankara more closely to respect for the rule of law, democratic norms and fundamental rights, including at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/freedom-caucus-cheers-committee-passage-of-provision-to-end-biden-era-auto-kill-switch", "title": "Freedom Caucus Cheers Committee Passage of Provision to End Biden-Era Auto ‘Kill Switch’", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Sean Moran | Breitbart\n\n“Taxpayer dollars should not fund a surveillance system that treats every law abiding American driver as a suspect. As we work to address very real problems, we cannot allow our Constitutional liberties to be shredded or create a world where every American driver becomes a node for data gathering,” Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) told Breitbart News in a written statement.\n\nWhen Congress passed the so-called Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act during the Biden administration in 2021, it contained the HALT Drunk Driving Act.\n\nThe legislation requires the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) to write new rules that would require automakers to install anti-drunk driving technology within five years. The law orders the agency to require a “passive system” in cars that would monitor a driver’s performance, detect their blood alcohol level (BAC) equal to and exceeding .08, which is the legal limit, and prevent or limit vehicle operation whenever it detects driver impairment.\n\nThe law enflamed controversy that the government was planning to mandate a government “kill switch” on all vehicles.\n\nSome auto systems already monitor driver’s eyes and others use accelerators to detect stable inputs to steering. As part of the legislative mandate, NHTSA could mandate such systems.\n\nMothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has claimed that the technology could save “more than 10,000 lives each year.”\n\nOn Wednesday, Cloud, along with Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Marie Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA), offered an amendment to end funding the implementation of the so-called “kill switch.” The committee adopted the amendment 33 to 26.\n\nHouse Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD), also a member of the Appropriations Committee, told Breitbart News in a written statement, “The federal government controlling your car in the name of safety is straight-up dystopian. Americans want freedom — not Big Brother riding shotgun.”\n\nHe added, “Congress must kill the kill switch until we can be assured our rights are safeguarded — and so we should scrap Biden’s radical mandate now. Rep. Cloud’s amendment is the right move towards tapping the brakes on this not ready for prime time policy.”\n\nMADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart said in a statement about the amendment:\n\n“Let’s be clear. This was a vote to defund the law. It was a victory for years of inaccurate claims about a law designed to prevent drunk driving and save lives. The vote turns a bipartisan requirement for an auto safety regulation into the possibility of a study, sending a troubling message to victims and survivors who were promised meaningful action to address a crime that continues to kill 32 Americans every day.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://crane.house.gov/2026/06/04/rep-crane-cosponsors-bill-to-prohibit-former-members-of-congress-from-becoming-lobbyists/", "title": "Rep. Crane Cosponsors Bill to Prohibit Former Members of Congress From Becoming Lobbyists", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crane.house.gov/media/", "domain": "crane.house.gov", "scraper": "crane", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001132", "name": "Elijah Crane", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) introduced the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, which would bar Members of Congress from lobbying Congress upon leaving office.\n\nRep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) joined as original cosponsors of the bipartisan initiative.\n\nThroughout his tenure, Rep. Crane has consistently worked to combat lawmaker corruption. This Congress, he cosponsored Rep. Chip Roy’s (R-TX) Restore Trust in Congress Act to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks. Additionally, he signed on to Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s (R-FL) discharge petition to force a vote on halting the practice.\n\nRegarding the BLAST Act, Rep. Crane believes lawmakers should not leave Capitol Hill simply to receive high salaries for swaying their former colleagues. He also sees the measure as a way to dissuade individuals from seeking office purely for long-term financial gain.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4349", "title": "DelBene Grills Treasury Secretary on Exposing Financial Data of Millions of Americans to DOGE", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) grilled Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on why he authorized Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff to have access to a sensitive payment system that sends out money on behalf of the entire federal government. This system contains the personal information and financial data of millions of Americans. Secretary Bessent personally granted the DOGE team access to the system. This has been called “the biggest breach of US government data” ever known.\n\nHere is a link to the video, and below is the transcript:\n\nDelBene: One of President Trump's first actions was to put his billionaire donor, Elon Musk, in charge of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. By the end of Musk’s short, but destructive tenure, DOGE had nearly quadrupled its original budget, lost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in estimated interest and fee revenue, and paid 200,000 federal employees roughly $22 billion to stop working. DOGE was a massive failure. It turns out moving fast and breaking things and having no clue what the heck you're doing is not the most efficient way to govern. Unfortunately, DOGE’s destruction wasn't limited to wasting taxpayer dollars and gutting the federal service. DOGE staffers also abused their position to gain access to taxpayer-sensitive private data. Mr. Secretary, on January 31, 2025, you personally granted DOGE access to one of the Treasury Department's payment systems at the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. This database houses Americans' most sensitive data, including Social Security numbers and bank account information. Shortly after, my colleagues and I requested the GAO review DOGE’s unprecedented access to this critical payment system. GAO completed that report last month, and I ask for unanimous consent to insert it in the record.\n\nChairman Smith: Without objection.\n\nDelBene: Thank you. GAO’s audit determined that a DOGE employee was inadvertently granted temporary access to create, modify, and delete data from the payment system. Mr. Secretary, you failed to impose basic safeguards that left millions of Americans' personal data vulnerable to unauthorized access and abuse. And so my question for you is, do you take responsibility for that, and what specific managers, if any, have you taken afterwards to protect the affected individuals' data and rebuild confidence in your department's handling of sensitive information?\n\nBessent: Again, would you care to look up what is inadvertent mean?\n\nDelBene: Did you – Have you taken – But you're in charge? You are responsible for this. Do you take responsibility for that? Do you take responsibility?\n\nBessent: I will take responsibility –\n\nDelBene: Okay. And then what has been done to make sure that can never happen again?\n\nBessent: Congresswoman, it was read only. They had no ability to edit.\n\nDelBene: What has happened to make sure that never happens again?\n\nBessent: We have, just as we have at the IRS, we have tightened up all protocols on systems.\n\nDelBene: I guess that's not very specific, but the GAO also found that a DOGE staffer sent an unencrypted file containing USAID payment information and individuals' names to external DOGE personnel at the General Services Administration. Soon after, it was reported no disciplinary action was taken, despite the employee's failure to protect federal and non-federal employees' sensitive personal data and comply with security requirements. So, again, Mr. Secretary, when employees who violate IT security rules are not held accountable – what does that message send to agencies? And why don't you hold –\n\nBessent: Why are you bringing up USAID with me?\n\nDelBene: Because a DOGE staffer – GAO found that a DOGE staffer had payment information, payment information –\n\nBessent: USAID I do not oversee. I wear many hats in this administration –\n\nDelBene: And this is still – this is a file containing payment information. Are you not in charge also of the Treasury?\n\nBessent: That has – USAID, that has nothing to do with us.\n\nDelBene: But payment information has nothing to do with you?\n\nBessent: Again, it was not sourced at the Treasury. Why are you bringing this up with me?\n\nDelBene: So, GAO provided six recommendations to address identified weaknesses, including ensuring staff agree to comply with IT security rules and configuring systems to detect and prevent the transmission of unencrypted payment data. The report states that the Fiscal Service, again, the Fiscal Service – part of your agency – agreed with three of the recommendations and did not state whether it agreed or disagreed with the other three. So, Mr. Secretary, can you confirm Treasury's position? – This is part of your purview – Treasury's position on all six recommendations, and if you agree that they're warranted, please let us know, and if you disagree with the recommendations, please explain why.\n\nBessent: Again, I don't have a copy of the recommendations in front of me, your office did not share them in advance. We'd be happy to get back to you. That we would obviously agree with the ones where we've already agreed.\n\nDelBene: So I hope that you understand that these are findings from the GAO about ensuring that information is protected. And again we have seen access to taxpayer information. What are you doing to address this? And are you taking responsibility? People don't have faith that access has been given against the law.\n\nBessent: Well, again, President Trump and his family and employees of the Trump Organization – 400,000 people – had their tax returns stolen at the IRS.\n\nDelBene: You are in charge. What are you doing to prevent that? Americans peoples’ sensitive information has been leaked outside –\n\nSmith: Ms. DelBene, your time has expired.\n\nBessent: We have tightened the protocols. We have tightened access.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3192", "title": "TRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Speaks on Meta Data Center, Drunk Driving During Appropriations Markup", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last night, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) spoke during the House Appropriations Committee mark up of the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill, and the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Bill. In her remarks, she spoke on two amendments.\n\nThe first amendment was provided by Rep. Escobar to prohibit the use of federal funds to implement a policy proposed by President Trump that would clear the way for construction to begin on data centers without local input. This amendment was rejected by Republicans.\n\nThe second amendment was provided by Republicans to block federal agencies from researching technologies used to prevent drunk driving. It was passed by Republicans.\n\nThe videos can be found here and here, and a transcript of both parts can be found below:\n\nRep. Escobar Amendment (Data Centers)\n\nCongresswoman Escobar: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My amendment is about data centers, and I know I have stood up and spoken about data centers before in this committee. And I want to share with you all that in my community, the data center issue is probably the number one front and center issue. And if data centers haven't come to your community yet, they will, and hopefully we can do something to protect your community before that happens.\n\nWe know that many of our residents are already dealing with skyrocketing utility bills. In my community, we are dealing with a rapidly warming environment. In fact, El Paso is the third fastest warming community in America, behind Reno and behind Las Vegas. We are breaking records. Unfortunately, we have the dubious distinction of breaking heat records in my community now, and we have three data centers going up in our region already, with another one planned on our military installation. And these data centers are using gas turbines to more than double the electrical output. They need a lot of electricity. And in my community, we have issues with air quality. I am really concerned that we are going to reach a non attainment level in El Paso with the proliferation of these data centers.\n\nI'm also worried about water. The drought that we have to deal with is real. And in El Paso for decades, we have regulated ourselves. We've xeriscaped lawns. People have pulled up, you know, their water-thirsty lawns and put xeriscape. We limit our showers. We only water our outdoor plants on certain days of the week during certain hours. But yet here come data centers that are going to use hundreds of gallons per day to keep them cool.\n\nAnd I will tell you, it's not just my community that's concerned about the proliferation of these data centers. A recent Gallup poll found that 71% of Americans oppose building AI data centers in their backyards. 71% of Americans. This is a bipartisan issue with bipartisan concern.\n\nThe EPA's proposed rule revision to begin actual construction in the new source review, or the NSR, pre-construction permitting program, changes the definition of when a facility “begins actual construction to only require a Clean Air Act permit before constructing emitting units, not other facility components.” And what this means is that a data center that relies on gas polluting generators like those in my community, they'd be able to begin millions of dollars worth of construction without permits and, more importantly, without the public comment period that these permits require.\n\nOne of the data center companies constructing a data center in my community is Meta, and Meta made all sorts of assurances before coming into the community, and I've been trying to get them to participate in the town hall with me.\n\nAnd we have security at our town halls. We've never let our town halls get out of control. You know, like all of you, we have order to our conversations in the community. But constituents have real questions and they deserve answers. Meta has refused to engage with my community. We cannot let these big corporations have access to our natural resources without the public being involved, without there being a process.\n\nAnd so that is what my amendment would do ensure that the public has the ability to have a public comment period before construction begins. Let's give our folks a chance to ask their questions and have a say in our own communities.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.\n\nRepublican Amendment (Drunk Driving)\n\nCongresswoman Escobar: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want to say to the author and the collaborators: I understand where you're coming from, and I am not - I think your motivations are good, but I do rise in opposition to this amendment.\n\nTexas is one of the worst states when it comes to drunk driving. And in fact, let me read you some statistics. Texas is home to five cities with the highest rate of drunk driving fatalities, and unfortunately, my community has the dubious distinction of being the top offender. Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, and Arlington all have alcohol related crash fatality rates between 46.3% and 51.9%. In El Paso, that number is 61%.\n\nWe should not be standing in the way of options provided to Congress. As my colleague from the state of Florida mentioned, we will have the ability to say no to technology that we think goes too far.\n\nIn my community, my constituents think Congress isn't doing enough to stop drunk driving. Vehicles are weapons when an impaired or drunk driver is behind the wheel. And absolutely, there's different forms of impairment for sure: distracted driving, texting while driving, changing radio stations, other drugs, and we have to think about that as well. But the statistics show that someone has driven drunk 80 times on average before they are finally caught.\n\nAnd this is a crisis in many communities. There is no kill switch right now. Frankly, one of the organizations in my community, the Sober Streets movement, would probably love a kill switch because they are a club no one wants to be a part of. They have lost children, spouses, loved ones, to someone who didn't bother to order an Uber, a Lyft or get a ride home.\n\nThere's a lot of work we have to do as members to create safer communities, and I want to look at the menu of options. That's what the language in the bipartisan bill did. When we get the options before us, we can then debate those options. But why would we place limitations on something that is a crisis in many communities right now, and the research that's going in to finding solutions?\n\nI'd like for us to do more, not less. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://fallon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1677", "title": "Fallon Statement on the Military Personnel Print of the FY27 NDAA", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fallon.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fallon.house.gov", "scraper": "fallon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000246", "name": "Pat Fallon", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Military Personnel (MLP) Subcommittee Chairman Pat Fallon (R-TX) delivered the following remarks on the Military Personnel Print at the Full Committee Markup of the Chairman's Mark of H.R. 8800, the FY27 NDAA.\n\n\"The Military Personnel print was developed in a bipartisan manner and includes member priorities focused on taking care of service members and their families to ensure we have the most capable and ready fighting force in the world.\"\n\nChairman Fallon's Statement as Prepared for Delivery:", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/6/house-passes-fitzpatrick-led-bipartisan-ukraine-support-act", "title": "House Passes Fitzpatrick-Led Bipartisan Ukraine Support Act", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, along with Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05); Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus; Bill Keating (MA-09), Ranking Member of the Europe Subcommittee; Don Bacon (NE-02); and Kevin Kiley (CA-03) issued the following statement on the passage of the bipartisan Ukraine Support Act, the first comprehensive legislation to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia to pass the House in the 119th Congress.\n\n“Putin is counting on America to grow tired, divided, and distracted. Today, with a historic bipartisan vote, the House sent the opposite message,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and survival, but the stakes do not stop at Ukraine’s borders. Standing with Ukraine is a matter of American security, allied strength, and moral clarity—and it tells the world that aggression will not be met with hesitation or retreat. From the start of Russia’s illegal war of terror, I have worked to ensure America’s policy is rooted in peace through strength: equipping Ukraine to win, holding Putin accountable, and ensuring brutality never becomes leverage. This legislation gives force to that principle, and I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who stood with us on the side of freedom. Now, the Senate must do the same.”\n\n“Inaction on Ukraine ends now. Today’s bipartisan vote to pass the Ukraine Support Act demonstrates that the House stands with the Ukrainian people and that we will hold the criminal Russian regime accountable for its illegal war. I thank my Democratic colleagues and my Republican colleagues who’ve co-sponsored this bill, without whom this vote would not have been possible. And I especially thank the Ukrainian American community and all those Americans standing with Ukraine, for their tireless efforts to see this bill move forward. Now the Senate must follow suit, and work with our bipartisan group in the House to deliver the most comprehensive package possible to the President’s desk for his immediate signature” said Ranking Member Meeks.\n\n“Today’s vote was a victory for Ukraine, for the United States, for freedom, and for international law. It was made possible because Democrats and Republicans came together behind an effort that is bigger than partisan politics – it’s about whether our nation will hold firm to its ideals and stand up for democracy, and I thank my Republican colleagues who joined us. The people of Ukraine are demonstrating that they have what it takes to win this war and outlast what Vladimir Putin can throw at them. But they cannot do it alone. Europe has stepped up, and America has been a critical partner – but we have not approved a major Ukraine-assistance package since 2024. It’s time for the Senate to follow the House and act quickly on this $8 billion in security assistance and broad, sweeping sanctions so Ukrainians can continue to push ahead toward victory,” said Hoyer.\n\n“The Ukraine Support Act which the House passed today with Democratic, Republican, and Independent support was a choice between Liberty and Tyranny. Our Free World must stand tall against tyrants, not mollycoddle them. Liberty is not negotiable, It is fundamental,\" said Kaptur. \"The war-torn people of Ukraine are not asking for charity, they’re asking for US partnership with that of our closest allies in the European Union. Today we said loud and clear: we stand with Ukraine, we need sanctions on Russia, and we will always stand by our allies. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation with haste and help us reassure our allies around the world of American’s unwavering commitment to Liberty loving people everywhere. If we do not, the next strategic reality we will face is defending our interests against an emboldened armed, expansionist Russia at a much, much higher cost.”\n\n“The importance of Ukraine’s success against Russia’s war of aggression cannot be overstated. We should be assisting them because it is the right thing to do, but at the very least, we are obligated to do it in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum. Passage of the Ukraine Support Act would demonstrate the House’s continued support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia. Critically, this bill includes billions in additional military assistance and comprehensive Russia sanctions,” said Ranking Member Keating. “I am proud to have co-led the introduction of this legislation and greatly appreciate the strong bipartisan support this bill received from Democratic and Republican members of the House. I urge the Senate to take it up so the United States can continue to support our ally Ukraine in their defense against Russian aggression.”\n\n“Tonight, the House faced a Churchill vs. Chamberlain moment. Stand on the side of freedom and democracy, or show weakness to an invading thug who wants to restore Russian domination over a free people. Tonight, we chose Churchill,” said Bacon. “In 2024, I visited Ukraine and witnessed firsthand the devastation and cruelty that Russia has inflicted on the Ukrainian people. That trip and the courage of the Ukrainians have bolstered my belief that America must continue to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s brutal invasion, and the bipartisan vote this evening proves that support still exists here in Congress. I strongly urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation without delay to provide Ukraine the military aid it needs to win and impose tough sanctions that further isolate and punish Putin.”\n\n“I provided the decisive signature to force a vote on the Ukraine Support Act because the time for Congress to act is now. Today, in a bipartisan way, we made it clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide the material support necessary for their self-defense. We made it equally clear that Russia will pay a severe price for its unprovoked aggression and ongoing violence. This is the leverage needed for constructive negations to end this conflict. This is what is required for peace,” said Kiley.\n\nBackground:\n\nToday’s vote builds on Fitzpatrick’s broader work to advance a Ukraine policy rooted in peace through strength: sustaining critical security assistance, increasing pressure on Putin’s war machine, and ensuring any path to peace protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and is accepted by the free and independent Government of Ukraine.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Fitzpatrick has helped lead bipartisan efforts to hold Russia accountable and confront the full scope of Putin’s aggression, from battlefield brutality to attacks on civilians, religious communities, and abducted Ukrainian children. He has seen the stakes firsthand on the front lines of Ukraine, meeting directly with Ukrainian leaders, servicemembers, and civilians defending their country and their freedom.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7378", "title": "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes for  Ukraine Security Assistance", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "fletcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fletcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000468", "name": "Lizzie Fletcher", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for the Ukraine Support Act, H.R. 2913, to authorize security assistance and economic investments for Ukraine and to impose new financial sanctions and export restrictions on Russia until it ceases its war against Ukraine.\n\n\"For years, the Ukrainian people have demonstrated remarkable courage and perseverance in their fight for democracy and the preservation of their sovereignty,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “They deserve our full support—and that is why I voted for the Ukraine Support Act. It is critical that we hold Russia accountable through tougher sanctions and lay the groundwork for Ukraine's reconstruction, and I urge the Senate to take up this legislation without delay.\"\n\nIf enacted, H.R. 2913 would:\n\nExpand foreign military financing loans and other security assistance for Ukraine;\n\nEstablish a fund to help Ukraine with post-war reconstruction, funded by a new tax on frozen Russian sovereign assets held in the U.S.;\n\nDirect the U.S. Department of State to engage in efforts to obtain foreign investment in the Ukrainian economy and to counter Russian disinformation; and\n\nDirect the President to impose new sanctions and financial restrictions on certain Russian officials, companies, and foreign entities conducting transactions with Russia.\n\nH.R. 2913 now moves to the Senate for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-ai-commission-statement-on-ai-discussion-draft", "title": "House AI Commission Statement on AI Discussion Draft", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC (June 4, 2026) — Today, the House Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy released the following statement:\n\n“While we appreciate the bipartisan effort from Representatives Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan, their proposed discussion draft on AI does not meet the enormity of the moment. We do not support the discussion draft as it currently stands.\n\nThe House Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy has spent months working closely with our colleagues and key stakeholders from civil society organizations, industry, labor, academia, and others addressing AI issues. Many of those same organizations share our view that this document cannot serve as the basis for productive dialogue.\n\nWe look forward to continuing this discussion and developing thoughtful AI policies that protect the American people and drive American innovation.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-valerie-foushee-votes-in-favor-of-lebanon-war-powers-resolution", "title": "Rep. Valerie Foushee Votes in Favor of Lebanon War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC (June 4, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.Con.Res.84, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib’s Lebanon War Powers Resolution, to end U.S. participation in Israel’s hostilities in Lebanon.\n\n“The United States has reportedly assisted with Israel’s killings in Lebanon, including using U.S.-supplied weapons and intelligence. This vote is not a vote in support of Hezbollah, it is a vote against our country’s constant participation in unauthorized wars that compromise our humanitarian standards and put innocent civilians at risk,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “Continuing to support the death and destruction at the hands of Israel in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran is completely out of touch. Congress must stop arms sales to Israel, prioritize funding for much-needed humanitarian relief in these regions, and pass War Powers Resolutions that prevent Trump from further sinking our country into endless wars.”\n\nCongresswoman Foushee is a cosponsor of H.Con.Res.84 and has been a cosponsor of a similar resolution introduced by Congresswoman Tlaib, H.Con.Res.83, since April of 2026.\n\nCongresswoman Foushee is also a supporter of the Block the Bombs Act, Iran War Powers Resolution, Cuba War Powers Resolution, and Venezuela War Powers Resolution. In May, Congresswoman Foushee introduced an Iran War Powers Resolution of her own.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-valerie-foushee-mike-thompson-gun-violence-prevention-task-force-press-ai-executives-on-chatbot-safety", "title": "Reps. Valerie Foushee, Mike Thompson, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Press AI Executives on Chatbot Safety", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC (June 4, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04), Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and members of the task force sent a letter to OpenAI and Google DeepMind urging the companies to address the risks posed by online chatbots and requesting information on the steps they are taking to protect consumers and public safety.\n\n“Given gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens, we urge you to acknowledge the serious risks your AI systems may be exacerbating and to take immediate action to address them,” the lawmakers wrote. “We are particularly alarmed by reports that individuals have consulted your AI chatbots regarding carrying out criminal acts, committing suicide, or confided thoughts incompatible with the safety and welfare of themselves or others.”\n\n“In these interactions, chatbots reinforced, rather than dissuaded, real-world harm, including mass shootings, wrongful deaths, and suicide,” the lawmakers continued. “The language generated by these chatbots has undoubtably led to serious harm. By providing information and strategies to shooters, they have contributed to preventable loss of life.”\n\n“As chatbots become more pertinent to society and individuals’ lives, it is time to address the risks of chatbots providing hazardous information and AI-induced psychosis,” the lawmakers concluded. “While we continue to hope that current efforts and future models ensure user safety, we must request a staff-level congressional briefing on these matters, along with written responses.”\n\nThe letter follows reports and legal filings alleging that AI chatbots were used in connection with violent and harmful acts in British Columbia, at Florida State University, and at Miami International Airport. This week, Florida’s State Attorney General filed the first lawsuit by a state against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the company’s chatbot failed to adequately protect users.\n\nThe letter demands that OpenAI and Google DeepMind provide written responses regarding:\n\nWhether the companies, their subsidiaries, affiliated entities, or predecessor entities have been subject to any state or federal investigation, regulatory inquiry, enforcement action, fine, penalty, civil judgment, settlement agreement, or consent decree related to allegations of physical harm, mental or emotional harm, wrongful death, homicide, suicide, or facilitation of violence.\n\nWhat user data the companies collect from minors, how that data is used to train models, and how a user’s age affects chatbot behavior.\n\nWhat safeguards the companies tested before releasing products to minors or users with varying mental-health statuses.\n\nWhat policies are in place when users discuss harming themselves or others, or request information about deadly weapons, including whether the companies notify law enforcement or mental-health organizations when a user shares plans to harm themselves or others.\n\nThe letter was signed by Representatives Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25).", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1916", "title": "Franklin Statement On House Passage Of FY27 Agriculture Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "franklin.house.gov", "scraper": "franklin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000472", "name": "Scott Franklin", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Scott Franklin issued the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:\n\n\"I’m pleased the House advanced our FY27 Agriculture spending bill. As Vice Chair of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommitteerepresenting the largest agriculture district east of the Mississippi, I've seen firsthand the challenges facing American agriculture and the importance of maintaining a strong domestic food supply.\n\n“This legislation strengthens agricultural research and animal and plant health programs that help producers stay competitive and protect our food supply from threats like avian influenza and New World Screwworm, which was just detected this week in Texas. It also supports rural communities, strengthens food safety efforts and takes meaningful steps to address foreign ownership of American farmland and strengthen oversight of transactions involving adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.\n\n“In Central Florida, agriculture isn't just an industry, it's a way of life. The men and women who produce our food face significant challenges. Rising costs, foreign competition, invasive pests, animal diseases, severe weather and burdensome regulations all threaten their ability to remain competitive. A strong domestic food supply is essential to our economic security, national security and way of life.\n\n“I’m encouraged a second FY27 appropriations bill has passed the House, taking another step toward restoring regular order. With nine of twelve appropriations bills already approved by the full committee, Congress is making steady progress funding the government through a more transparent and accountable process while keeping taxpayer dollars focused on core priorities.\"", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-marie-gluesenkamp-perez-statement-on-the-iran-war-powers-resolution", "title": "Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Statement on the Iran War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, I voted to end the disastrous war in Iran.\n\nWhen I talk to members of my community, what I hear is that they need gas prices to come down, they need to afford to put food on the table. They don’t need us to continue a multi-billion dollar war that drives up costs and wastes taxpayer money.\n\nI’ve always said my role as a member of Congress is to ensure that prolonged military action is durable and strategic. This war is neither, and it’s time for it to end.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6095", "title": "Rep. Jimmy Gomez Statement on Lebanon War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Lebanon War Powers Resolution:\n\n\"I just voted to help ensure the U.S. doesn’t get involved in the conflict in Lebanon and to protect our troops from being drawn into another war in the Middle East.\n\n\"Let me be clear: Hezbollah is a terrorist organization, and nothing in this vote prevents the United States from defending itself or protecting our troops from terrorist threats.\n\n\"But the last thing working families need is another open-ended war that the U.S. has no part in.\n\n\"Congress has a constitutional responsibility to decide when and where the United States goes to war, and getting involved in Lebanon isn’t in the interest of Americans at home or abroad.\"", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/statement-house-ai-commission-on-ai-discussion-draft", "title": "STATEMENT: House AI Commission on AI Discussion Draft", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, June 4, 2026, the House Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy released the following statement:\n\n“While we appreciate the bipartisan effort from Representatives Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan, their proposed discussion draft on AI does not meet the enormity of the moment. We do not support the discussion draft as it currently stands.\n\nThe House Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy has spent months working closely with our colleagues and key stakeholders from civil society organizations, industry, labor, academia, and others addressing AI issues. Many of those same organizations share our view that this document cannot serve as the basis for productive dialogue.\n\nWe look forward to continuing this discussion and developing thoughtful AI policies that protect the American people and drive American innovation.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5224", "title": "Grothman's State Emissions Authority Act Considered in House Energy and Commerce Committee", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "grothman.house.gov", "scraper": "grothman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000576", "name": "Glenn Grothman", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Glenn Grothman’s (R-WI) State Emissions Authority Act, legislation to remove burdensome federal vehicle emissions testing requirements and restore state authority, was considered by the House Energy and Commerce’s Environment Subcommittee today.\n\nFor decades, the Clean Air Act has required certain states to operate vehicle emissions testing programs under federal mandates based on standards developed long before modern advances in vehicle technology. Grothman's legislation would give states greater flexibility by eliminating these Clean Air Act requirements, which impose unnecessary costs and administrative burdens on drivers, businesses, and state governments.\n\n\"Federal emissions testing mandates were enacted decades ago to address challenges that have since been addressed through technological innovation and cleaner vehicles,\" said Congressman Grothman. \"Yet, federal law continues to require many states, including Wisconsin, to maintain costly testing programs that place unnecessary burdens on drivers and businesses. My bill restores flexibility to the states, reduces unnecessary costs, and updates federal law to reflect the realities of today's vehicles. I am pleased to see the Energy and Commerce Committee consider this legislation.\"\n\n“The State Emissions Authority Act is a timely update to current federal requirements. It empowers states, aligns with modern vehicle technology, and reduces unnecessary costs for drivers and businesses.” – Debbie Sparks, Executive Director of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association\n\n\"The State Emissions Authority Act restores a basic principle: states, not Washington, should decide whether vehicle emissions-testing programs make sense for their residents. These federal mandates impose real costs on families, small businesses, and state governments, even as vehicle technology has changed and states are fully capable of making these decisions for themselves. This bill ends the one-size-fits-all federal requirement and returns that authority to the states.” - Jason Hayes, Director of Energy and Environment at the America First Policy Institute\n\n“States are spending much-needed taxpayer dollars on vehicle inspection programs that are often a waste of time and money. Cars rarely fail the emissions tests. The federal government should stop forcing these inspection requirements onto states. Let states decide if such programs make sense. And make no mistake, states have every reason to figure out how best to meet the stringent federal air quality standards. If inspections make sense, then states will keep them. If not, then states can identify better and different ways to improve air quality. The State Emissions Authority Act addresses this one-size-fits-all and outdated federal mandate.” - Daren Bakst, Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Director of the Center for Energy and Environment\n\n“As air quality continues to improve across the country, allowing states more flexibility to meet ambient air quality standards is appropriate and acknowledges that new vehicle technologies will continue to provide lasting air quality benefits.” – The American Trucking Association\n\nBackground Information\n\nCongressman Grothman introduced the State Emissions Authority Act to amend the Clean Air Act and eliminate federal mandates requiring states to operate vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs, commonly known as emissions testing.\n\nThese requirements were established in the 1970s and 1990s, before major improvements in vehicle technology, cleaner fuels, and modern emissions-control systems. As vehicle emissions have declined significantly over the past several decades, many states and drivers continue to face the costs and inconveniences associated with federally mandated testing programs.\n\nThe State Emissions Authority Act would:\n\nEliminate federal facility compliance requirements tied to state inspection programs.\n\nRemove Clean Air Act provisions requiring vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in ozone nonattainment areas.\n\nRepeal statutory language requiring inspection programs within the Ozone Transport Region.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the America First Policy Institute, American Trucking Associations, Competitive Enterprise Institute, National Motor Freight Traffic Association, and Truckload Carriers Association.\n\nThe State Emissions Authority Act was highlighted by the House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee on June 3, 2026.\n\n-30-\n\nU.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391066", "title": "Chairmen Guthrie, Joyce, and Latta Request Investigation of Foreign Adversaries’ Efforts to Block American Data Center Buildout", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news", "domain": "guthrie.house.gov", "scraper": "guthrie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000558", "name": "Brett Guthrie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, sent a letter to the Co-Chairs of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel requesting information about the evidence that strongly suggests there are foreign influence campaigns working to slow American AI progress and block the development of the infrastructure we need to power it.\n\n“Our nation is locked in a race with China to innovate and lead the world in the development of Artificial Intelligence technologies. The fact that Chinese Communist Party-backed entities and other foreign adversaries may be attempting to influence decisions related to American data center infrastructure puts into perspective how serious of a fight we are in. Americans deserve to know who is bankrolling the disinformation campaign that seeks to block critical infrastructure investments,” said Chairman Guthrie. “Data centers are the foundational computing structure that makes modern life possible. From financial and medical records that underpin the economy and personal health care to the photos and emails on our phones to the critical infrastructure that keeps the electricity flowing to homes and businesses, so much of what we take for granted in our daily digital lives relies on the data center infrastructure across the country. Our adversaries in Beijing fundamentally understand this, and that’s why our Committee is working to address this critical issue.”\n\nKey excerpt from the letter:\n\n“In July 2025, the White House released an action plan titled, ‘Winning the Race: America’s Action Plan,’ which states, ‘[w]hoever has the largest AI ecosystem will set global AI standards and reap broad economic and military benefits. Just like we won the space race, it is imperative that the United States and its allies win this race.’ As the Committee with legislative jurisdiction over matters related to energy, telecommunications, health care, and environment, advancements in AI and the buildout of infrastructure supporting this technology, such as data centers, is of keen interest. The U.S. is in a global race for technological superiority that has significantly raised the stakes for economic and national security if our nation falls behind. It is critical that this Administration takes any effort to undermine this objective—particularly from foreign adversaries—with a great deal of seriousness.”\n\nCLICK HERE to read the full letter.\n\nCLICK HERE to read more from the New York Post.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391067", "title": "Guthrie Votes in Favor of House Appropriations Package, Investing in Rural Communities", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news", "domain": "guthrie.house.gov", "scraper": "guthrie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000558", "name": "Brett Guthrie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in favor of H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This legislation allocates over $26 billion to protect our nation’s food supply, support Kentucky farmers, and prioritize Americans’ health for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\n“Today marks another historic step in Congressional efforts to support our nation’s agricultural producers and rural communities,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This legislation will invest billions to support rural development initiatives, strengthen nutrition programs for Americans in need, and provide additional funding for research to improve the stability of our agriculture industry. This bill is a win for our Commonwealth’s rural communities and the more than 20,000 farms that call Kentucky’s Second District home.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027 allocates $26.27 billion in funding to support Kentucky agriculture, rural communities, and Americans most in need. H.R. 8646 accomplishes these goals by:\n\n– Increasing funding for the Agricultural Research Service to $1.79 billion, which will help high-priority research of emerging pests and diseases.\n\n– Adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review agricultural transactions, including purchases made by China.\n\n– Allocating $1.15 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to support animal health and specialty crop programs.\n\n–Providing over $100 billion in mandatory funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide nutrition assistance for our most vulnerable.\n\n– Providing $8 billion in funding for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and ensuring access to fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables, making all affordable options available to eligible mothers and children.\n\nA summary of this legislation, provided by the House Committee on Appropriations, before amendments, can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5944", "title": "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Opposes Funding Bill that Cuts WIC and International Food Aid, Attacks the LGBTQ Community", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gwenmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "gwenmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001160", "name": "Gwen Moore", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Instead of strengthening programs that help our farmers sell their products and help families keep food on the table, Republicans are cutting these programs to fund tax goodies for billionaires.\n\nThe FY 2026 funding bill would also cut WIC and deny children and families full access to the fresh produce benefit. Earlier this year, I led a letter that over 100 of my House colleagues joined, urging full funding and how WIC, so it can better meet the nutritional and developmental needs of those it serves.\n\nAnd I am also disappointed that this bill fails to include language to reduce burdensome in-person requirements that keep eligible people from participating.\n\nThis partisan funding bill would also hurt our farmers and our international food aid programs. By cutting the Food for Peace program, Republicans could also keep farmers from earning critical revenue from food that helps feeds starving children around the world.\n\nAnd never missing an opportunity to push their ideological agenda, House Republicans included a harmful provision that empowers government workers to discriminate against Americans for who they love.\n\nInstead of working to lower the cost of living, Republicans are doubling down on their cuts to anti-hunger programs and their anti-LGBTQ agenda. That’s why today, I voted No.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=54166ED2-A979-46C9-A314-A4E32587AE14", "title": "Congressman Rogers Advances Nearly $85 Million for Flood-Resilient Housing, Veterans’ Ranch and Infrastructure Projects in Eastern Kentucky", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced nearly $85 million for Eastern Kentucky projects won the approval of the House Appropriations Committee, moving on for a vote in the House. The federal funding will be used to provide flood-resilient housing, a veterans’ ranch, safer roads, clean water and stronger infrastructure in Kentucky’s Appalachian region.\n\nCongressman Rogers secured the Community Project Funding for ten projects through the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n“This funding will address major needs in Eastern Kentucky, giving flood survivors a safe place to call home, completing a veterans’ support ranch, and continuing the work to improve our rural roads, airports and water systems,” said Congressman Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee. “Additionally, the bill invests in new opportunities for our distressed coal communities, transitional housing for individuals in recovery and development projects that will make our region stronger and work-ready.”\n\nThe ten projects requested by Congressman Rogers for nearly $85 million in Community Project Funding, include:\n\n$26 million for the U.S. 460 Corridor Improvement Project, providing safety and capacity improvements from Salyersville to Paintsville, a vital artery for economic growth in the region.\n\n$20 million for the Hazard Airport Runway Project, extending the existing runway at the Wendell H. Ford Airport in Perry County to improve safety, as well as commercial and industrial opportunities.\n\n$7 million for the Southern Water and Sewer District Water Infrastructure Improvements Project in Floyd County, providing critical improvements for more than 14,000 homes, schools and businesses, including the local hospital.\n\n$7.3 million for the Downtown Inez Infrastructure and Revitalization Project in Martin County, repairing water and utility needs and preparing the downtown area for new economic opportunities.\n\n$8 million for the Sandy Ridge Access Road Project in Boyd County, connecting the industrial park to the commercial district to increase safety and improve economic opportunities.\n\n$6 million for the Kentucky Produce Facility Project in Rockcastle County, which will convert fresh, whole produce into ready-to-use formats for food service, wholesale, retail and institutional markets, strengthening Kentucky-based food systems and producers.\n\n$4 million for the Skyview Phase II Housing Development Project in Perry County, supporting construction of high-ground, flood-resilient and energy efficient homes.\n\n$2 million for the Bluegrass Veterans Ranch Project in Pulaski County, completing transitional housing, community facilities and learning center infrastructure for a veterans’ support facility just outside of Somerset, Kentucky.\n\n$2 million for the Corbin Parking Garage Project, providing much-needed parking for the ongoing expansion of the Corbin Center to relieve traffic congestion and growing economic development in the area.\n\n$2 million for the Prestonsburg Parking Garage Project, investing in the construction of a parking garage in downtown Prestonsburg to meet growing infrastructure needs where available real estate is limited.\n\nThe bill also includes funding for the Distressed Coal Communities program, Community Development Block Grants for rural communities, planning assistance for historically disadvantaged communities, continued work on the Appalachian Development Highway System and much more.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3D338E78-8365-4B80-8880-D80380EEB875", "title": "Hayes Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "hayes.house.gov", "scraper": "hayes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001081", "name": "Jahana Hayes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) issued the following statement after House Democrats forced the passage of a War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran unless authorized by Congress. The vote passed 215-208. This was the fifth time the House has voted to end the hostilities in Iran.\n\n“For months, the President has violated the Constitution by engaging in conflict with Iran. This unnecessary war has caused the loss of American troops, soaring energy costs and supply chain disruptions, and increased concern about domestic security and polarization. The war is widely unpopular, as 60 percent of American adults disapprove of the conflict.\n\nI joined my colleagues in passing H.Con.Res.86 to force the President to adhere to the constitution which mandates troops be withdrawn within 60 days unless Congress authorizes continued action. This check on the President’s ability to commit U.S. armed forces to armed conflict without congressional consent is critical and my vote asserts that constitutional authority.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-vote-on-lebanon-war-powers-resolutions", "title": "Rep. Huffman Vote on Lebanon War Powers Resolutions", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) released the following statement on the Lebanon War Powers Resolutions:\n\n“Trump has dragged Americans into too many reckless and costly conflicts in the Middle East, and I am committed to supporting the Lebanese people and making sure Trump doesn’t get us into another illegal forever war in their country. The more effective way to do that is with the new War Powers Resolution Rep. Tlaib introduced yesterday, H.Con.Res.108, which I support.\"\n\n“Democrats were divided on today’s vote on H.Con.Res.84 because most of us, including me, oppose Israel’s war in Lebanon and want our military to have nothing to do with it. But the way it was drafted could accidentally require the withdrawal of all U.S. troops in Lebanon – troops that have been there for years at the request of Lebanon’s government and who support and protect our embassy personnel. So, for those reasons I voted against H.Con.Res.84, and I’m looking forward to voting for Rep. Tlaib’s new resolution, H.Con.Res.108, that corrects this ambiguity.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404377", "title": "Huizenga, Olszewski, Kim, Thompson, and Bilirakis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen American Manufacturing", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/", "domain": "huizenga.house.gov", "scraper": "huizenga", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001058", "name": "Bill Huizenga", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Huizenga (R-MI), Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) announced the introduction of H.R. 9097, the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act. This bipartisan legislation will help train the next generation of technicians, machinists, engineers, and production specialists for the US manufacturing workforce. By 2033, American manufacturing will require 3.8 million additional workers, yet nearly half of these positions may remain unfilled, resulting in an economic cost of nearly $1 trillion by 2030.\n\nSpecifically, the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act establishes an international exchange program, known as the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program, at the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Under this program, the State Department will send eligible Americans working in manufacturing fields abroad for hands-on manufacturing training and certifications in allied countries with deep manufacturing expertise, who then return to the U.S. with new skills to help meet the labor skill shortage in the U.S. manufacturing industry and aid in reshoring efforts.\n\n“Having a strong manufacturing sector is critical to our economy, national security, and ability to compete globally,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “By focusing on advanced manufacturing in sectors such as automotive, semiconductors, and aeronautics, this bipartisan legislation will help reshore American manufacturing, equip American workers with in-demand skills, and rebuild our nation’s middle class.”\n\n\"Strengthening American manufacturing starts with investing in our workforce,\" said Congressman Olszewski, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. \"I'm proud to help lead this effort to give workers greater access to the tools and experience they need to compete and succeed in a global economy. This will keep America competitive, strengthen our economic prosperity, and ensure our workforce is ready for the next generation of manufacturing.\"\n\n“American manufacturing and its workforce are essential to our economy and the growth of industries around our nation,\" said Congressman Thompson. \"This legislation expands opportunities for Pennsylvanians, allowing them to upskill and share their expertise with others. This will ensure future generations are prepared for the workforce and equipped with the right skills, maintaining America’s competitive edge as we move into the future.\"\n\n“America’s manufacturing industry is facing a critical workforce shortage at a time when strengthening domestic production has never been more important,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Our bill will give Americans the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on training from our allies, bring those skills back home, and help support our nation’s reshoring efforts. This program will also highlight the exciting opportunities available in modern manufacturing and help inspire more Americans to pursue these rewarding careers.\"\n\nSupport for the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act is strong and growing. Organizations that support this Huizenga-led effort include the United Steelworkers, National Association of Manufacturers, Alliance for International Exchange, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA), Dirac, Inc, MISUMI Americas, BMW Group, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, LIFT, Foundation for American Innovation, Automation Alley, Additive Manufacturing Coalition.\n\n“Manufacturers across the country are leading efforts to upskill and train the manufacturing workforce of the future. Rep. Huizenga’s American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act would bolster the industry’s existing efforts to develop America’s manufacturing workforce by expanding workers’ training opportunities via international partnerships—bolstering investment and production capacity here at home.” Charles Crain, Managing Vice President of Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers, and Gardner Carrick, Chief Program Officer of the Manufacturing Institute\n\n\"We at Automation Alley appreciate Rep. Huizenga highlighting the need to focus on providing essential training for our critically important manufacturing workforce. Our manufacturers, and their workers, are the backbone of the State of Michigan's economy and it is imperative that our manufacturing workforce has the skills necessary to compete globally.\" Tom Kelly, CEO Automation Alley\n\n“The USW supports increasing workers’ access to information about manufacturing processes, including hands-on experience, through the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act of 2026. This program will allow workers to learn from their counterparts overseas and bring that knowledge back to the United States, helping build bridges between workers and making our domestic industries stronger.” Roy Houseman, Legislative Director and Assistant to the President, United Steelworkers\n\n“The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers-USA (IEEE-USA) “endorses this legislation to continue revitalizing the science and technology workforce that has long driven American innovation. As manufacturing in critical sectors like robotics and semiconductors shifted overseas, our domestic workforce pipeline declined in tandem. Reclaiming our leadership in advanced manufacturing requires an economy that creates high-paying jobs for all workers, not just those with PhDs. By helping rebuild a highly skilled manufacturing workforce, this bill ensures the United States remains the global leader of science and technology innovation.” Nils Smith, Vice President, IEEE-USA\n\n\"The Alliance for International Exchange is pleased to endorse the American Revitalization Manufacturing Exchange Program Act, which creates an outbound exchange for American leaders in manufacturing to gain critical skills from U.S. allies and trade partners. This bill not only creates a public diplomacy program to fill a gap in American manufacturing, but also the program will also reinforce U.S. ties with partners globally while gaining innovative and necessary know-how in this space.\" Mark Overmann, Executive Director, Alliance for International Exchange\n\nA resilient U.S. manufacturing sector requires a workforce that understands the complexities of a global supply chain. This Act is a forward-thinking investment in our most valuable resource: people. By upskilling U.S. citizens in allied countries, we’re building a sophisticated labor pool capable of integrating advanced technologies and securing our industrial base for decades to come. By establishing an exchange program with global allies, we’re enabling American talent to exchange ideas and technical expertise with the best manufacturing minds in the world. This Act ensures that our workforce returns home with a global perspective and specialized skills. To lead the next industrial revolution, we must be proactive in how we train the next generation. Supporting the 'American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program' Bill allows us to bridge the skills gap by leveraging American strengths abroad. It’s a win-win that brings world-class knowledge back to U.S. soil, fueling the specialized talent we need to drive innovation.” Dave Evans, President & CEO of MISUMI Americas and CEO of Fictiv\n\n\"You can ship machines across an ocean, but you can't ship know-how. That has to be learned, captured, and passed down. The expertise that built the arsenal of democracy walked out the door with the jobs, and no amount of capital investment will rebuild our industrial base until we rebuild that knowledge. Representative Huizenga's bill creates a serious mechanism to bring back the production knowledge America gave away over the last forty years. Dirac is proud to support legislation that recognizes our shop floors as the foundation of American prosperity.\" Filip Aronshtein, Co-founder and CEO, Dirac, Inc.\n\n“Advancing the skills of our workforce is a priority for BMW Group. For 15 years, we have been preparing students for a future in advanced manufacturing through several recruiting programs, including our most renown, the BMW Scholars Program at BMW Plant Spartanburg. We welcome Congressman Huizenga’s “American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act” which will help support the training needed to develop a skilled and talented workforce for U.S. Manufacturing.” Astrid Ruggeri, Director, U.S. Trade Policy, BMW Group", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2559", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Releases Statement on Domestic Detection of New World Screwworm", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) issued the following statement in response to the detection of New World screwworm in Texas:\n\n“Yesterday, Secretary Rollins and her team at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in the United States,” said Rep. Jackson. “The Trump administration has been preparing for this moment for nearly two years and have successfully delayed its arrival longer than many experts thought possible. An outbreak in Texas is estimated to cost our economy nearly two billion dollars in losses, which reinforces why we have consistently pushed for aggressive surveillance and robust eradication efforts throughout Central America and Mexico. Now, it is critical that we remain vigilant and fully support the USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission’s response to mitigate the spread of this threat before it devastates our livestock industry, wildlife populations, and rural economies. I will continue working closely with Secretary Rollins, USDA, and my colleagues on the House Committee on Agriculture to ensure every available resource is deployed to protect America’s livestock producers and prevent a widespread outbreak.”\n\nRESOURCES:\n\nUnified Government Response To Protect the United States\n\nWebsite managed by the USDA to provide timely updates on confirmed New World screwworm cases and information for interested parties.\n\nTexas Animal Health Commission\n\nWebsite managed by the TAHC to provide timely updates from the State of Texas and resources to report suspected and confirmed screwworm cases.\n\nContacts - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service\n\nUSDA and TAHC recommend that ranchers and farmers put eyes on their livestock every day to detect signs of infestation, treat and cover open wounds, and maintain a working relationship with local veterinarians should a suspected case arise.\n\nCurrent Status of New World Screwworm\n\nFind treatments given Emergency Use Authorization for preventative and reactive use against NWS under the “Latest News” tab linked above.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2560", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Secures $5.5 Million for Texas Panhandle Priorities in House-Passed Agriculture Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced House passage of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes $5.5 million in funding for critical community projects across the Texas Panhandle. The funding supports agricultural innovation, emergency preparedness, public safety, and rural economic development across the region.\n\n\"These investments deliver real results for the Texas Panhandle,” said Rep. Jackson. “From supporting cutting-edge agricultural research at Texas A&M and West Texas A&M to strengthening emergency preparedness and public safety in Canyon and Randall County, this funding will help our communities remain strong, safe, and economically competitive. It is the honor of a lifetime to represent Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District, and I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers, ranchers, producers, first responders, and rural communities have the resources they need to succeed.\"\n\nRep. Jackson’s Included Community Project Funding:\n\nTexas A&M University Advanced Crop Breeding and Forage Systems Project: $2 million to support agricultural research at the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center in Canyon focused on developing more productive and resilient wheat, corn, peanut, and forage crop varieties.\n\nWest Texas A&M University Remote Rangeland Monitoring and Livestock Management System Project: $2 million to help producers remotely monitor livestock health, water systems, and pasture conditions through advanced monitoring technologies and predictive analytics.\n\nCity of Canyon Emergency Power Resiliency Project: $500,000 to install emergency power generation at critical municipal facilities, helping to maintain public safety services and ensure the continuity of government operations during disasters, power outages, and severe weather events.\n\nRandall County Fire Station Project: $1 million to support construction of a new fire station, reducing response times and strengthening regional emergency services.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/06/04/jayapal-statement-on-damning-dhs-oig-report-detailing-conditions-at-winn-correctional-center/", "title": "Jayapal Statement on Damning DHS OIG Report Detailing Conditions at Winn Correctional Center", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, released the following statement regarding a report released by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) that detailed serious violations of standards for food safety, medical care, and use of force, among other breaches at the Winn Correctional Center.\n\n“This DHS OIG report details what we have heard from detained immigrants across the country — that these detention centers have violated numerous required standards and are putting people’s health and safety at serious risk.\n\n“Among other major issues, the report details serious safety and sanitation issues, including a massive hole in the ceiling and leaking vents that left pools of water in the kitchen, risking food safety; it showed that food was stored above safe temperatures, with both freezers and refrigerators running too hot; it showed that medical documents were not properly updated; and in a major breach of protocol, use of force instances were not being properly reported — with incidents including a banned choke hold being used on a detained person and the use of a pen to stab a detained person’s hand.\n\n“An unprecedented forty-nine people have died in immigration detention since Trump returned to office. And this report verifies what many immigrants have stated is happening at these private, for-profit detention centers across the country. DHS must immediately withdraw funding from the numerous detention centers that consistently do not meet the minimum required standards for housing immigrant detainees. For those that remain, DHS must require facilities to take immediate corrective action and engage in serious oversight of these for-profit prison operators who are prioritizing their cash coffers over meeting basic health and safety standards.\n\n“Congress must immediately step in and pass my Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act to end the use of private, for-profit detention centers, end the use of mandatory detention, update and implement robust minimum requirements for care, and conduct urgent oversight at other facilities across the country.”\n\nInformation from other facilities includes reports that detained people are being held in inhumane living conditions, with reports of overcrowding forcing 35 men to share one toilet and sleep head to toe on concrete floors, of people being served only a cup of rice a day or rotting food, and of people having their medications withheld or being denied necessary medical care. Further, the Trump Administration has restarted the practice of detaining families and children, which has long been criticized as unsafe and inflicting irreversible harm on children.\n\nJayapal leads the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act to enact guardrails and oversight on immigration detention, and to ensure civil and human rights are protected. She also held an accountability hearing on Trump’s Detention Abuses in December of 2025.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/04/joint-leadership-statement-on-lebanon-war-powers-resolution/", "title": "JOINT LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON LEBANON WAR POWERS RESOLUTION", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Know Your Immigration Rights\n\nIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.\n\nAsk for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.\n\nYour right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.\n\nAlways consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.\n\nThe New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2446", "title": "Congressman Kennedy Presses DHS Secretary Mullin for Answers on Death of Buffalo Refugee Shah Alam", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Kennedy Demands Accountability After DHS Released Blind, Disabled Refugee Into Freezing Buffalo Winter; Secures Verbal Confirmation of Investigation From Mullin\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – At a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin for answers regarding the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Buffalo refugee whose death was ruled a homicide after DHS agents released him at a closed coffee shop in below-freezing temperatures earlier this year.\n\nKennedy questioned Secretary Mullin directly about whether DHS is conducting any internal investigation into Alam’s death and challenged the Department’s previous claims that Alam had been released at a “warm, safe location,” despite being left at a closed Tim Hortons during a cold winter night alone, blind, separated from his family, and unable to effectively communicate in English.\n\nDespite no formal response to any of Congressman Kennedy’s oversight letters, during their exchange Secretary Mullin verbally confirmed that DHS is investigating the incident, but refused to provide any further information to support that claim. While pressing Secretary Mullin to confirm in writing a DHS internal investigation, Congressman Kennedy added, “We want the American people to see what your department is doing. This committee deserves answers and the people of this country deserve answers.”\n\nCongressman Kennedy's full remarks can be viewed here.\n\nDuring his questioning, Kennedy noted that despite his repeated written requests to the Department, DHS has yet to provide a response or any meaningful information about the circumstances surrounding Alam’s death. Kennedy has led multiple oversight efforts related to the case, including requests for federal and state-level investigations, a visit to DHS facilities in Western New York, and correspondence with both former DHS Secretary Noem and current Secretary Mullin. Kennedy successfully solicited a state level inquiry into the matter from New York Attorney General Letitia James.\n\nThe hearing marked Secretary Mullin’s first appearance before the House Committee on Homeland Security since his confirmation in March. Kennedy used the opportunity to underscore broader concerns about accountability within DHS and the Department’s responsibility to uphold the safety, dignity, and constitutional rights of every person in its custody.\n\nThis hearing comes a day after Congressman Kennedyintroduced the DHS Release Transparency Act, legislation, inspired by the tragic and preventable death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam. The bill requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify a detainee’s chosen point of contact prior to release from DHS custody. After Shah Alam’s release from local custody, he was immediately taken into custody by DHS, who erroneously believed he lacked legal status. Upon receiving confirmation that he was indeed legally present in the U.S., the DHS agents, rather than notifying his loved ones of his status, dropped Shah Alam at an unsafe, unfamiliar location – a closed Tim Hortons restaurant on a wintery Buffalo night. Shah Alam was nearly blind, did not speak English, suffered from mobility issues, and was not equipped with proper clothing to safely be outside. He was found dead five days later in Buffalo.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://lahood.house.gov/2026/6/lahood-budzinski-introduce-bill-to-support-veterans-battling-parkinson-s", "title": "LaHood, Budzinski Introduce Bill to Support Veterans Battling Parkinson's", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "lahood.house.gov", "scraper": "lahood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000585", "name": "Darin LaHood", "party": "Republican", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) 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.\n\n\"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.\" \"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, that will help more veterans access these services freely without having to worry about the financial burden.\" \"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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\n\"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.\n\nBackground:\n\nNon-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. The Boxing Therapy for Parkinson’s Access Act will reduce financial barriers and ensure greater access to these programs for our nation's veterans living with Parkinson's and movement disorders.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4201", "title": "Larsen’s Bill to Reauthorize Northwest Straits Commission Passes House", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)’s bill to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission for seven years passed the House of Representatives on a 374-49 vote.\n\n“The Commission’s bottom-up approach has ensured that local communities have the resources and expertise they need to keep marine habitats healthy and recover endangered and threatened species, including Southern Resident Killer Whales and salmon,” said Rep. Larsen, who serves as the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This bill provides the necessary funding so that the Commission can continue its work to restore the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region and support local jobs.”\n\nIn April 2025, Rep. Larsen introduced the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 alongside Representative Emily Randall (WA-06) and Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Rep. Larsen previously introduced the bill in the 118th Congress.\n\n“From abalone beds and oysters, to the rugged coastline that stretches for hundreds of miles, folks from Washington's 6th District know there's no place quite like home. The Northwest Straits Commission has been a lifeline for our communities, providing critical resources like the Marine Resources Committees in Jefferson and Clallam counties, and working alongside Tribes all across the state,” said Rep. Randall. “Their collaborative efforts to restore and protect our marine habitats are a testament to what makes this place so special. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation to reauthorize and continue the Commission's important work so we can continue working together to safeguard the precious marine resources that make our community and our state one-of-a-kind.”\n\nThe Northwest Straits Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region of Puget Sound. The Commission provides funding, training, and support to seven county-based Marine Resources Committees (MRCs). Five out of the seven MRCs are located in Northwest Washington. The Commission advises local officials on how to best carry out environmental projects and provides expertise to community organizations to help them be partners in their work.\n\n“I am continually amazed how well the Northwest Straits Commission and Marine Resources Committees build lasting partnerships and bring people together to steward marine resources in our region,” said Lucas Hart, Director of the Northwest Straits Commission. “Using a bottom-up approach, the Initiative encourages people and communities to take positive action, often as volunteers, to conserve our waters and shorelines. Last year, we worked with over 70 partners and generated nearly 10,000 volunteer hours to advance numerous regional and local projects. Reauthorization of the Initiative will help continue these critical partnerships and the volunteer engagement that benefits all who rely on marine resources.\"\n\nLarsen Fights to Protect Northwest Washington’s Environment\n\nProtecting Washington state’s environment is a top priority for Rep. Larsen. Larsen is a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Estuary Caucus and his bill to reauthorize the National Estuary Program passed the House in December. He has been a leader in Congress on salmon recovery, including by preserving the National Culvert Program in the BUILD America 250 Act and leading annual efforts to fund the Pacific Coastal Salmon Restoration Fund (PCSRF) and Washington’s Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups. His bill to expand federal protections for marine mammals, including Southern Resident Killer Whales in Puget Sound, was included in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nLarsen Takes to the House Floor to Support the Northwest Straits Commission\n\nOn Tuesday, Rep. Larsen delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of his bill to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission in the Puget Sound:\n\n“Mister Speaker, I rise in support of my bill H.R. 2860, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act.\n\n“The Northwest Straits initiative started as a bipartisan, homegrown idea.\n\n“Thanks to the foresight and hard work of Democratic Senator Patty Murray, and my predecessor in the U.S. House of Representatives, former Republican Representative Jack Metcalf and local stakeholders, Congress created the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission in 1998.\n\n“The Commission works with seven county-based marine resources committees, or MRCs, in Northwest Puget Sound.\n\n“Five of those seven MRCs are in the five counties I represent in Northwest Washington state.\n\n“Over the past 28 years, the Commission’s bottom-up approach has ensured that local communities and tribes have the resources and expertise they need to keep marine habitats healthy and recover endangered and threatened species, including the Southern Resident killer whales and salmon.\n\n“My bill would reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission for seven years, ensuring the Commission can continue its work to restore the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region, including by:\n\n- Restoring shoreline in Skagit County;\n\n- Conserving Olympia oysters in Whatcom County;\n\n- Monitoring kelp beds in Island County;\n\n- Removing derelict vessels in San Juan County; and\n\n- Surveying forage fish eggs in Snohomish County.\n\n“Now, all these project works in tandem, or work together, throughout the Puget Sound in order to increase the whole health of the Puget Sound.\n\n“Not only do these projects restore the environment, but they’re also supporting local jobs.\n\n“According to the Commission, the Northwest Straits region contributes 16,000 jobs to Washington’s commercial and recreational fishing industries and $150 million in economic output for the state’s aquaculture industry.\n\n“The Commission partners with ports, local authorities, state agencies, marine-based businesses and tribes – on everything from trapping invasive European green crab that threaten local shellfish economies, to helping boaters identify and communicate eelgrass locations, which are poor anchorage sites and important for commercial and recreational marine species.\n\n“This is locally-driven, job-creating work that Congress should continue to support.\n\n“I want to thank Representative Emily Randall for co-leading the bill, Senators Murray and Cantwell for their partnership in the Senate, and Representatives Marilyn Strickland, Suzan DelBene, Adam Smith, Pramila Jayapal and Kim Schrier, my colleagues here in the House for cosponsoring the bill.\n\n“I want to thank the many partner organizations in Washington state whose advocacy and hard work has gotten the bill to this point, particularly the Northwest Straits Commission and Puget Sound Partnership.\n\n“Finally, I want to thank Ranking Member Huffman and Chair Westerman, and the entire House Natural Resources Committee and the folks on the Committee and the staff for working with my office to move this bill forward.\n\n“I urge my colleagues to support this bill to keep the momentum going to restore marine habitats, protect Washington State’s environment and create more jobs in Northwest Washington.\n\n“With that, I yield back.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406797", "title": "Latta, Carter Introduce Bill to Protect American Wi-Fi from Foreign Adversaries", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://latta.house.gov/news", "domain": "latta.house.gov", "scraper": "latta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000566", "name": "Robert E. Latta", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-2) introduced the Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act, a bipartisan bill that strengthens coordination between the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and State Department while promoting a consistent international approach to unlicensed spectrum use without binding the United States to specific technical standards or outcomes. As the United States prepares for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, it is crucial that the U.S. government adopts a clear, coordinated strategy to defend global access to this spectrum.\n\n“As we prepare for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, congressional oversight is essential to ensure the United States is ready and speaking with one voice during these high-stakes international negotiations. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside my colleague, Rep. Carter, to strengthen U.S. leadership in global spectrum policy ahead of this critical conference cycle. As global competition over reliable Wi-Fi and spectrum policy continues to grow, this legislation will help ensure America remains competitive and well-positioned for the future,” said Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5).\n\n\"Reliable, affordable Wi-Fi is not a luxury — it is a lifeline for families, small businesses, and communities across Louisiana. As co-chair of the Wi-Fi Caucus, I know how much is at stake when foreign adversaries seek to undermine critical infrastructure that millions of Americans depend on every day. This bipartisan legislation ensures that as we head into the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, the United States shows up unified, prepared, and committed to protecting the connectivity that powers our economy and our way of life,\" said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-2).\n\n\"We commend Reps. Latta and Carter for introducing the 'Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act,' which recognizes the vital role that Wi-Fi plays in the U.S. economy and our national security. Wi-Fi is the workhorse of the internet — carrying 90% of mobile traffic — and generates over $1 trillion in economic activity every year. As China aims to dedicate all spectrum to licensed use, it is vital that the United States maintain its balanced approach, including robust unlicensed and shared spectrum. Upholding this leadership ensures continued innovation, economic growth, and affordable connectivity for Americans,” said Cory Gardner, President & CEO, NCTA - The Internet & Television Association.\n\nCongressmen Latta and Carter are the co-chairs of the Wi-Fi Caucus.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6004", "title": "Lawler Introduces Legislation to Improve VA Online Access, Prevent Fraud Against Veterans", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 6/4/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Veterans Electronic Trust and Records Act (VETRA Act), legislation directing the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to modernize its digital identity proofing and authentication systems. Chairman Mike Bost and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs have expressed support for the legislation.\n\nThe legislation would require the VA to replace outdated identity verification methods with high-assurance digital identity solutions designed to reduce fraud and improper payments while improving secure access to VA benefits and services. It also requires the Department to implement risk-tiered authentication measures, evaluate cost savings and operational efficiencies, and report its findings to Congress.\n\n“As more VA services move online, we must modernize outdated identity verification systems, strengthen protections against fraud and improper payments, and ensure veterans can safely and efficiently access the care and benefits they depend on. Veterans deserve a secure and reliable system for accessing the benefits they earned through their service, and I will continue advocating for legislation that improves their experience and upholds our commitment to those who have sacrificed for our country,” said Congressman Lawler.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=314", "title": "House Passes Messmer-Led Child Care Reform Legislation to Improve Accountability for Taxpayer Dollars", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "messmer.house.gov", "scraper": "messmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001233", "name": "Mark B. Messmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7726, the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026, which includes provisions of Rep. Mark Messmer’s (R-IN) Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7720). The bill will strengthen oversight of federal child care assistance programs and improve accountability for taxpayer dollars.\n\nThis legislation targets waste, fraud, and abuse within the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program by requiring states to report fraudulent payments. These reports will give Congress and taxpayers a clearer picture of how states manage federal childcare funds and where the programs need improvements.\n\n“Families who rely on child care assistance deserve a program that is accountable and focused upon helping those who need it most,” said Rep. Messmer. “The legislation requires that states accurately track and report improper and fraudulent payments to safeguard taxpayer dollars, and it makes sure child care resources remain available to hardworking families. I am pleased that my Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act is included in this package and will advance these important reforms.”\n\nTo learn more about Rep. Messmer's work to promote government accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2891", "title": "Democrats Lie, Numbers Don’t: The Working Families Tax Cuts Benefits Hardworking American Families, Not Billionaires", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — According to a new analysis from the U.S. Treasury Department, American families and American workers benefitted the most from Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts. Republicans wrote this legislation for lower-and middle-class earners, the men and women who get up and start working before the sun rises and go home well after it sets, and this analysis proves those efforts were successful.\n\n“Not only were tax refunds their largest in recent history, but contrary to Democrats’ false narratives that they have tried breathlessly to foist upon the people, this tax season was a great boost to hardworking American families,” Speaker Johnson said at the weekly House Republican press conference. “That's exactly how we designed it, and that is what the numbers now prove that we achieved.”\n\nAccording to the U.S. Treasury Department: American families and workers claimed $82 billion in individual relief directly from the Working Families Tax Cuts. That relief will grow as taxpayers who have filed for extensions continue to file their returns.\n\nTHE FACTS:\n\n(Courtesy of the U.S. Treasury Department)\n\n96% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $200,000.\n\nFilers earning between $100,000 to $200,000, who claimed one of President Trump’s signature tax cuts, received an average tax cut of over $1,250.\n\nNearly 70% of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $100,000.\n\nFilers earning between $50,000 to $100,000, who claimed one of President Trump’s signature tax cuts, received an average tax cut that is over $815.\n\nNo Tax on Tips: Over 7.5 million filers have claimed No Tax on Tips, with an average deduction of over $7,000.\n\n90% of filers claiming the No Tax on Tips deduction had income under $100,000.\n\n99% of filers claiming the No Tax on Tips deduction had income under $200,000.\n\nNo Tax on Overtime: Over 29 million filers have claimed No Tax on Overtime, with an average deduction of over $3,100.\n\n75% of filers claiming the No Tax on Overtime deduction had income under $100,000.\n\n96% of filers claiming the No Tax on Overtime deduction had income under $200,000.\n\nEnhanced Senior Deduction: Over 35 million seniors have claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors, with an average deduction of over $7,500.\n\n68% of filers claiming the Enhanced Senior Deduction had income under $100,000.\n\n94% of filers claiming the Enhanced Senior Deduction had income under $200,000.\n\nNo Tax on Car Loan Interest: Over 1.4 million filers have claimed No Tax on Car Loan Interest on their new American vehicles, with an average deduction of over $1,800.\n\n62% of filers claiming the No Tax on Car Loan Interest deduction had income under $100,000.\n\n98% of filers claiming the No Tax on Car Loan Interest deduction had income under $200,000.\n\nTrump Accounts: Over 5.5 million Trump Accounts have been opened, with 1.4 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution.\n\n86% of all Trump Accounts opened are linked to families earning less than $200,000, giving working families more opportunity to invest in the future of their young, loved ones.\n\nEnhanced Child Tax Credit: Nearly 40 million families have claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit, which is permanently doubled and expanded by the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n65% of all families claiming the credit had income under $100,000.\n\n89% of all families claiming the credit had income under $200,000.\n\nDoubled Standard Deduction: Over 127 million filers (90% of all tax filers) have claimed the permanently doubled standard deduction, simplifying tax filing for millions across America.\n\nREMINDER: EVERY DEMOCRAT VOTED AGAINST THESE HISTORIC TAX CUTS.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2892", "title": "Speaker Johnson Honors Departing Chief of Staff Hayden Haynes", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson delivered a tribute on the House Floor today in honor of Hayden Haynes, who has served as Speaker Johnson’s Chief of Staff during his entire tenure in Congress.\n\n“Even before the Speakership, before the Cannon office that was split in the middle by a women’s restroom, before the apartment campaign office above the radio station, it was Hayden who built this ship from the ground up. I will always be grateful for that, and we’re going to miss him,” Speaker Johnson said.\n\nWatch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.\n\nBelow are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:\n\nI just want to take a brief point of personal privilege today to bid farewell to the most integral member of my staff and somebody who’s been by my side for more than a decade here: my Chief of Staff, Hayden Haynes. We all do this. We deeply value our teams, and when you lose a leader, it’s a big thing, and Scripture says we give honor where honor is due. So, I want to do that for just a moment here.\n\nI first met this guy, Hayden, in 2016. I was a member of the Louisiana legislature; I just got started and we crossed paths at a local political event. He was bright and ambitious and eager to talk more. You’ve all experienced this – you’ve got staff members like that, young people, kids that you meet along the way. And I was impressed with him. He called me the next day to reach out to set up lunch, and I thought, “Okay, he’s a young guy, I’ll invest the time.” I had no idea what the purpose was for the lunch. I didn’t know it was going to be a strategy session for the future of my career, but that’s what happened. So, this young fella just came in.\n\nMaybe you guys can relate to this, maybe you’ve had a meeting like this. A young, bright, ambitious guy comes in, and he has a yellow pad. He sits down at lunch at a pizza joint, and it says at the top of the pad ‘Path to Congress’ in big, bold letters and across the top. He spent the next hour mapping out what he saw to be a road to D.C. that ran through our little town of Shreveport, Louisiana. I thought it was amusing, but we didn’t have an open Congressional seat, and I appreciated him for his time. And we left there with nothing but an agreement to keep in touch.\n\nWell, as fate would have it, a couple months later, the Fourth Congressional seat did open up and my predecessor called and encouraged me to run, and others did as well. My wife, Kelly, and I prayed about it, and we felt like we should do it. And the first thought I had was this young man who sat down with a yellow pad. So, I called him up. He came on board and he became my first campaign manager, and together we worked nights and weekends. We had a dingy little office above a local radio station. We had no funds, no name ID, no connections – I mean, it really was amazing. But one thing we had was, Kelly and I had complete faith in what we felt like God had called us to do, and we had total faith in this young kid because he was so ambitious and bright, and he had that yellow pad.\n\nWell, fast forward, we won the race. It was in Louisiana, and we have jungle primaries like they have in California and a couple other states. And it was an eight-way race. We won it, and it was the first of many victories that we’d had together. We were on our way to Washington. In Louisiana, we have a late election cycle because it’s a jungle primary and the runoff is in December. So, if you are elected as a freshman from Louisiana, you come in as the last Member of your freshman class. I got the lowliest office draw. I got the worst office in Congress, as noted by Washington Post. We really started at the bottom, but we navigated life as a freshman.\n\nHayden got to work. He built out our office. He put a lot of time and attention into personnel because personnel, as we all know, is policy. And the first thing he did, and this is a good trait, I think, for all of our leaders to have, is he had all of his staffers, he required everybody to go and visit the district that we represent, to get to know the people, to remember who sent them there and why. And it was such an important way to kind of set the pace for how our office would be run.\n\nHe also navigated my elections. I became Chair of the Republican Study Committee in my second term, and then we became Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference in our third and fourth term. But while he was doing all that here, he was also running the campaigns back home every two years. And we all know what a burden that is. It’s rare to have a person who could do policy and politics – and he was also one of the youngest chiefs on the Hill – but we did all that. And we got through it.\n\nAnd then the biggest challenge of our lives came next, and everybody remembers what happened about two and a half years ago now. I was nominated by my colleagues for this job – an unexpected race for Speaker. And Hayden in that operation was my Chief. He was my whip. He was my right hand all in one, all hands on deck. My staff refers to that as building a plane as we were flying it. It was like launching a 747 with no wings or an engine. You know, we had to put it all together. There was no playbook for it. It’s important to remember that nothing like that had ever happened in this institution, and it took it took a lot of fortitude to do it. And this guy was responsible for it. The average tenure before somebody Speaker of the House is 16 years. We’d only been here 6.8 years, and we had no playbook designed at all.\n\nSo, we set up an entire organization; the political, the legislative, the staffing infrastructure, all that in a matter of just a couple of weeks, and it was amazing. No shortage of intrigue surrounds this time in our lives. But what’s not recognized enough, and this is true for all of us, is the dedication and the sacrifice of our teams, especially those at the top of your organization, and how much of their lives they give to this stewarding, helping us to steward this sacred institution.\n\nI’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Hayden’s lovely wife. She’s here tonight. Jennifer is up in the balcony up there with their little one, Brody.\n\nLook, I’ll just say this on behalf of all the families, of all the staff who serve us, we owe an eternal debt of gratitude to these folks. It’s impossible to overstate their sacrifice. Late nights, long hours, high stakes. And they give their all. And they don’t get paid enough for that and we all know it. But we couldn’t run the operation without them. But we’re grateful to their families, to Brody and Jen for their selflessness and patience, and for sharing their dad and husband with us these many years.\n\nSo, I’m just going to close with this. I’m going to say to this young man, this country boy from Minden, Louisiana, this political whiz kid who envisioned my path before I did, this loyal friend who’s been a constant throughout every season of our journey. There are only a handful of people in Washington, you all know, that you can really, really, truly trust completely. And Hayden’s been one of those people for me. And I pray that you have somebody just like that. I know you all do, and I hope you treasure them.\n\nEven before the Speakership, before the Cannon office that was split in the middle by a women’s restroom, before the apartment campaign office above the radio station, it was Hayden who built this ship from the ground up. I will always be grateful for that, and we’re going to miss him. We’re going to have a lot of tough fights. He’s been with us for all those fights along the way, but he’s earned some downtime. And I’m really grateful that he and Jen and Brody are going to get that. I wish them the best. Thank you for indulging me. God bless you in your next chapter, my friend.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405720", "title": "Speaker Johnson Recognizes Griffith to Honor D-Day Heroes, D-Day Memorial and Lucille Hoback Boggess", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "At the beginning of legislative business on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson recognized U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) to address the House floor. For his remarks, Congressman Griffith highlighted the upcoming 82nd anniversary of D-Day as well as the 25th anniversary of the National D-Day Memorial, which is located in Bedford, Virginia.\n\nFurther, Congressman Griffith honored Lucille Hoback Boggess, who passed away in late 2025.\n\nVideo of Congressman Griffith on the House floor can be found here.\n\n“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.\n\n“American soldiers raced into the mouth of the Nazi war machine, storming the beaches of Normandy.\n\n“For the town of Bedford, Virginia, D-Day is always particularly poignant.\n\n“20 boys from Bedford lost their lives on D-Day. Bedford suffered the highest D-Day death toll per capita of any American community.\n\n“We honor and remember our D-Day heroes with the National D-Day Memorial located in Bedford.\n\n“This year, the Memorial celebrates its 25th anniversary.\n\n“However, it will be the first D-Day since the passing of Memorial advocate Lucille Hoback Boggess.\n\n“Ms. Hoback Boggess had two brothers killed on D-Day, and she helped lead efforts to create the Memorial with founder Bob Slaughter.\n\n“We continue to follow in her footsteps, preserving the legacy of her brothers and the many heroes who served in Normandy and, through their heroism, cracked the wall of Hitler’s Fortress Europe.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAfter the passing of Lucille Hoback Boggess, Congressman Griffith submitted an extension of remarks into the Congressional Record to honor her career and life.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-nikema-williams-introduces-legislation-to-protect-mothers-and-fight-the-black-maternal-health-crisis-2", "title": "Congresswoman Nikema Williams Introduces Legislation to Protect Mothers and Fight the Black Maternal Health Crisis", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Blood Pressure MATTERS Act that would require healthcare insurers to provide pregnant and postpartum moms blood pressure monitoring devices, without cost sharing with the patient.\n\nHigh blood pressure during pregnancy carries significant risks for the mother and baby, including preeclampsia, placental abruption, and premature birth. Rates of gestational hypertension are higher among Black and Native American mothers, contributing to racial health disparities and the Black maternal mortality crisis. Hypertension during pregnancy can lead to harmful outcomes for the pregnant person and baby. High blood pressure can limit blood flow to the placenta, slow fetal growth, contribute to placental abruption and premature delivery.\n\nTo address gestational hypertension, this bill will provide the tools pregnant people need to monitor their health at home and seek the care they need.\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:\n\n“Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, yet in so many cases, early intervention and access to care can save lives. During the final weeks of my pregnancy, my doctors placed me on bed rest because of preeclampsia. After giving birth, I was preparing to go home when a nurse checked my blood pressure one more time—and it was dangerously high again. I spent two additional days in the hospital receiving treatment for postpartum preeclampsia, and that extra care made all the difference. I was able to go home healthy with my newborn son in my arms. But too many mothers, especially Black mothers, do not get that same chance. The Blood Pressure Matters Act will help give moms the tools and resources they need to protect their health and their babies, save lives, and help end the Black Maternal Health Crisis—one blood pressure reading at a time.”\n\nEndorsing Organizations: 4Kira4Moms, Abortion Forward (OH), Advocates for Youth, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Birth in Color, Birthmark, Central Phoenix Inez Casiano NOW, Courage California, Desiree Alliance, Every Mother Counts, Ipas US, Lawyering Project, Lilith Fund, Medical Students for Choice, Nancy Davis Foundation, NASPAG, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women and Families, Oshun Family Center, Pennsylvania Religious Coalition for Reproductive Justice, People Power United, Religious Community for Reproductive Choice, and Texas Equal Access Fund\n\nClick here to read the text of the Blood Pressure MATTERS Act.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1740", "title": "Rep. Pettersen Votes Against Republican Funding Bill that Slashes Food Assistance for Families", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) voted against House Republicans’ Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill that cuts nutrition assistance programs that millions of families, children, and seniors rely on while reducing investments in rural communities.\n\nRep. Pettersen offered an amendment highlighting the $200 million House Republicans cut from WIC which ensures pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and young children continue receiving the full benefits they rely on to put healthy food on the table. Republicans rejected the amendment.\n\n“At a time when families are already struggling to afford groceries, Republicans are taking food away from moms, babies, and children,” said Pettersen. “Instead of doing anything that would actually help families and farmers struggling with rising costs from Trump’s tariff regime and his illegal war in Iran, this bill completely rips the rug out from under them. If Republicans cared about lowering costs, they would have supported my amendment to protect the programs our most vulnerable families depend on. Unfortunately, they refused to even hold a vote. This is just another example of their backwards agenda that consistently puts the American people last.”\n\nSpecifically, House Republicans’ funding bill would:\n\nIncrease costs for farmers and rural communities by steeply cutting critical investments, including water and waste grants to help the poorest communities get safer water services, and slashing the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) loans in half;\n\nCuts WIC by $200 million, threatening full fruit and vegetable benefits for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children who rely on the program for healthy food and nutrition support;\n\nWIC served nearly 7 million women and children in 2025.\n\nLocks in a $6 billion cut to SNAP made under Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill,” reducing food assistance available to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities at a time when grocery prices are skyrocketing.\n\nA full summary of the bill can be found HERE.\n\n###\n\nTo access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2984", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Presses Democrats to Support Strengthening Penalties for Doxxing or Harrassing Federal Agents", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Read the full exchange between Rep. Pfluger and Secretary Mullin below:\n\nRep. Pfluger: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Secretary. Thanks for your leadership. Thanks for coming in with an attitude of establishing the rule of law and not picking and choosing. If there's one thing I disagree with on your opening statement, you have had secretaries that pick and choose, not you, but Secretary Mayorkas picked and chose which laws he would enforce, and as a result we had an impeachment that started in this very committee room. I spoke to some of your agents, incredible people, over the weekend, and I asked them a couple of questions, and said, \"Give me an idea of what's happening in New Jersey [with] the sickening threats that we are seeing. Give me an idea of what that means to your officers and your agents.” The entire country saw a person threaten one of your agents and said, “I will effing kill you, and I will effing kill your family.” That is absolutely disgusting. There is zero room for tolerance in this country for something like that. Your agents recommended that we work on enhancing the penalties for doxing, for intimidating, for threatening federal agents, including Customs and Border Protection agents. That's exactly what I'm going to do, and I want to ask my Democrat colleagues right here in this committee room right now, who wants to join me in legislation to enhance federal penalties for doxing, intimidating, or threatening federal agents, who….\n\n**Gets interrupted**\n\nRep. Goldman: Will you include federal judges? I’ll join you if you include federal judges.\n\nRep. Correa: And if you’d include elected officials, because all of us have gotten our families threatened as well.\n\nChairman Andrew Garbino: The Gentleman will suspend. This is your time. Questions are directed at the secretary. Please continue.\n\nRep. Pfluger: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Secretary, we're going to work in a bipartisan manner to protect your agents, and you just heard it from my colleague, Mr. Goldman, and you heard it from my colleague, Mr. Correa. We're going to work in a bipartisan manner to protect your agents, to make sure that that never happens again, and [that] those penalties are enhanced as much as humanly possible.\n\nSecretary Mullin: I think it should be that way too, because we have your colleagues from the other side of the aisle, a lot of times talk about the mask and why there are masked men, but it's the doxing that takes place. This officer that was threatened didn't have a mask on, but he does have a family, and what's interesting is they knew his family, because they're very sophisticated. These aren't just peaceful rioters or peaceful protesters out there, they're well funded, and they have technology, and we see it immediately. When we have officers that are out there that don't have a mask on, they get doxed, and their family starts getting attacked on social media, they start getting attacked at their schools, they start getting verbally attacked, they start getting verbally attacked at their schools and at their homes. It should be [that] if we want to eliminate the officers from having to wear a mask, then increase the penalties [for agitators], and we should all agree [that] if they dox them or they threaten them in any way whatsoever, it should be a very stiff penalty to get all their attention, and that those that are funding the protests should also be held accountable the same way.\n\nRep. Pfluger: We're going to work on that. You have my commitment, and now we have a bipartisan agreement to do that. Let me ask you the same exact question that I asked Secretary Mayorkas when he was sitting here. I said to him, “Are there people who match the terror watch list that have been let into the United States, and if so, is the Department of Homeland Security trying to do something about it? To extract them, to find them, to prosecute them, to get them out of our country to keep our country safe?” So I'll ask you that question.\n\nSecretary Mullin: Every single week, we're arresting terrorists, either coming across our border or that are already in this country. What's interesting to us is one of the ways we're able to find these terrorists who are on the terrorist watch list [who] were let in under probation with our previous administration is when they're flying back from the terrorist country that they came from to begin with. What they'll do is leave the United States, they go into Canada, they fly out of Canada, and then, because of the relationship we have with them [Canada], we'll recognize when they come in and land and they'll arrest them, or we'll track them until they cross the border, and we'll arrest them at the border, but every single week [we’re] arresting terrorists that are entering this country, and we've seen a dangerous uptick in Iran right now.\n\nRep. Pfluger: It only took a change of our administration to get the correct answer on that, and I thank you for that.\n\nSecretary Mullin: President Trump, every single day, is focusing on making America safe and great again.\n\nRep. Pfluger: I appreciate that, Secretary, and I believe you, and we know that you're doing everything you possibly can, and your agents are as well. Last question for you. It's been talked about with CISA, and I just want to kind of get an understanding to make sure that CISA is definitely the central authority when it comes to the coordination [against cyber threats], whether it's [the] Treasury or anybody else, because there were some concerning things that we heard. [My] last 15 seconds to you.\n\nSecretary Mullin: So, we coordinate with [the] Treasury, but we coordinate with all the agencies along the way, and CISA, as I said, has very unique authority. It hasn't completely been utilized. We're going to restore that [authority]. We're putting the right people in place. We've got a person soon to be nominated that will be running CISA that has the ability to recruit and focus on the authorities we have. We want CISA to be the leader in cybersecurity. They should be, and they will be.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2986", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Sounds the Alarm on Aerospace Nation", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) – a U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduate, battle-tested fighter pilot, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, and Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors – joined U.S Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula (retired) on the Mitchell Institute's Aerospace Nation livestream for a wide-ranging discussion on America's national security challenges and defense priorities.\n\nA central theme was abundantly clear throughout the conversation: strengthening and investing in American Airpower must remain a top priority in this year's defense budget and for years to come. Both leaders stressed that rebuilding the Air Force will require sustained, long-term investment, noting that while this year's proposed single-year funding increase is a step in the right direction, it will not reverse the decades of underinvestment in the Department of the Air Force. As Rep. Pfluger has said, he wants to see recapitalization and a plan to build the force based on threat, not the budget topline.\n\nWatch the full conversation here or by clicking the image below.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis advocacy builds on Rep. Pfluger's ongoing leadership in advocating for strengthening our Air Force. In April 2026, Rep. Pfluger delivered a forceful call to action before the House Armed Services Committee, urging the committee to make investing in and strengthening the Air Force a top priority in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nIn May 2026, Rep. Pfluger continued his leadership, helping convene a bipartisan roundtable on Airpower with Lieutenant General David Deptula, U.S Air Force (retired), and members of the For Country Caucus to discuss today's readiness challenge and the urgent need to invest in American Airpower. During the roundtable, General Deptula shared his candid insights on rebuilding capacity, modernizing aging aircraft, strengthening readiness, and ensuring the U.S. maintains air superiority for generations to come.\n\nIn the same week, Rep. Pfluger publicly endorsed Senator Budd and Senator Shaheen's package of three Airpower bills and is hopeful the package will be included in this year's final NDAA. Read more about this legislation and a portion of Rep. Pfluger's interview with Breaking Defense here.\n\nIn March 2026, Rep. Pfluger published an op-ed in The Washington Post, highlighting that while our Air Force remains unmatched in capability, it is currently the oldest and smallest it has ever been. He also outlined the urgent need to reverse the decades-long trend of underinvestment to ensure the Air Force is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Read the full op-ed here.\n\nIn June 2025, Rep. Pfluger and Lt. General David Deptula penned an op-ed in The Hill outlining how the spectacular airstrike we witnessed in Iran should be a wake-up call if we are serious about preparing for sustained conflict with adversaries like China. In the op-ed, they argued that Congress must invest in U.S. Airpower because, to put it simply, we lack the depth to conduct this kind of operation repeatedly, or at scale.\n\nRep. Pfluger also penned an op-ed in Newsweek in June 2025 titled, American Airpower Obliterated Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions—Rightfully So, following the spectacular success of Operation Midnight Hammer. Read the full op-ed here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/06/04/pressley-condemns-trumps-clemency-gap-pardoning-fraudsters-political-allies-at-expense-of-victims-of-fraud/", "title": "Pressley Condemns Trump’s Clemency Gap, Pardoning Fraudsters & Political Allies at Expense of Victims of Fraud", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Now, look, I support using the clemency power to rectify injustices when the criminal legal system gets it wrong.”\n\n“But Donald Trump, with the support of Republicans in Congress, is using his authority to reward fraudsters—and he is doing so at the expense of victims of fraud.”\n\nIn December, Pressley Released First-Of-Its-Kind Report Exposing Trump’s Clemency Gap, How his Pardons Neglect Those Who Need Them Most\n\nVideo (YouTube)\n\nWASHINGTON – During the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses’ first hearing on alleged fraud in Medicaid waiver programs, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)condemned Trump’s clemency gap and corrupt use of pardons, exposing the hypocrisy of the Trump administration’s fraud attacks while he pardons fraudsters, political allies, and the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of victims of fraud and those who need clemency the most.\n\nA transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s question line during the hearing is available below and the video is available here.\n\nTranscript: Pressley Condemns Trump’s Clemency Gap, Pardoning Fraudsters & Political Allies at Expense of Victims of Fraud\n\nU.S. House of Representatives\n\nJune 3, 2026\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Today’s hearing is the first one convened by the so-called Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses. And yet we are ignoring the fact that Donald Trump is the single largest threat to our Constitution – and judges across our country have consistently ruled, in fact, that he has violated the law.\n\nAnd when it comes to institutional abuses, Trump created a $1.8 billion fund to directly send taxpayer dollars to his friends and political allies.\n\nThat is what I call fraud.\n\nBut Republicans want to ignore Trump’s culpability. So, let’s discuss a federal government response to what is happening in Ohio.\n\nMr. Faber, given your role as state auditor, when public funds are stolen, what do you consider to be meaningful accountability?\n\nMR. FABER: Chairman, Representative. Essentially the question is, what do you think needs to happen to people who are caught stealing, lying, cheating with government money, as we have done in 165 different cases?\n\nYou hold them accountable. If it is convictable fraud, meaning a crime, you prosecute them and send them prison.\n\nOn the other hand, a lot of what we see—as I talked about earlier, as somebody who prosecutes fraudsters—is waste or abuse, and that is essentially a public policy question.\n\nYou need to tighten the controls, tighten the eligibility, tighten the parameters of the program to limit waste and abuse.\n\nWe lose more money in waste and abuse than we do in other areas, but fraud is certainly something if you catch somebody who violates the law, you hold them accountable and you prosecute them. That’s what I’ve done.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Okay, well, I’ll just say yes, and in my opinion, accountability must also include restorative justice—so that means making communities whole.\n\nIt means putting the stolen money back into programs that it was taken from, and sending a clear message that theft of public good, of public funds simply does not pay. It is unacceptable.\n\nI don’t feel that’s the standard that’s being modeled by Republicans.\n\nIn today’s hearing, we’ve seen and heard people castigate and attack caregivers who bathe our elders, who cook for disabled neighbors, and keep families together in their homes.\n\nAnd so when it comes to holding bad actors accountable and helping victims, Trump and Republican sycophants seem to me to be deeply unserious, and that is a choice. It’s a deliberate choice.\n\nMr. Faber, do you believe that individuals—and this is a yes or no question, please—that individuals convicted of health care fraud should have to pay restitution? Yes or no?\n\nMR. FABER: Absolutely, we have issued tens, hundreds of millions of dollars of findings for recovery for restitutions, not just on convictions, but when we find somebody has violated the rules.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: All right, and I’ll just ask for the entire dais.\n\nMs. Roziak, do you believe individuals convicted of health care fraud should have to pay restitution? Yes or no?\n\nMS. ROZIAK: Yes.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Okay. And Representative Dovilla?\n\nREP. DOVILLA: Yes.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: And Senator Antonio?\n\nSEN. ANTONIO: Yes.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Alright, so you agree, but you know who doesn’t, Donald J. Trump.\n\nIn fact, I want to ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a June 2025 article from Truthout, titled “Trump Grants Clemency to Executive Who Orchestrated $205 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme.”\n\nCHAIR: Without objection.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Now, look, I support using the clemency power to rectify injustices when the criminal legal system gets it wrong.\n\nBut Donald Trump, with the support of Republicans in Congress, is using his authority to reward fraudsters—and he is doing so at the expense of victims of fraud.\n\nI published a report called Trump’s Clemency Gap. It reveals how Trump has prioritized pardoning people who collectively defrauded the federal government of over $2 billion in taxpayer money.\n\nFor example, in 2011 Florida resident Lawrence Duran, owner of American Therapeutic Corporation, was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for orchestrating a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false and fraudulent claims for mental health services.\n\nA federal judge ordered Duran to pay more than $87 million in restitution, which Trump wiped away.\n\nThis task force should have a hearing about that.\n\nSenator Antonio, do you support Trump denying $87 million in restitution to victims when he commuted Lawrence Duran? Yes or no?\n\nSEN. ANTONIO: No.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Representative Villa?\n\nREP. DOVILLA: It’s not an issue I’ve looked at, and it’s not relative to this hearing.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: I’m asking, I’m asking you now—\n\nREP. DOVILLA: Congresswoman—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: It’s pretty clean. Do you support Trump denying $87 million in restitution to victims when he commuted Lawrence Duran?\n\nREP. DOVILLA: I stand by the statement I’ve given you.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Okay, Mr. Roziak?\n\nMR. ROZIAK: Same answer as Ms. Dovilla.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Well, I don’t know. I guess I just have to take that as a no. Mr. Faber?\n\nMR. FABER: No, I’m not familiar with the facts. The short answer is, the President has—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: I’m making you aware of it right now, so you could just—\n\nMR. FABER: You’re not. Without me understanding both sides, without the President’s facts in the commutation, he has that—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: There’s really not both sides, somebody’s—\n\nMR. FABER: Now, the fact is, is there are things that I disagreed with the Biden partners as well, but—\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Fair enough, but that also is not the subject of this hearing, so that’s not germane, but this is—and we should be having a hearing about that.\n\nThank you.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2024", "title": "Statement from Congresswoman Scanlon on Passage of War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today released the following statement after the House passed a War Powers Resolution:\n\n\"Last night, the House passed a War Powers Resolution to rein in Donald Trump’s illegal war against Iran. This resolution directs the President to end military actions against Iran unless Congress authorizes it. I was proud to vote in favor of this resolution because I know how detrimental this poorly conceived and executed war has been for the American people.\n\nWe are facing a cost of living crisis in the United States, and instead of working to lower costs for hardworking families, the President has spent the last 95 days waging an illegal and expensive war which has significantly undermined our national and economic security. Trump’s war is costing taxpayers over $1 billion a day; while Americans are seeing gas prices skyrocket and inflation soar.\n\nArticle I of the Constitution makes clear that Congress is the only governing body with the authority to declare war. President Trump’s actions have not been authorized under the Constitution, nor do they have the best interests of the American people in mind.\n\nI am grateful for this critical first step in reinstating Congress’s role in waging war. We must keep the pressure on to end US military action in Iran and bring down costs for the American people.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401999", "title": "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Idaho Water Improvement Projects", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–highlighted the inclusion of $13,200,000 in funding for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) for the cities of Carey, Driggs, Fort Hall, Grace, Rupert, and Twin Falls, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n“Community Project Funding is one of the most effective ways elected officials can deliver meaningful results for our communities,” said Rep. Simpson. “This funding for water infrastructure improvement projects in small and rural communities is not ‘wasteful spending,’ it’s vital for ensuring our neighborhoods have clean drinking water and safe infrastructure. As Idaho’s only appropriator, I will always advocate for bringing money back to our state, and I am proud of the collaborative effort involving Carey, Driggs, Fort Hall, Grace, Rupert, and Twin Falls, with my office.”\n\nCarey\n\n“On behalf of the City of Carey, we sincerely appreciate Congressman Mike Simpson’s support of the proposed wastewater system improvements project. This critical investment will correct existing system deficiencies, strengthen long-term infrastructure resilience, and provide lasting value to residents, businesses, and visitors. It will also help protect important water resources, including the Little Wood River and its tributaries, reduce impacts to the Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, and improve the reliability of essential infrastructure within Blaine County and the State of Idaho. Overall, this investment reflects a strong commitment to public health and environmental stewardship, delivering enduring value for generations to come,” said Carey Mayor Logan Davis.\n\nDriggs\n\n“Many thanks to Congressman Simpson for the $1.35M grant through the Community Project! This will help fund our Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade and offset the utility bills for our residents and local businesses,” said Driggs Mayor August Christensen.\n\nFort Hall\n\n“This funding addresses a critical infrastructure need on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation to improve our wastewater system while protecting public health and supporting the long-term well-being of our community. We appreciate Congressman Simpson for recognizing the needs of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and for his continued advocacy on behalf of infrastructure projects that benefit our reservation and the people he serves,” said Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Chairwoman Donna Thompson.\n\nGrace\n\n“This project would ensure the community of 930 has a sufficient water supply now and into the future. I, as Mayor of the City of Grace, would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Congressman Simpson and his office for their diligent service to rural Idaho to obtain grant financing for the City of Grace’s potable water system improvement. A recent engineering evaluation of our springs and transmission water lines to the city storage tanks was projected to be between $15,000,000 and $16,000,000 to complete the necessary upgrades. Once all upgrades are in place, the City of Grace is putting in place an ongoing maintenance program that will reduce the cost of upgrading in the future,” said Grace Mayor David Pristupa.\n\nRupert\n\n“Rural infrastructure is one of the defining challenges facing communities across Idaho. When aging wastewater systems begin to fail, the burden on residents and local businesses can become overwhelming. This investment will help Rupert continue operating a wastewater system that is essential not only for homes and families, but also for the agricultural processing industries that sustain much of southern Idaho’s economy. Congressman Simpson's attention to this growing Idaho problem is insightful and very much appreciated,” said Rupert Mayor Tammy Jones.\n\n“In the Idaho Legislature, I have consistently advocated for greater recognition of the infrastructure pressures facing rural communities. Agricultural communities like Rupert provide enormous economic value to our state, but they also carry expensive infrastructure responsibilities tied to food processing and other ‘wet industries.’ This federal support, made possible by Congressman Simpson, is an important acknowledgment that rural Idaho matters and that these communities deserve the tools necessary to succeed,” said President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon.\n\nTwin Falls\n\n“Twin Falls appreciates Congressman Mike Simpson’s continued leadership and advocacy for Idaho communities through this $1.5 million investment in critical wastewater infrastructure. As our community continues to grow, projects like this help ensure we are prepared to support new housing, future job creation, and long-term economic opportunity while maintaining the quality of life that makes Twin Falls such a great place to live and work. Infrastructure investment is ultimately about creating opportunities for families and businesses to prosper, and we are grateful for Congressman Simpson’s partnership in helping position Twin Falls for the future,” said Twin Falls Mayor Jason Brown.\n\nDespite claims that CPF projects are “wasteful earmarks,” Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.\n\nAs Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.\n\nThese STAG projects are a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402000", "title": "Rep. Simpson Supports America's Farmers and Ranchers in Agriculture Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement. This bill champions America’s farmers, agriculture, and rural communities, protects our nation’s food and drug supply, and ensures low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs.\n\n“From strengthening America’s food supply by supporting the farmers and ranchers who feed our country to making critical investments where rural communities need it the most, I am proud to support the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Bill once again. I am grateful to see this measure include critical funding for the USDA-ARS University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, which I proudly fought for. I will always fight for Idaho agriculture and priorities,” said Rep. Simpson.\n\nHighlights of the bill include:\n\nContinues investments in agriculture research, rural development, loan programs, and animal and plant health programs.\n\nReins in harmful Biden-era regulations that dictate how poultry and livestock producers raise and market their animals.\n\nAddresses foreign ownership of United States agricultural land.\n\nSupports the Trump Administration’s public health priorities.\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill includes Congressman Simpson’s Community Project Funding (CPF) request for $5,000,000 for the USDA-ARS University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center Potato Breeding Facilities Project.\n\nThis funding package will now go to the Senate for further consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-opposes-agriculture-funding-bill-citing-cuts-to-food-assistance-and-rural-investment", "title": "Rep. Sykes Opposes Agriculture Funding Bill Citing Cuts to Food Assistance and Rural Investment", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, warning it reduces critical support for food assistance, rural infrastructure, and working families.\n\n“This bill may claim to be about fiscal responsibility, but it comes at the expense of families who are already stretched thin,” said Rep. Sykes. “At a time when costs are rising and need is increasing, it pulls back on the very systems that help people put food on the table, access safe drinking water, and keep rural communities stable. We should be strengthening these investments, not scaling them back.”\n\nIn Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, nearly 45,000 households rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and local food banks such as the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank are reporting increased demand.\n\nThe bill reduces overall discretionary agriculture funding by roughly four percent in FY2027, cutting about $1.1 billion from the previous fiscal year.\n\nKey reductions include:\n\n$6 billion reduction in SNAP funding\n\n$200 million cut to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)\n\n$5 million cut to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)\n\n$62 million cut to water and waste infrastructure grants that support safe drinking water projects\n\n50% reduction in the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)\n\nFlat funding for rural housing programs, limiting repairs, rental assistance, and new development\n\nReduced United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) staffing support for farmer assistance programs\n\nReduced funding for Food for Peace, which supports global food aid and agricultural markets\n\nRep. Sykes said the bill would weaken essential support systems at a time when families, farmers, and rural communities are already under strain.\n\nWhile Rep. Sykes opposed the bill overall, she successfully fought to include report language calling for increased testing for heavy metals in infant formula.\n\nShe also submitted an amendment, which was adopted, calling for increased environmental monitoring at infant formula and toddler food manufacturers to help prevent outbreaks such as the botulism outbreak earlier this year.\n\nRep. Sykes continues to advocate for stronger infant formula and toddler food protections and is calling on her colleagues to pass the Improving Newborns’ Food and Nutrition Testing Safety (INFANTS) Act, which would require finished baby food products and infant formula to be tested for toxic heavy metals and other contaminants.\n\nThe bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-secures-nearly-25-million-for-healthcare-centers", "title": "Rep. Sykes Secures Nearly $2.5 Million For Healthcare Centers", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded two Health Center Program grants to healthcare centers in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, totaling $2,455,014.\n\n“Community health centers play a critical role in keeping Northeast Ohio families healthy and connected to care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, these centers provide accessible, affordable services that many individuals and families rely on every day,” said Rep. Sykes. “Investing in community health centers is an investment in the health, well-being, and strength of our communities.”\n\nAsia Inc. in Akron received $914,240 for its International Community Health Center and Lifecare Family Health And Dental Center, Inc. in Canton received $1,540,774. This grant will help both organizations, as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), continue to provide quality, evidence-based care to individuals regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Both organizations are nonprofits, focusing on providing healthcare to people who would otherwise not be able to afford it.\n\n“ASIA is proud to accept the Health Center Program award and will continue providing quality and low-cost healthcare to our community. FQHCs like ASIA's International Community Health Center (ICHC) are crucial support systems within our community. Healthcare costs are always rising and for our community, a trip to the doctor could mean being slapped with a bill that could force families to choose between going to the doctor or putting food on the table,” said ASIA Inc. CEO Harry Kamdar. “FQHCs keep under-insured or noninsured families who don't qualify for Medicare or Medicaid from making those hard decisions. ICHC will continue to be a beacon of hope for all of our patients with low costs and language accessibility, because everyone deserves to go to the doctor.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shri-thanedar-introduces-bill-to-stop-abusive-student-loan-collection-practices", "title": "Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces Bill to Stop Abusive Student Loan Collection Practices", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "thanedar.house.gov", "scraper": "thanedar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000488", "name": "Shri Thanedar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) introduced The Stopping Abusive Student Loan Collection Practices in Bankruptcy Act, legislation that seeks to amend the federal bankruptcy code to allow a debtor to prove that his or her student loans should be discharged in bankruptcy proceedings.\n\n“No one should go bankrupt because they obtained an education,” said Rep. Thanedar. “My Stopping Abusive Student Loan Collection Practices in Bankruptcy Act would protect borrowers and allow them to discharge their student loans through bankruptcy proceedings, with attorneys’ fees paid by the lender.”\n\nUnder current bankruptcy law, student loan debt is generally non-dischargeable unless the debtor proves that repayment would impose an “undue hardship.” This legislation would expand protections under the “undue hardship” standard, meaning that if a debtor can prove hardship, the losing lender would be responsible for the debtor’s attorneys’ fees.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be viewed here.\n\nCongressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-votes-to-reassert-congressional-authority-over-decisions-of-war-and-peace", "title": "Congresswoman Torres Votes to Reassert Congressional Authority Over Decisions of War and Peace", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres voted in favor of H. Con. Res. 38, legislation directing the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces in unauthorized hostilities against Iran unless Congress provides explicit authorization as required under the Constitution. This is the 4th time that Congresswoman Torres has voted in favor of a War Powers resolution to terminate the war with Iran, although it is the first time that a resolution has passed the House of Representatives.\n\nThe legislation reaffirms Congress's constitutional responsibility over matters of war and directs the Administration to end unauthorized military hostilities against Iran while preserving the United States' ability to defend itself from imminent attack. The resolution also makes clear that it does not interfere with intelligence-sharing, counterterrorism, or other national security activities.\n\n\"The Constitution is clear that only Congress has the sole authority to declare war. No President, regardless of party, should be allowed to drag our nation into another costly and open-ended conflict without the consent of the American people through their elected representatives.” said Congresswoman Torres. “At a time when American families are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and everyday essentials, the Trump Administration is choosing to pour more taxpayer dollars into an escalating conflict abroad instead of focusing on the urgent needs here at home. They started a war without a plan for victory or a strategy to succeed, and working families in the Inland Empire continue to pay the price. Our troops in harm’s way deserve better, and the American people deserve accountability.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-torres-continues-push-for-federal-disaster-aid-to-help-families-rebuild-after-the-devastating-la-wildfires", "title": "Rep. Torres Continues Push for Federal Disaster Aid to Help Families Rebuild After the Devastating LA Wildfires", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced an amendment during the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) full committee markup as she continues to push for LA wildfire aid to help communities recover and rebuild.\n\nThe amendment would increase federal funding for housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery efforts in disaster-impacted communities, including those devastated by the January 2025 Southern California wildfires.\n\n\"California communities are still rebuilding from some of the most destructive natural disasters in our state's history,\" said Congresswoman Torres. \"Families who lost everything, small businesses struggling to reopen, and local governments working to restore critical infrastructure cannot afford delays or uncertainty. Congress has a responsibility to ensure federal resources are available to help communities recover stronger and more resilient than before. The federal government has always stepped in to help Americans during their most desperate moments, and it is shameful that the Trump Administration refuses to do the same.\"\n\nThe January 2025 Southern California wildfires destroyed more than 16,000 structures, leaving thousands of families displaced and causing billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, transportation networks, and public infrastructure.\n\nCongresswoman Torres emphasized the importance of robust federal investments, including Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding, which provides critical assistance for rebuilding homes, supporting local businesses, repairing infrastructure, and implementing mitigation measures that reduce the impact of future disasters. The amendment also recognizes the need for stronger coordination between federal disaster recovery programs to ensure communities receive assistance quickly and efficiently.\n\n\"Disaster relief should not depend on a state's politics. When disaster strikes other states, Congress steps up. California should be no different. As the fourth-largest economy in the world, California helps drive America's prosperity, yet our communities are too often forced to fight for the resources they are owed after devastating disasters,” Torres continued.“Families who lost their homes, small businesses struggling to reopen, and communities rebuilding critical infrastructure deserve action not delays and excuses. The federal government must provide California with the support necessary to recover and rebuild. These investments are critical to restoring communities, reopening businesses, repairing damaged roads and transit systems, and helping families return home.\"\n\nAs a member of the Committee that oversees government spending, Congresswoman Torres has continued to push for disaster aid. Last month, she confronted Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Turner on the Trump Administration’s refusal to help Californians and led an amendment to provide $4.3 billion in Economic Development funding for states that received Major Disaster Declarations in 2025 and 2026, including the Los Angeles Wildfires. She will keep fighting for emergency supplemental funding to support the long-term recovery efforts from the Los Angeles-area wildfires.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3783", "title": "Trahan, Obernolte Unveil Federal AI Framework Discussion Draft", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "trahan.house.gov", "scraper": "trahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000482", "name": "Lori Trahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released a discussion draft of the Great American AI Act, bipartisan legislation to create a federal framework for how the United States governs artificial intelligence. The discussion draft was released with Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), and Erin Houchin (R-IN-09).\n\n“The threats AI poses to our national security, our safety, and our workforce are here and growing by the day. This bipartisan framework is designed to meet the challenges posed by this rapidly advancing technology without smothering American innovation. It protects workers, establishes real accountability for the most powerful frontier systems, and positions the United States to set the global standard on AI,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This discussion draft is the product of ongoing bipartisan conversations, which we hope to build upon with input from workers, researchers, stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom have an interest in getting this right.”\n\n“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, which is why Congress must take a thoughtful and bipartisan approach to regulating this critical technology,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “This discussion draft is an important step toward building a clear federal framework that promotes innovation, protects Americans from emerging risks, and ensures the United States continues to lead the world in AI. We are releasing this draft to hear from stakeholders, experts, and the public so we can strengthen the legislation before it is formally introduced.”\n\nThe discussion draft is intended to solicit feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the public before the bill is formally introduced. It is the result of bipartisan collaboration between the two members to ensure the United States can govern AI effectively, protect Americans from emerging risks, and continue to lead the world in AI innovation.\n\nStakeholders, researchers, and members of the public are encouraged to submit feedback on the discussion draft to GAAIA@mail.house.gov.\n\n“AI is already changing how we work, live, and learn. We need a plan to protect our national security and workforce. I want the United States to continue to be a leader in AI race but develop this technology in a responsible manner that protects people and communities. To do so, we must get a bipartisan conversation started and work faster to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI,” said Congressman Subramanyam.\n\n“Artificial intelligence is already transforming our economy, our national security and the way Americans live and work,” said Congressman Franklin. “Congress has a responsibility to establish clear rules of the road that encourage innovation while ensuring this technology is developed responsibly. The Great American AI Act builds on the bipartisan House AI Task Force and represents an important step toward greater transparency and accountability for advanced AI systems. This discussion draft will help gather feedback from relevant stakeholders as we work toward a practical legislative framework that keeps America at the forefront of AI innovation. I've already begun laying the groundwork through efforts like securing additional funding for the Center for AI Standards and Innovation through the FY27 Appropriations process, ensuring the federal government has the tools and expertise needed to keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology. I appreciate Policy Chair Obernolte's leadership and look forward to introducing this bill in the House.”\n\n“I am thankful to Rep. Trahan and Rep. Obernolte for their leadership on this critical issue,” said Congressman Peters. “This discussion draft will not address all of the issues our businesses and families will face, but it is an encouraging first step toward the bipartisan legislation needed to keep pace with the rapid advancement of AI. I really want to hear how the people affected feel about it.”\n\n“America should lead the world in artificial intelligence, not regulate ourselves into falling behind China through a patchwork of fifty different state laws,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “That approach would make it harder for American companies to innovate and compete while doing little to improve consumer protections. This bill creates a clear national standard for how AI models are developed while preserving the ability of states and parents to protect children. It strikes the right balance between innovation and consumer protection and ensures Congress remains engaged as this technology continues to evolve.”\n\nText of the discussion draft can be accessed HERE.\n\nA section-by-section summary can be accessed HERE.\n\nA frequently asked questions document prepared by the Office of Congresswoman Lori Trahan can be accessed HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3831", "title": "Congressman Valadao Secures Key Wins for Central Valley Families, Farmers, and Communities in FY27 Agriculture Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This is the second full-year government funding bill to pass the House for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\n“As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I was proud to help pass the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill delivers critical investments for the Central Valley by strengthening rural development programs, helping farmers and ranchers access disaster assistance and Farm Service Agency loans, and supporting nutrition programs that help our most vulnerable put food on the table. It also increases funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to combat invasive pests and diseases, including the glassy-winged sharpshooter, New World screwworm, and navel orangeworm, which pose a direct threat to our region’s agricultural industry. I was also proud to secure over $1.3 million in Community Project Funding for the Vineland Elementary School District and the Tulare County Fire Department to improve critical water infrastructure and enhance emergency response capabilities in our communities. Advancing this bill through the House is an important step toward completing the full-year funding process, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to get it over the finish line and ensure our families, farmers, and communities have the resources they deserve.”\n\nKey investments secured by Congressman Valadao in the FY27 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act include:\n\n$1.25 million for the Vineland Elementary School District in Bakersfield to construct a new primary water line to ensure adequate water flow for emergency response, support the addition of new classrooms, and provide a safe, modern educational facility for students and staff.\n\n$600,000 for the Tulare County Fire Department to purchase a new water tender to strengthen emergency response capabilities across Tulare County, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to a reliable water supply is limited.\n\nAdditional highlights include:\n\n$1.79 billion for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), including increases in funding to help discover resilient citrus breeding varieties, pest management and detection methods, and water resource management.\n\n$1.158 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), including increases for animal health and specialty crop programs and funding to combat invasive pests like glassy-winged sharpshooter, New World screwworm, and navel orangeworm.\n\n$1.1 billion for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to help farmers access disaster relief, receive funds from commodity programs, acquire loans, and plan for next year.\n\n$3.81 billion for rural development programs, including affordable housing rental assistance, the Section 502 homeownership loan program, and rural broadband grants and loans.\n\n$37.9 billion for Child Nutrition programs—an increase of $59 million above the FY26 enacted level—including funding for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Summer Food Programs.\n\n$8 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and $101.2 billion in mandatory funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help put food on the tables of our most vulnerable.\n\n$460 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to help feed lower-income senior citizens.\n\n$900 million for the Food for Peace Program and $240 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Both programs purchase commodities from CA-22 farmers and producers, helping combat malnutrition in developing nations and supporting our local economy.\n\nRead the full bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2045", "title": "Congressman Van Drew Meets with Breeze Airways Leadership, Announces Major Expansion in Atlantic City", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew met with senior officials from Breeze Airways to discuss the airline's growing presence at Atlantic City International Airport and its plans to expand service for New Jersey travelers.\n\n\"Breeze Airways is stepping up to expand service in Atlantic City in a big way,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"By the end of the year, we expect every route previously offered by Spirit out of Atlantic City to be served, while also adding brand new destinations that Spirit did not provide. They are ready, willing, and well-positioned to support travel to and from South Jersey. I have been working for years to strengthen the Atlantic City International Airport by bringing in major investments and constantly working to improve its infrastructure. The airport has a bright future, and this expansion is just another sign that airlines see the potential here. I am proud to work with Breeze Airways on this, and I look forward to affordable, convenient air travel continuing to grow for the people of South Jersey.\"\n\n\"We are incredibly pleased with the response we've seen from the community in Atlantic City. It's rare for us to announce so many new routes before ever beginning service, but in this case, the demand for Breeze's high-value, low-cost service was clear from the start,\" said Lukas Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer at Breeze Airways. \"With seven nonstop destinations now operating or available for sale - and with more on the way soon - Breeze offers more destinations from ACY than any other carrier, and we're grateful to our partners in New Jersey for making it possible.\"", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2046", "title": "Congressman Van Drew Slams Gov. Sherrill's Plan to Spend $20.2 Million Defending Illegal Immigrants While New Jersey Families Struggle", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement condemning Governor Sherrill's decision to increase funding for New Jersey's Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative by an additional $12 million, bringing the total taxpayer-funded program to more than $20 million. The funding is intended to provide legal assistance to individuals facing deportation and detention proceedings.\n\n\"New Jersey families are being crushed by some of the highest electric bills, property taxes, and costs of living in the entire country, and Governor Sherrill's answer is to spend more than $20 million defending illegal immigrants,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"It is a complete insult to every hardworking taxpayer in this state. New Jersey citizens should come first. If they can find $20 million for immigration lawyers, they can find money to lower utility delivery charges or provide relief to the people who actually live, work, and pay taxes here. Every dollar spent helping illegal immigrants avoid deportation is a dollar that is not being spent helping New Jersey families afford to stay in New Jersey.\"", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/06/04/vindman-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-tackle-corruption-ban-members-of-congress-from-lobbying/", "title": "Vindman Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Corruption, Ban Members of Congress from Lobbying", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Barry Moore (Ala.-01) introduced the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress from lobbying Congress after leaving office.\n\nThe BLAST Act closes Washington’s revolving door by preventing lawmakers from leveraging their connections and insider knowledge to influence Congress on behalf of paying clients.\n\n“Americans don’t trust politicians. I can’t blame them with all the scandals and self-dealing in DC. That’s why I’ve fought to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks. Now, I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation to ban Members of Congress from lobbying for life.” said Vindman. “Public service should be about serving the American people — not cashing in. This bill is the kind of commonsense policy to start restoring trust in Congress, and we need to pass it now.”\n\n“Washington has a trust problem, and the revolving door between Congress and K Street is a big reason why,” said Moore. “The American people are tired of watching career politicians leave office and cash in on the connections they made while serving in government. Public service should be about serving the people – not building a network for your next paycheck. If Members of Congress truly believe in the causes they champion, they shouldn’t need a lobbying contract to keep fighting for them after they leave office. The BLAST Act is a commonsense reform that puts American taxpayers first, restores faith in our institutions, and sends a clear message that elected office is a public trust, not a pathway to personal profit.”\n\n“I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the BLAST Act, which finally closes the revolving door of former Members of Congress becoming lobbyists. Our Founders envisioned a government led by citizen representatives, not lifelong political operators cashing in on their time in office.” said Crane.\n\n“Trust in Congress is at an all-time low, and there’s no secret why,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “People everywhere are tired of seeing members of Congress who treat their office as an opportunity to make money instead of serving their district. The BLAST Act is a critical piece of restoring public trust, and reminding members that their job is being a voice for their district, not a stepping-stone to a lucrative lobbying gig.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3D8B4864-783C-439C-A96E-90AF65237A11", "title": "Webster Votes to Pass FY 27 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "webster.house.gov", "scraper": "webster", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000806", "name": "Daniel Webster", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, today voted to pass H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\n“This legislation puts the health, safety, and prosperity of American producers and consumers first,” said Rep. Webster. “H.R. 8646 supports America’s farmers and ranchers, strengthens rural communities, promotes food and drug safety, and reduces our reliance on foreign competitors like China. I’m pleased that House Republicans are once again advancing fiscally responsible appropriations bills through regular order that deliver on the priorities important to the American people.”\n\nKey provisions of H.R. 8646 include:\n\nSupports America’s Farmers and ranchers though investments in agricultural research, animal and plant health programs, conservation efforts, and rural development initiatives.\n\nInvests in rural communities through housing, water infrastructure, broadband, telecommunications, and rural development programs.\n\nStrengthens America's food supply through food safety inspections and support for domestic agricultural production.\n\nReduces reliance on foreign competitors by improving oversight of foreign ownership of agricultural land and strengthening domestic supply chains.\n\nPreserves Buy American policies and eliminates funding for Biden-era Climate Hubs.\n\nSupports the Trump Administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by providing resources to help ensure the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices.\n\nIn addition, Congressman Webster secured more than $1.5 million for the City of Webster’s Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program and championed report language for the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loan Program. These investments will help strengthen critical infrastructure, support economic growth, and improve America’s rural communities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6951", "title": "Wittman Applauds House Passage of Community Project Funding for Essex County", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted the House passage of his $1,288,608 million funding request for Essex County, Virginia’s construction of a Joint Maintenance Facility (JMF) and to install a short access road to improve connectivity to nearby thoroughfares. The funds, submitted through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act, await final passage in the Senate.\n\n“I am proud to announce that the House of Representatives has passed my $1.2 million CPF request for Essex County, Virginia,” said Rep. Wittman. “This funding will help modernize critical infrastructure in the community — keeping Virginians safer and improving the efficiency of emergency services and government operations. I look forward to seeing this legislation advance to the Senate and become law.”\n\nThe funds will be used by Essex County to modernize and centralize critical fleet operations for public schools, emergency services, law enforcement, and county operations — improving efficiency, safety, and reliability across essential government services. The current undersized and deteriorating facility from the 1940s no longer meets operational or safety standards, creating delays and maintenance challenges that can hinder emergency response and service delivery. Federal investment will enhance response times, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and ensure the County can effectively support essential public services for its residents.\n\nCommunity Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects—rather than leaving those decisions to unelected bureaucrats in Washington who lack a direct connection to the community. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits, reinforcing Congress’s control over the power of the purse. Rather than allowing that money to fund projects in different states, Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in determining where funding goes.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410814", "title": "Womack Votes for Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill to Empower Arkansas Producers and Rural Communities", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 4, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nThis bill allocates $26.27 billion in discretionary spending to fund the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and more.\n\nCongressman Womack said, “The Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration funding bill is an important step forward in supporting our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and producers. It also provides targeted relief for our poultry industry and other businesses in Arkansas’s Third District who work tirelessly to keep food on our shelves and on our kitchen tables. I am proud that the House passed this bill well before the end of the fiscal year, and I look forward to collaborating with our Senate colleagues.”\n\nBill highlights:\n\nEmpowers American producers and rural communities by:\n\nAllowing broiler chicken farmers to sell their surplus eggs into the breaker market for pasteurization and mixture into everyday grocery products.\n\nReining in Biden-era regulations aimed at dictating how poultry and livestock producers raise and market their animals.\n\nIncreasing resources for the Food Safety and Inspection Service to fund frontline meat and poultry inspectors and bolster support for state inspection programs.\n\nImproving the tracking of foreign-owned U.S. agricultural land by countries such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.\n\nFunding agricultural research and rural development programs.\n\nStreamlining the pet food labeling regulatory environment by eliminating a burdensome patchwork of requirements, thereby increasing economic productivity and employment opportunities for AR-3 pet food producers.\n\nSupporting the FDA's work related to contaminated poppy seeds and directing the agency to carry out enforcement measures to ensure only safe poppy seeds are available for consumption.\n\nA summary of the bill is available HERE.\n\nThe bill text is available HERE.\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nwomack.house.gov\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-report-donald-trumps-disastrous-agenda-for-wisconsins-dairyland", "title": "NEW REPORT: Donald Trump’s Disastrous Agenda for Wisconsin’s Dairyland", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WISCONSIN – As Dairy Month begins, and ahead of President Trump’s visit to Wisconsin, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today released a report highlighting how the Trump Administration’s policies are devastating Wisconsin farmers – jacking up input costs and cutting off access to customers who buy Made in Wisconsin agricultural products.\n\n“Wisconsin farmers do backbreaking work to produce world-class products that feed the world and drive our rural economies. President Trump came into office promising to support our farmers, but instead has taken every opportunity to jack up their costs, limit their customers, and cut into their margins,” said Senator Baldwin. “Between Donald Trump’s trade war, unnecessary war in Iran, and attacks on our health care system, Wisconsin farmers are paying more for everything, and Donald Trump has no solutions to the problems he’s caused. As President Trump visits Wisconsin, he owes our farmers more than lip service – they need real relief from the high costs they are paying.”\n\nThe report outlines how President Trump’s policies – including starting a trade war and a war of choice in Iran – has sent Wisconsin farmers’ input costs through the roof:\n\nHigher Costs: President Trump’s war in Iran has jacked up prices for Wisconsin farmers – with diesel hitting historic highs in May, up 80% from the year before. Likewise, global fertilizer prices jumped 50% in recent months.\n\nFewer Customers: Between the President’s trade wars and cuts to nutrition programs, Wisconsin farmers are losing access to key markets they rely on. According to the American Farm Bureau, crop farmers lost $34.6 billion in 2025 in large part due to Donald Trump’s trade war. President Trump's trade war also caused the top buyer of U.S. soybeans, China, to effectively boycott U.S. soybeans, cutting off a major export market for Wisconsin farmers. Soybean farmers lost almost $75 per harvested acre of soybeans in the 2025 crop. The report also highlights Republicans’ historic cut to the SNAP program, hurting farmers who sell nutritious food to American families on the food assistance program.\n\nHealth Care Cuts: Republicans’ historic $1 trillion cut to Medicaid will devastate rural hospitals, which disproportionately rely on the program to keep their doors open. In light of these cuts, one estimate found that three Wisconsin hospitals are at risk of closing. With Republicans taking away the enhanced premium tax credits that help Americans afford health insurance, 1 in 4 farmers who get their insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace will pay on average $780 more this year.\n\nSenator Baldwin has traveled Wisconsin talking to farmers, growers, and ranchers about how higher costs and uncertainty under President Trump are adding to already challenging headwinds for their businesses. In recent weeks, Senator Baldwin has visited farms in Janesville, Sharon, Warrens, Stoddard, and Seymour to hear firsthand about the headwinds facing farmers.\n\nA full version of the report is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/04/bennet-pettersen-colorado-democratic-delegation-demand-answers-from-president-trump-as-iran-war-spikes-gas-prices-ahead-of-summer-travel-season/", "title": "Bennet, Pettersen, Colorado Democratic Delegation Demand Answers from President Trump as Iran War Spikes Gas Prices Ahead of Summer Travel Season", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Colorado Ranks in Top 10 Most Expensive U.S. Gas Markets\n\nDenver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen and the Colorado Democratic delegation in a letter to President Trump demanding answers about his administration’s plan to lower gasoline prices, which the President spiked by launching his reckless war with Iran.\n\nOn Memorial Day, Colorado ranked as one of the 10 most expensive gasoline markets in the nation, with prices surpassing $4.76 per gallon — an increase of over 60 percent from before President Trump launched his war. Gasoline prices could continue to rise throughout the summer travel season, further straining family budgets already stretched thin by the burden of the rising cost of housing, electricity, groceries, and other essentials.\n\n“We are deeply concerned that, by your own account, you ‘don’t think about Americans’ financial situation[s]’ when negotiating with Iran, at a time when Americans continue to struggle to pay for groceries, housing, and everyday essentials. Coloradans need a plan for how you intend to deliver relief as families are being crushed by rising costs,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\n“Summer travel is an important tradition for families across our country, whether it be taking well-earned time off to visit family or driving through small towns and gateway communities to visit National Parks and other treasured American destinations. Rising fuel prices will make it harder for families to experience the beauty of our nation, support local businesses, attend community events, and celebrate America’s heritage. Millions of Americans will travel this summer to visit Washington, D.C., and historic sites across the country as preparations continue for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, making affordable fuel even more important for families planning these trips,” continued the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers requested detailed information on the administration’s efforts to lower gasoline prices by June 18, 2026. Specifically, they requested information regarding:\n\nActions the administration is taking to reduce gas prices in the near term;\n\nWhether a coordinated interagency strategy exists to address rising fuel costs;\n\nAnalysis of the factors driving recent gasoline price increases;\n\nThe administration’s assessment of the impact on working families, rural communities, and small businesses; and\n\nThe benchmarks being used to determine whether administration actions are successfully lowering prices.\n\nIn May 2026, Bennet joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to introduce legislation to increase the excise tax on stock buybacks of large oil and gas companies from one percent to 25 percent to ensure that windfall oil profits from the Iran War aren’t used to reward corporate shareholders.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nWe write regarding rising gasoline prices ahead of the summer travel season and growing concerns from Coloradans about fuel affordability. After you unilaterally dragged the United States into another endless war in the Middle East, Americans are being forced to foot the bill at the gas pump. Recent reporting and market analysis indicate that gasoline prices have surged nationally in recent weeks, with Colorado being one of the top 10 most expensive gasoline markets, with prices reaching over $4.76 per gallon,1 which is over 60% more than Coloradans paid before the war. Furthermore, prices have the potential to climb even further this summer.2 We are deeply concerned that, by your own account, you “don’t think about Americans’ financial situation” when negotiating with Iran, at a time when Americans continue to struggle to pay for groceries, housing, and everyday essentials.3 Coloradans need a plan for how you intend to deliver relief as families are being crushed by rising costs.\n\nSummer travel is an important tradition for families across our country, whether it be taking well-earned time off to visit family or driving through small towns and gateway communities to visit National Parks and other treasured American destinations. Rising fuel prices will make it harder for families to experience the beauty of our nation, support local businesses, attend community events, and celebrate America’s heritage. Millions of Americans will travel this summer to visit Washington, D.C., and historic sites across the country as preparations continue for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, making affordable fuel even more important for families planning these trips.\n\nGiven these factors, we request information regarding the Administration’s strategy to lower gasoline prices and mitigate effects on consumers during the 2026 summer travel season.\n\nSpecifically, please respond to the following questions no later than June 18, 2026:\n\nWhat specific actions is the Administration currently undertaking to reduce gas prices in the near term?\n\nHave you developed a coordinated interagency plan to address projected fuel price increases during the summer travel season? If so, please provide that plan.\n\nWhat analysis have you conducted regarding the primary drivers of recent gasoline price increases? Please provide this analysis.\n\nWhat assessment have you made regarding the economic impact of elevated gasoline prices on low- and moderate- income households, rural communities, and small businesses? Please provide this assessment.\n\nWhat benchmarks or metrics are you using to evaluate whether the actions you are taking are successfully lowering gasoline prices? Please publish these benchmarks.\n\nAmericans deserve transparency and accountability regarding the Administration’s plan to address rising fuel prices. Families across the country are making difficult decisions right now based on the expectation that gasoline prices may continue to rise throughout the summer. Yet, your Administration continues to find endless money for a war in Iran and White House renovations. Congress and the public should understand what concrete actions are being taken to provide relief to American households.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your prompt response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-probes-tether-on-its-role-in-iranian-shadow-banking", "title": "Blumenthal Probes Tether On Its Role in Iranian Shadow Banking", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today wrote to Tether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino demanding records and information related to Tether’s apparent failure to prevent illicit use by sanctioned entities, terrorist organizations, and other money laundering schemes associated with Iran and Russia.\n\nAs Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the illicit use of cryptocurrencies by sanctioned entities, previously writing to the cryptocurrency exchange Binance to seek documents and information about money laundering and terrorist financing by its partners and customers. Blumenthal is now raising concerns about the recurring role of Tether’s stablecoin in Iranian and Russian money laundering schemes, including recently sanctioned Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges.\n\n“Through its U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, USDT, Tether has provided unparalleled access to a high-liquidity and widely accepted international payment system that is otherwise denied to Iran due to international sanctions and counterterrorism financing measures. For example, according to The Wall Street Journal and Fortune, hundreds of millions of dollars of USDT were used in two Chinese money laundering schemes that enabled illicit oil sales and financed terrorist organizations such as the Yemeni Houthis,” Blumenthal wrote.\n\nBlumenthal continued, “The Subcommittee’s review of blockchain records, sanctions designations, asset seizure notices, and industry reporting raises significant concerns about USDT’s repeated use by the Islamic Republic and its proxies, such as Hizballah, Hamas, and the Houthis (Ansarallah).”\n\nBlumenthal continued, “The Subcommittee’s review raises questions about whether and how Tether complies with American sanctions law and other counterterrorism finance measures, as well as the steps it takes when its customers and wallets transacting Tether cryptocurrencies can be credibly linked with illicit finance. Tether was originally founded in the United States and maintains a deep reliance on American financial infrastructure, including its operational and business relationship to Cantor Fitzgerald and the family of the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick.”\n\n“The use of Tether’s stablecoin in Iranian shadow banking, and uncertain compliance with American sanctions and banking law, has a significant impact on the United States’ ability to apply economic pressure on the Islamic Republic to negotiate an end to the current war and resolve matters such as its nuclear program and regional destabilization,” Blumenthal concluded.\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Ardo is available here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Ardo:\n\nThe Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI” or “the Subcommittee”) is conducting an ongoing inquiry into cryptocurrency’s role in the Iranian shadow banking network and other illicit financial operations. Through this inquiry, I have become deeply concerned about the recurring role of Tether’s stablecoin in Iranian and Russian money laundering schemes, including recently sanctioned Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges. I therefore demand that you provide the Subcommittee with all records and information related to Tether’s apparent failure to prevent illicit use by sanctioned entities, terrorist organizations, and other money laundering schemes associated with Iran and Russia.\n\nOn June 2, 2026, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) sanctioned the Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex based on their role in financially supporting the regime, sanctions evasion, and money laundering by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”). These designations follow a recent warning from the Department of Treasury that cryptocurrencies have become “one leg of Iran’s shadow banking network,” naming stablecoins and “large volume stablecoin issuers,” of which Tether is the largest, as being of particular concern. Additionally, on May 26, 2026 the United Kingdom sanctioned Huobi Global—listed as a partner on Tether’s website—for its ties to the Russian government during the country’s war on Ukraine, including supporting the Russian cryptocurrency services A7 and Garantex (both also sanctioned by OFAC for cybercrime and sanctions evasion).\n\nThrough its U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, USDT, Tether has provided unparalleled access to a high-liquidity and widely accepted international payment system that is otherwise denied to Iran due to international sanctions and counterterrorism financing measures. For example, according to The Wall Street Journal and Fortune, hundreds of millions of dollars of USDT were used in two Chinese money laundering schemes that enabled illicit oil sales and financed terrorist organizations such as the Yemeni Houthis. This USDT was also then, in part, transferred to Nobitex, which OFAC alleges “facilitated a significant number of digital asset transactions linked to the IRGC, including transactions for wallets associated with IRGC-affiliated ransomware actors.”\n\nThe Subcommittee’s review of blockchain records, sanctions designations, asset seizure notices, and industry reporting raises significant concerns about USDT’s repeated use by the Islamic Republic and its proxies, such as Hizballah, Hamas, and the Houthis (Ansarallah). Over the course of six years, OFAC and Israel’s National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing (“NBCTF”) have designated hundreds of cryptocurrency wallets for financing and facilitating transfer of funds to Iran, the IRGC, and its proxies. A review by the Subcommittee of these sanctions and seizures has found the wallets designated are predominantly Tron and Ethereum blockchain addresses that have transacted in USDT. Furthermore, according to their websites, Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex still deal substantially in Tether’s stablecoin, including exchanging USDT for Iranian Rial, even in the middle of the ongoing war and after OFAC designations. Further, Nobitex advises their customers how to evade sanctions with USDT.\n\nThe Subcommittee’s review raises questions about whether and how Tether complies with American sanctions law and other counterterrorism finance measures, as well as the steps it takes when its customers and wallets transacting Tether cryptocurrencies can be credibly linked with illicit finance. Tether was originally founded in the United States and maintains a deep reliance on American financial infrastructure, including its operational and business relationship to Cantor Fitzgerald and the family of the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. However, despite these ties, Tether has stated its compliance with OFAC sanctions is “voluntary” and that it follows “OFAC guidelines” (emphasis added). The use of Tether’s stablecoin in Iranian shadow banking, and uncertain compliance with American sanctions and banking law, has a significant impact on the United States’ ability to apply economic pressure on the Islamic Republic to negotiate an end to the current war and resolve matters such as its nuclear program and regional destabilization.\n\nAccordingly, and pursuant to Rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.), Section 12, and PSI Rule 1, please provide information and records responsive to the following requests by June 12, 2026.\n\nWhat legal jurisdictions does Tether believe it is subject to for USDT, in particular for anti-money laundering rules, reporting obligations, asset seizures, and sanctions compliance? Does Tether believe it is legally required to comply with Department of Treasury sanctions for USDT and issue suspicious activity reports (SARs) to the U.S. government for suspected illicit finance?\n\nAs the issuer of USDT, Tether has the technical means to freeze and block wallets from withdrawing funds through a ‘blacklist’ function built into the stablecoin. Has Tether frozen all USDT or other assets held in wallets associated with, or custodied by, the sanctioned entities Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex in compliance with OFAC designations? If not, why not?\n\nWill Tether terminate its partnership with Huobi Global and freeze any USDT or other assets associated with Huobi Global? What steps will Tether take with respect to Huobi’s cryptocurrency exchange HTX?\n\nHas Tether ever failed or declined to blacklist a wallet address or terminate a client where it had reason to believe that the wallet or client was engaged in illicit finance?\n\nWhat operational presence does Tether have in the Middle East (including the U.A.E. and Turkey) and Russia, including but not limited to bank accounts, client support services, sales representatives, or other mechanisms to convert between issued USDT and fiat currencies?\n\nIn addition, please provide the following records:\n\nAll records related to any investigation, requests for information for clients, SARs, reports provided to Tether, or information related to Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, Ramzinex, or any other Iranian cryptocurrency exchange.\n\nAll records related to any investigation, requests for information for clients, SARs, reports provided to Tether, or information related to A7, Garantex, and Huobi Global’s involvement with Russian entities.\n\nAll records related to any investigation, requests for information for clients, SARs, reports provided to Tether, or information related to the use of USDT by the Central Bank of Iran, and steps that Tether has taken to further prevent the Central Bank of Iran's use of USDT for money laundering.\n\nAll records related to any investigation, requests for information, SARs, or provision of information where Tether subsequently decline to blacklist wallets, request information from any partner (such as exchanges), or terminate a client involved in Iranian shadow banking system.\n\nPlease contact the Subcommittee should you have any questions about responding to these requests. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-house-passage-of-russia-sanctions-and-ukraine-aid", "title": "Blumenthal Statement on House Passage of Russia Sanctions & Ukraine Aid", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the statement below after the House of Representatives approved legislation to provide military aid to Ukraine and sanction officials and businesses that support Russia’s war machine:\n\n“Really significant, robust support for Ukraine could come at a critical moment as it turns the tide against Russia. As I saw during my visit last week, Putin’s escalating cruelty— unspeakably bloodier bombing of civilians— reflects his increasing desperation. He’s losing troops, territory and resources at an unsustainable pace. This bill’s sledgehammer combination of military support and economic sanctions would help give Ukraine the means to finish the job. It strongly serves our own national interest by stopping Putin before he spreads his murderous aggression, and pressures him to seek peace. Congratulations and thanks to leaders of this bill on their steadfast support for Ukraine. I’ve been proud to help lead support for Ukraine on the Senate side and will continue to work hard on passing legislation to make it clear America stands with Ukraine.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-warren-and-johnson-call-on-bank-of-america-to-restore-consumers-legal-rights_protections", "title": "Blumenthal, Warren & Johnson Call on Bank of America to Restore Consumers' Legal Rights & Protections", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and U.S. Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA) wrote to Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, calling on the bank to immediately remove its recently added forced arbitration agreement, hamstringing consumers’ legal rights and denying them the ability to hold corporations accountable.\n\n“The new forced arbitration provision will force Bank of America’s customers into a private and secretive system, rigged against their interests. During the arbitration process, corporations can write the rules and have no obligation to make proceedings public. Without access to the public court system, discovery is typically limited, making it hard for consumers to obtain the evidence needed to prove their case,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\n“We expect companies that pride themselves on consumer protection, like Bank of America, to stand up for its customers and not rely on forced arbitration clauses that quietly strip customers of their rights,” continued the lawmakers. “At a time when costs are rising, Americans are struggling to get by, and the Trump administration has abandoned enforcement of even the most basic consumer protection policies, we are deeply disappointed that Bank of America is imposing yet another obstacle for customers seeking accountability and protection.”\n\nThe full letter to Moynihan can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Moynihan,\n\nWe write to urge Bank of America to immediately remove the forced arbitration provision recently added to its Online Banking Service agreement. This inherently unjust provision denies consumers the right to hold corporations accountable and enforce their rights.[1]\n\nIn 2009, Bank of America ended its use of forced arbitration clauses in credit card disputes.[2] The change, welcomed by advocates and consumers alike, followed a lawsuit alleging that Bank of America colluded with other banks to implement arbitration provisions – effectively severing a customer’s ability to enforce their rights in court.[3] Bank of America’s decision not to include forced arbitration provisions in its terms thereafter persisted for almost 17 years.[4] In fact, in response to a letter sent by Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2017, Bank of America even called its decision to remove the arbitration clauses the “right business practice to maintain relationships with its clients and customers.”[5]\n\nHowever, in a significant departure from its historical commitments, Bank of America recently added a forced arbitration provision to its Online Banking Service Terms. As of May 18, 2026, customers will be forced to resolve almost every dispute with Bank of America through forced private arbitration, denying them their right to a jury trial or to participation in class-action lawsuits.[6] Similarly troubling, the Online Banking Service agreement only gives customers 60 days to opt out of the clause – leaving most customers likely unaware that their rights are being stripped away.[7]\n\nThe new forced arbitration provision will force Bank of America’s customers into a private and secretive system, rigged against their interests. During the arbitration process, corporations can write the rules and have no obligation to make proceedings public. Without access to the public court system, discovery is typically limited, making it hard for consumers to obtain the evidence needed to prove their case.[8] Additionally, there is no meaningful judicial review, frequently leaving consumers without the ability to appeal a decision even if the arbitrator gets it wrong. The process is binding, forcing consumers into an inherently biased system that they did not choose for themselves.[9]\n\nWe expect companies that pride themselves on consumer protection, like Bank of America, to stand up for its customers and not rely on forced arbitration clauses that quietly strip customers of their rights.[10] At a time when costs are rising, Americans are struggling to get by, and the Trump administration has abandoned enforcement of even the most basic consumer protection policies, we are deeply disappointed that Bank of America is imposing yet another obstacle for customers seeking accountability and protection.\n\nWe urge Bank of America to immediately remove the forced arbitration clause and restore basic consumer protection principles. In addition, in order to gain a deeper understanding of Bank of America’s decision to add a forced arbitration clause to its Online Banking Service Terms, please provide detailed responses to the following questions by June 26, 2026:\n\nWhy is Bank of America reversing its 2009 decision to eliminate forced arbitration clauses from its contracts?\n\nIn 2017, in response to a letter sent by Senator Elizabeth Warren, Bank of America stated that it “implemented revisions to our arbitration policies and procedures almost ten years ago because we believe it is the right business practice for us to maintain relationships with our clients and customers.”[11]\n\nIs Bank of America no longer concerned with “maintain[ing] relationships with its clients and customers?”\n\nHas Bank of America conducted any analysis of the effects this policy will have on its customers?\n\nDid Bank of America conduct internal reviews or analyses before deciding to add forced arbitration clauses to its Online Banking Service Terms?\n\nIf so, please provide any related insight or documentation explaining the factors that contributed to its decision to add forced arbitration clauses.\n\nHas Bank of America projected any cost savings or any other return as a result of adding the forced arbitration clause?\n\nWill Bank of America commit to reassessing its decision to include forced arbitration provisions?\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-\n\n[1] Bank of America, “Online Banking Service Agreement,” May 18, 2026, https://www.bankofamerica.com/content/documents/agreement/OnlineBankingServiceAgreementUpdateEN.pdf.\n\n[2] Kathy Chu, “Bank of America ends arbitration of credit card disputes,” ABC News, August 13, 2009, https://abcnews.com/Business/story?id=8324675&page=1.\n\n[3] Associated Press, “BofA Drops Credit Card Arbitration Requirement,” CNBC, August 14, 2025, https://www.citizen.org/article/coalition-letter-opposing-bank-of-americas-adoption-of-forced-arbitration-provisions-in-its-online-banking-service-agreement/#_ftn2.\n\n[4] Ibid.\n\n[5] Letter to The Honorable Elizabeth Warren from John Collingwood, Director of Federal Government Affairs for Bank of America, Sep. 1, 2017, https://www.warren.senate.gov/files/documents/2017_09_12_Responses_to_Arb_Letter.pdf.\n\n[6] Bank of America, “Online Banking Service Agreement,” May 18, 2026, https://www.bankofamerica.com/content/documents/agreement/OnlineBankingServiceAgreementUpdateEN.pdf.\n\n[7] Ibid.\n\n[8] Economic Policy Institute, “The Arbitration Epidemic,” December 7, 2015, https://www.epi.org/publication/the-arbitration-epidemic/.\n\n[9] Ibid.\n\n[10] Bank of America, “Our Mission & Vision,” accessed May 19, 2026, https://careers.bankofamerica.com/en-us/company/values.\n\n[11] Letter to The Honorable Elizabeth Warren from John Collingwood, Director of Federal Government Affairs for Bank of America, Sep. 1, 2017, https://www.warren.senate.gov/files/documents/2017_09_12_Responses_to_Arb_Letter.pdf.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/connecticut-delegation-opposes-shortsighted-plan-to-close-hamden-invasive-species-research-facility", "title": "Connecticut Delegation Opposes Shortsighted Plan to Close Hamden Invasive Species Research Facility", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Representative John Larson, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Representative Jim Himes, and U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opposing plans to close the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) research and development center in Hamden, Connecticut.\n\n“This site has been on the forefront of fighting invasive insects and diseases that threaten our forests for decades, and we urge you to abandon this short-sighted reorganization plan and leave the Connecticut lab intact,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nUSFS announced recently that it aims to close 57 of 77 similar facilities across the nation and consolidate them into a handful of regional facilities. The work of the Connecticut facility is expected to move to Warren, Pennsylvania under the current restructuring plan. Nine staff members would be relocated as a result of this change.\n\nMoving the research and development center out of Connecticut and New England could delay critical research of invasive insects and diseases affecting our state. The lab in Connecticut has been instrumental in studying and responding to emerging threats to tree life such as spotted lantern flies, Asian longhorned beetles and the spongy moth.\n\n“It is hard to overstate the threat these species pose to forests in our region – one recent study found that invasive insects are now responsible for a quarter of tree deaths across the Northeast,” the delegation continued. “…It is especially baffling considering your own stated goals for USDA research and development. In a Secretary’s memo dated December 30, 2025, you list ‘protecting the integrity of American agriculture from invasive species’ as one of your research and development priorities.Now just a few months later, you are threatening to close a facility that does exactly that.”\n\nThe delegation urges USFS to immediately abandon its plans to close the Hamden facility and allow the talented scientists and researchers to continue their important work.\n\nThe delegation’s full letter is available here and below:\n\nJune 4, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Brooke Rollins\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Agriculture\n\n1400 Independence Avenue SW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20250\n\nDear Secretary Rollins,\n\nWe write in strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) plan to close the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) research and development center in Hamden, Connecticut. This site has been on the forefront of fighting invasive insects and diseases that threaten our forests for decades, and we urge you to abandon this short-sighted reorganization plan and leave the Connecticut lab intact.\n\nThe Hamden R&D lab does critically important work studying and combatting invasive insects in the Northeast. Over the years, researchers there have tackled a number of critical problem species, including the Spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and Spotted Lanternflies.[1] It is hard to overstate the threat these species pose to forests in our region – one recent study found that invasive insects are now responsible for a quarter of tree deaths across the Northeast.[2] At a time when our New England trees are under such grave threat, it defies logic that this administration would seek to close a research facility that has a proven track record of successfully responding to invasive species. It is especially baffling considering your own stated goals for USDA research and development. In a Secretary’s memo dated December 30, 2025, you list “protecting the integrity of American agriculture from invasive species” as one of your research and development priorities.[3] Now just a few months later, you are threatening to close a facility that does exactly that.\n\nThe closure of the Hamden lab comes as part of a broader restructuring plan, where USDA aims to close 57 of 77 similar facilities across the country and consolidate them into a handful of regional facilities, with the work of the Connecticut facility expected to move to Warren, Pennsylvania.[4] The agency has claimed that this move will not impact the quality of the invasive species work performed by USFS, but as experts have pointed out, location matters when performing this type of research.[5] The ability to respond quickly to emerging threats would be severely diminished by moving further away. And that is to say nothing of the personal impacts on the dedicated workers at the lab. While the agency has claimed that no scientific positions will be eliminated, that leaves the possibility that these employees will be asked to relocate to the new regional facility in Warren, Pennsylvania.[6] Further, the agency’s insistence that nothing is finalized yet with this proposal has left these employees in limbo for months now, wondering if they will still have a job or will have to upend their lives and move hundreds of miles and several states away.\n\nThe USFS research and development center in Hamden, Connecticut has done vital work to protect our nation from invasive species for decades. We urge you to let this critical work continue and immediately abandon your consolidation plan to close this facility.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-as-trump-republicans-wage-assault-on-free-and-fair-elections-senator-blunt-rochester-leader-schumer-senate-democrats-top-elections-experts-gear-up/", "title": "NEWS: As Trump & Republicans Wage Assault On Free And Fair Elections, Senator Blunt Rochester, Leader Schumer, Senate Democrats, & Top Elections Experts Gear Up To Combat Key Election Threats", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Task Force, joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Task Force as they convened with key election experts including former Attorney General Eric Holder, Marc Elias of the Elias Law Group, Ian Bassin of Protect Democracy, Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward, and election law expert Norm Eisen. During the Task Force meeting, the Senators and experts stress-tested responses to several key threats to the 2026 midterms, including foreign interference and misinformation, the deployment of federal agents to polling places, and law enforcement agents seizing ballots from local election officials. This was the second meeting of the Senate Democrats’ new Election Protection Task Force, which was launched in April.\n\nAs the Republican agenda grows more unpopular due to a worsening affordability crisis and rampant Trump corruption, the Trump administration has worked to disrupt free and fair elections and tip the scales toward Republicans ahead of the midterms. Trump has said he’ll deploy an “election integrity army” to polling places across the country and is making it harder to vote-by-mail. His Justice Department sought to seize state voter rolls. FBI agents and the Director of National Intelligence raided election offices in Georgia. Republicans pressed election officials in Arizona to turn over documents. Poll workers are being threatened nationwide.\n\nOver the coming weeks and months, the Task Force will continue to announce additional steps in the fight to safeguard the right to vote and ensure that every American has fair access to the ballot box this November.\n\n“From the introduction of the SAVE Act to the gutting of the landmark Voting Rights Act, Washington Republicans are leading an unprecedented attack on the integrity of our elections,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Today’s exercise was a critical opportunity to consider each of the challenges we may face ahead of the Midterm elections and ensure we are prepared to address them head-on.”\n\n“Trump and Republicans are hellbent on rigging our elections and undermining our democracy. Democrats won’t let that happen,” said Leader Schumer. “Our Election Protection Task Force, the most expansive effort to date to protect the 2026 midterms, is readying for the threats we know are coming – and today we gamed out how we can thwart them before Republicans can undermine our free and fair elections. Democrats will be ready with lawyers and response teams to respond the moment Trump or his allies try to interfere with our elections. Democracy is on the line. Democrats are going to fight like hell to make sure our elections belong to the voters – not Donald Trump.”\n\n“With the midterm elections well underway, we need to be ready on every front to deal with MAGA election deniers’ slimy playbook, from misleading artificial intelligence ads to the Trump Administration’s illegal intimidation of voters and election officials. Democrats are taking an all-options approach to ensure our elections are fair and free,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.\n\n“President Trump’s approval rating is in the tank and he’s bringing Republicans down with him. The President has tried to overturn an election before, so the country needs to be prepared to defend the election process to keep the midterms free and fair,” said Senator Whitehouse.\n\n“We have to take Trump at his word when he threatens to ‘take over’ our elections and compromise the integrity of our democracy. Today’s tabletop exercise offered a sobering look at the lengths President Trump and his allies and cronies could go to disrupt free and fair elections, and it underscored the coordinated effort that will be necessary to stop him and protect our democracy. The exercise reinforced a simple but critical truth: no institution can defend our democracy alone. Preventing Trump from carrying out illegal efforts to subvert our elections will require public servants, civil society, elected officials from both parties, and ordinary citizens to stand together and refuse to let him succeed,” said Sen. Mark R. Warner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.\n\n“The Trump Administration is leading a coordinated campaign to undermine our nation’s elections. This tabletop exercise demonstrates the importance of anticipating potential threats at the polls so we are prepared to respond to threats ahead of this year’s upcoming elections. The right to vote is a bedrock of our democracy, and I am committed now more than ever to protecting fair and free elections for all Americans,” said Senator Blumenthal.\n\n“As millions of Americans exercised their right to vote yesterday, Donald Trump and his MAGA allies were working overtime — not to make life better for families who are struggling to make ends meet, but scheming to silence the voices of countless voters across the country. They have already moved to seize ballots, purge eligible voters from the rolls, dismantle the core protections of the Voting Rights Act, and now handed control of America’s most sensitive national security apparatus to a Trump loyalist whose only qualification is his willingness to do Trump’s bidding, including election interference. Between now and the November midterms, we expect these attacks will only intensify. That is exactly why this task force exists. We will fight back in the Senate, in the courts, and in the states, and we will ensure that Donald Trump can’t ‘takeover’ our elections. Our democracy is not his to take,” said Senator Padilla.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-bipartisan-amicus-brief-challenging-trumps-17-billion-antiweaponization-fund-as-an-unconstitutional-endrun-around-congress", "title": "Booker Leads Bipartisan Amicus Brief Challenging Trump’s $1.7 Billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as an Unconstitutional End-Run Around Congress", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) submitted a bipartisan amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia opposing the Trump Administration’s creation of the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund, a $1.7 billion pool of taxpayer money. The brief argues that the fund is an unconstitutional end-run around Congress—an unlawful attempt to direct federal dollars, potentially to individuals involved in the January 6 attack, without any congressional authorization.\n\nOn January 29, 2026, President Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the unlawful leak of his tax returns in 2019 by a government contractor who was later convicted and sentenced. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a “settlement” that establishes a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” using taxpayer dollars. If permitted to proceed, this Fund will be used to compensate people who claim they were unfairly targeted by the federal government. People who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, such as Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys leader, and Jake Lang, who used a bat to attack Capitol Police officers, are already seeking payments from the Fund.\n\nIn response to overwhelming bipartisan outrage, the DOJ has made ambiguous, out-of-court statements that do nothing to stop the DOJ from moving forward with establishing the Fund after the court order expires. In a recent statement, the President has been unequivocal that he has not “dropped” the Fund. Without a court order or legislation, the Trump Administration can still move forward with this historic act of corruption.\n\nThe senators’ brief urges the court to stop the DOJ from implementing the unconstitutional Anti-Weaponization Fund. The senators asserted their strong interest in protecting taxpayer funds from abuse and protecting Congress’ exclusive authority over federal spending, appropriations, and appointments. The senators stated that the Executive Branch cannot bypass Congressional authority to create a discretionary fund on its own, especially when the very lawsuit that sparked the settlement was a one-sided suit filed by the President against an agency in his control. While the Department of Justice has publicly stated it will not move forward with the fund, it has not withdrawn the settlement agreement and, absent a court ruling finding the agreement unlawful, it could reverse course at any time. “What is at stake in this litigation,” the senators wrote, “is not an ordinary dispute about executive spending authority or the boundaries of the clemency power. It is a question of whether the machinery of democratic government may be turned, by design and with explicit intent, against the democratic foundations it exists to serve.\n\nIn the filing, the senators argue that “The establishment of the Anti-Weaponization Fund violates the Spending, Appropriations, and Appointments Clauses of the Constitution. The Fund is also the result of a collusive settlement and therefore ineligible for Judgment Fund monies appropriated by Congress.”\n\nThey continued: “The Anti-Weaponization Fund presents an immediate and dire threat to our constitutional order and the authority of Congress. Indeed, among other purposes, the Fund is designed to compensate the insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. The existence of the Fund strikes at the core of Congressional authority and our Constitutional order.”\n\nKey Arguments from the Brief:\n\nViolations of the Spending and Appropriations Clauses\n\nThe Executive Branch cannot draw money from the Treasury or create new spending streams without a law passed by Congress. The Fund bypasses both constitutional provisions by spending and distributing federal dollars outside the appropriations process.\n\nViolation of the Appointments Clause\n\nThe Fund delegates broad authority to distribute taxpayer money to individuals who were not appointed in a manner consistent with the Constitution. The Appointments Clause exists to prevent exactly this kind of unchecked executive power.\n\nThe “Settlement” is the Result of a Collusive Lawsuit\n\nThe President’s lawsuit against the IRS was not a real adversarial proceeding because as head of the Executive Branch, he controls the IRS and DOJ. Because the lawsuit was collusive and did not belong in a federal court, there was no “actual or imminent litigation” that would allow the DOJ to draw $1.7 billion from the taxpayer-funded Judgment Fund.\n\nUse of Public Money to Benefit January 6 Defendants\n\nWithin days of the Fund’s announcement, people who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, including those who attacked law enforcement, began seeking payments. Directing federal dollars to individuals who attacked the Capitol and criminally assaulted 140 police officers would convert public funds into a reward for those who attacked the very institution responsible for federal appropriations.\n\nDangerous Precedent for Future Administrations\n\nUsing public money to end-run Congress and create an executive discretionary fund invites future administrations to deploy similar tactics, undermining accountability and the separation of powers.\n\nU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also joined Booker in submitting the amicus brief.\n\nSenators Booker and Cassidy were represented by the Washington Litigation Group, Platkin LLP, and Democracy Defenders Fund in this matter.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-rosen-ernst-lankford-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-develop-middle-east-air-and-missile-defense-acquisition-strategy-to-deter-and-defend-against-iranian-attacks", "title": "Booker, Rosen, Ernst, Lankford, Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Develop Middle East Air and Missile Defense Acquisition Strategy to Deter and Defend Against Iranian Attacks", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and James Lankford (R-OK) – co-chairs of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus – introduced a bill to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop an air and missile defense acquisition strategy with partners and allies in the Middle East, including Israel and Abraham Accords partners. The bipartisan Optimizing Acquisition Strategies for Integrated Security (OASIS) in the Middle East Act would ensure that the U.S. and our allies and partners in the region have the resources needed to defend against Iranian missile, drone, and rocket attacks.\n\n“Security and diplomacy go hand in hand, and as threats evolve, our defense cooperation must evolve as well,” said Senator Booker. “The OASIS in the Middle East Act strengthens coordination between the United States and our regional allies and partners to defend against missile, drone, and rocket attacks, bolstering collective defense, deterring aggression, and protecting innocent lives across the region. Building on the spirit of cooperation established by the Abraham Accords, this bipartisan legislation advances a safer, more secure future for all.”\n\n“For years, and particularly since Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Iran and its proxies have used their missile, drone, and rocket arsenals to attack U.S. servicemembers, our partners and allies in the region, and civilian infrastructure. Iran’s reckless and destabilizing behavior underscores why we must work together to ensure we have sufficient air and missile defense resources to respond to Iranian aggression and keep our allies, like Israel, safe,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan bill will provide a clear framework to support DOD’s efforts to develop an integrated air and missile defense acquisition strategy for the region. I will continue working across the aisle as we create a path towards security and prosperity in the Middle East.”\n\n“Since the horrific October 7th attacks, Iran and its terrorist proxies have continued to target and threaten our servicemembers, partners, and allies across the Middle East. The OASIS in the Middle East Act will help ensure the United States and our partners can replenish interceptor stockpiles and better defend against Iran-backed attacks,” said Senator Ernst. “Building on the success of the Abraham Accords, and the bipartisan legislation we have already ushered into law to strengthen regional air and missile defense, this bill represents the next step in ensuring our allies have the tools they need to deter Iranian aggression, defend themselves, and move towards a more secure and peaceful Middle East.”\n\n“Iran has destabilized the Middle East through missiles, drones, and proxy forces, threatening Americans and our allies and undermining every effort toward peace in the region,” said Senator Lankford. “That aggression cannot go unanswered. The OASIS in the Middle East Act makes sure the Department of War has a coordinated strategy so Israel and our partners have what they need before the next attack comes, not after. Standing with our allies is not optional; it is a core American commitment, and this bill ensures we back that commitment up with real resources and real strategy.”\n\nAs the founding members and co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, Senators Booker, Rosen, Ernst, and Lankford have led efforts to deepen security cooperation between the U.S. and our partners and allies in the Middle East to defend against Iran’s aggression. Their bipartisan MARITIME Act to require the Department of Defense to work with partners in the Middle East to counter maritime threats posed by Iran and other violent organizations was signed into law. Their bipartisan DEFEND Act was signed into law to establish an air and missile defense architecture with Israel and other Middle East allies.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-questions-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-on-iran-cuba-during-senate-appropriations-subcommittee-hearing/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Questions Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Iran, Cuba During Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, participated in a State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee hearing reviewing the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request for the Department of State, where she questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Senator focused her questions on how the Trump Administration is handling the ongoing conflict in Iran and placing maximum pressure on Cuba.\n\nSenator Britt began by recognizing the United States military personnel overseas, including the Alabamians who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation: “I want to begin by thanking the brave service members of the U.S. military who participated in the recent operations in Iran. I want to honor the memory of the 13 service members who lost their lives, including three Alabamians, Major Alex Klinner, Major Ariana Savino, and Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt. I know that all of Alabama and our country stands with me to honor their bravery and their ultimate sacrifice.”\n\nThe Senator then noted the successes of the United States disarming Iran’s military capabilities, asking Secretary Rubio, “Can you talk to me about how this administration’s maximum pressure strategy and approach towards Iran has actually weakened Iran and its terrorist proxies, and ultimately made the United States more safe and secure?”\n\nSecretary Rubio responded saying, “I would start with the what the purpose of Epic Fury was, and that is to deny them the conventional shield of missiles and drones and naval vessels and air defenses that would have allowed them to act with impunity, including on a nuclear weapon… And today, Iran has no navy, it has no air force, its air defenses are severely degraded, which gives us freedom of operation in the future, if that contingency arises. They’ve lost a substantial percentage of their missile launchers and not just of their missiles, but other missile launchers. And most importantly, they’ve lost a substantial percentage of their defense industrial base …\n\n“They also don’t have the money to rebuild that industrial base rapidly, because they don’t have the funds … we are enforcing sanctions. We had a bunch of sanctions on the books, some of which were not being enforced. In fact, for the first time that I can recall, the US has actually seized Iranian oil vessels in the Indo-Pacific, 5 or 6 of them, and denied them the revenue from those vessels, although they have many more that are still out there now.”\n\nSecretary Rubio continued by discussing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, noting, “Where we stand today, unfortunately, is they have decided to mine the Straits of Hormuz and shoot drones at ships that move without their permission or paying a toll. The only ships they will allow to move through freely are their ships. There is no way that they’re going to illegally, unlawfully close the Strait… and not pay a price for it …\n\n“Now where we’d like to get to is where they agree they’re going to open the Strait like they were supposed to when the ceasefire was agreed to. We would lift the blockade and they would agree, as part of all of this… to sit down and negotiate an agreement that disposes of the highly enriched uranium, that limits and or prohibits their enrichment program, and in return, they would be able to have some, not all, but some of the sanctions that they are facing for their nuclear program potentially waived or reduced, but that would be only depending on what they give…”\n\nSenator Britt also questioned Secretary Rubio about negotiations with Iran and a potential interim agreement, asking whether the U.S. is considering relieving financial pressure on Iran and confirming that a central focus of negotiations with Iran is giving up its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium.\n\nIn her last line of questioning, Senator Britt shifted to asking about the Trump Administration’s posture towards Cuba: “Speaking of the maximum pressure strategy, you recently announced new sanctions, as you discussed earlier on Cuba’s military industrial enterprise and its leaders and its state-owned natural resource companies. Cuba’s communist regime has been a long-time threat to our entire hemisphere, a destabilizing force, as you put it in your remarks. Public reporting states that Cuba has purchased attack drones from Russia and from China, and also hosts intelligence officers from Iran, China and Russia. I appreciate President Trump’s decisive actions with regards to protecting U.S. national security and these sanctions, and your continued efforts to address the threats that are posed by [Cuba] …\n\n“Can you speak briefly as to why this maximum pressure campaign is so important and how it can ultimately provide for a new Cuba, one that provides freedom and prosperity both to the people of Cuba and a safer hemisphere?”\n\nSecretary of Rubio responded, “Well, what’s unique about these sanctions is that they’re against a conglomerate that generates revenue in Cuba and none of, it not a single penny of it, goes to benefit the Cuban people, none of it because it’s not part of the treasury …\n\n“For example, the government of Cuba cannot go and audit where guys are spending its money or how much money they’ve made. It is almost a government within a government, a state within a state. And that’s what we are targeting. Because, instead of that going to this conglomerate, that’s what the Cuban people should be allowed to do. They should be allowed to own their small independent businesses … This is a country that literally, you know, doesn’t, doesn’t invest in their own energy plants and never has. Meanwhile, they’re sitting on $18 billion in this conglomerate of assets that they should be using to benefit the Cuban people and they are not, so those sanctions are targeted at this conglomerate.”\n\nYou can view the full line of questioning here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/06/04/budd-warnock-lead-bipartisan-bill-to-reduce-regulatory-risks-for-companies/", "title": "Budd, Warnock Lead Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Regulatory Risks for Companies to Sell Public Shares & Strengthen U.S. Financial Markets", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) led several of their colleagues in introducing the Encouraging Public Offerings Act today 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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nSenators Budd and Warnock were joined by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) in introducing the legislation.\n\nU.S. Representative Ann Wagner (R-Mo.-02) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/committee-hears-powerful-testimony-bolstering-the-need-to-fix-college-sports-crisis-stop-cuts-to-womens-and-olympic-sports_protect-athletes", "title": "Committee Hears Powerful Testimony Bolstering the Need to Fix College Sports Crisis, Stop Cuts to Women’s & Olympic Sports & Protect Athletes", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Committee Hears Powerful Testimony Bolstering the Need to Fix College Sports Crisis, Stop Cuts to Women’s & Olympic Sports & Protect Athletes\n\nProtect College Sports Act reflects Cantwell key pillars: ensuring federal rights and protections for athletes and securing the future of women’s and Olympic sports\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – At a landmark hearing on the Protect College Sports Act, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee heard powerful testimony on the worsening crisis facing college athletics, including the future of women's and Olympic sports, athletes’ rights, and the financial sustainability of the entire collegiate sports system. Former University of Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban, Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould, University of Notre Dame Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua, West Virginia University President Emeritus Gordon Gee and Lance Holtzclaw, a student athlete with the University of Utah, underscored the urgency to act on the bill’s key measures to preserve athletic opportunities for all athletes and stabilize the future of college athletics.\n\n“We agree today that college athletics are in crisis, and we agree that the system is broken and unsustainable,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the committee. “Universities, athletes, and fans are pleading with us to do something about this issue. Schools are cutting women's and Olympic programs, and they are dropping scholarships…erasing roster slots to try to keep pace with out-of-control spending in football and basketball.”\n\nCollege sports today are at a crossroads. The Grant House vs. NCAA settlement opened the door for universities to share revenue directly with athletes to compensate them for their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). This settlement is vindication for athletes who have fought for compensation. However, the result of the settlement can widen the gaps between the richest schools and everyone else. Without federal guardrails in place, schools will pull resources from non-revenue sports to stay competitive in football and basketball.\n\nSen. Cantwell highlighted the risk of keeping the status quo on our Olympic athlete pipeline: “I believe the failure of us to act here will make us responsible for the outcome of future Olympic teams if we don't come up with a solution.”\n\nThe Protect College Sports Act provides, for the first time, a federal framework for athletes’ rights, including the right to earn NIL compensation. This legislation would also amend the Sports Broadcasting Act to allow institutions to pool their media rights to maximize value and capture more revenue.\n\n“And it brings in real revenue,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Experts believe that this could bring in an additional $4 to 8 billion in media rights revenue, money that we would like to dedicate to women and Olympic sports. The solution here is to grow the pie, not shrink it, and give schools more resources.”\n\nSen Cantwell asked student athlete Lance Holtzclaw about the impact constant coaching changes has on student athletes.\n\n“[P]eople don't realize that in this arms race of money and coaches transferring, that the students -- I mean, how can you learn any system, or coach or synchronicity if you have three different coaches in three years?” asked Sen. Cantwell.\n\n“It's extremely important to how the careers of these young men and women go out and how they're developed in their time in college athletics,” said Mr. Holtzclaw. “There's so much that goes on with life development, that goes on with your education, that goes on with your life experiences, and I feel like that leadership portion being strong in a system and in a program, is extremely important. So, when pieces move around a lot, it can alter that sometimes.”\n\nSen. Cantwell zeroed in on the critical question of whether the leaders entrusted with protecting college athletics had instead steered it toward its current crisis.\n\nSen. Cantwell: “Mr. Gee. Has the current system failed?”\n\nGordon Gee: “Absolutely, that's the reason we're here today. I mean, we would not be having this hearing if we had a system that was working.”\n\nSen. Cantwell: “And so what do we -- what do you think that -- on this notion of why university presidents didn't understand that ADs and conferences were taking us down a different direction, that was going to be so painful.”\n\nGordon Gee: “I know most of those presidents, they're really smart people, they're wonderful people, half of them have worked for me, but we need to have an opportunity to really have those presidential discussions, because this is so simple. We have a revenue problem, either we grow the pie or we destroy everything that we're about. It's pretty damn simple.”\n\nDuring the more than two-hour hearing, witnesses addressed a number of key issues addressed in the legislation:\n\nWhere College Sports Stands Today\n\nSaban: “When the system becomes whoever raises the most money gets the best players, then we are no longer talking about college athletics as millions of fans and I have known it.”\n\nBevacqua: “Ours is an educational initiative in crisis with schools decreasing opportunities for student-athletes, bad-faith actors with predatory practices harming both student-athletes and institutions and the inability for common sense rules to be set and followed without risk of endless litigation. It is imperative that Congress takes action imminently.”\n\nGee: “The end result is that we now have an unsustainable system which will destroy American college athletics, unless we take bold steps. The NCAA and the conferences lost in the courts because we failed to allow student athletes to function as true students with great talents, who earned the right to monetize their talents.”\n\nGould: “Because many of the most significant challenges facing college sports cannot realistically be resolved in a single point in time, the Act’s Commission on the Future of College Athletics is a thoughtful and critical framework which we must use to evaluate the deeper, structural reforms that will require sustained analysis, stakeholder engagement, and broad consensus.”\n\nHoltzclaw: “I have experienced the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, conference realignment, evolving eligibility rules, and the many changes shaping modern college athletics. These issues are often discussed through the lens of policy, economics, and governance, but behind every decision are real students balancing academics, athletics, personal development, and preparation for life.”\n\nWomen’s and Olympic Sports\n\nGould: “[W]hile women's sports and Olympic sports are not explicitly called out in every provision of this bill, what this bill provides is more certainty than we have today. So if you're a university president trying to make decisions about funding for an athletic department, if you're an athletic director, if you're a conference commissioner who's constantly getting reduced distributions because of litigation, this creates more certainty. And to me, more certainty allows the leaders in our industry to make the appropriate decisions to fund broad-based programs.”\n\nSaban: “Another important part of this bill is that it does not only focus on football. Football and men’s basketball generate most of a department’s revenue, but college athletics is bigger than those two sports. Women’s sports, Olympic sports, and other non-revenue sports create opportunities for thousands of young men and women. Those opportunities matter. They are part of what makes college athletics different from professional sports.”\n\nBevacqua: “Protecting the incredible value of the student-athlete experience beyond revenue-generating sports, with a particular emphasis on the continued growth and sustained health of our women’s and Olympic sports, is central to our mission at Notre Dame. These programs are the bedrock of the collegiate model, providing thousands of young men and women with opportunities to compete at the highest levels while earning a world-class education. If we continue to go down the path of no legislative action, Olympic and women’s sports around the United States will be at risk both this year and for years to come.”\n\nProtecting Athletes’ Rights\n\nSaban: “The scholarship and medical protections in this bill are also important. If a young person gives his or her body to a university program, then that young person should not be discarded because of an injury, a roster decision, or athletic performance. Scholarships should mean something. Medical coverage should mean something. Health and safety standards should mean something. Independent medical judgment should not be overridden by competitive pressure. That is not just an athlete issue. That is a values issue.”\n\nGee: “With this legislation, we will be able to bring a level of common sense and discipline to the college athletic enterprise. We can restore basic rules to govern the system while continuing to allow student athletes to earn their fair share of the revenue they help create.”\n\nThe Future\n\nSaban: “Congress does not need to micromanage college athletics. But Congress does need to fix the mess in the courts and create a national framework so the people inside college sports can enforce fair rules. This is a serious bipartisan effort to bring order to a system that badly needs fixing. I don’t think this is bipartisan, I think this is something that should be nonpartisan. It’s that important in terms of college athletics. In terms of the future for young people.”\n\nBevacqua: “The efforts you have made to restore sanity to the transfer portal and eligibility rules, protect the scholarships of student-athletes, ensure medical insurance is commonplace for these students, remove “bad actors” from college athletics and reform SPARTA represent just a few of the many concepts outlined in this bill that are necessary for the future of college athletics. We applaud your efforts in regard to these important matters as they relate to all student-athletes, regardless of their sport or the revenue their sport might earn, and their fans throughout our nation and, quite frankly, the world.”\n\nGee: “Athletics plays an incredibly important part in the culture and spirit of the American university. It is a critical way to tell our story. There is immense pride in winning from rivalries to championships, and I have even seen states go into mourning when their hometown heroes lose. It is preserving this spirit of competition and pride that I believe is what is one the key attributes that differentiates American universities from those in other countries. And that is the reason I am so grateful to this committee and our government for stepping up.”\n\nGould: “The window for meaningful reform is short and the cost of inaction is real. Congress has an opportunity to modernize college athletics in ways that protect its traditions, strengthen its institutions and recognize the rights and protections that student-athletes have always deserved. The Pac-12 is committed to being part of that work.”\n\nHoltzclaw: “College athletics has provided me with incredible opportunities, relationships, and experiences that have helped elevate my life in tremendous ways. I believe strongly in preserving those opportunities for future generations while continuing to improve a system that serves the student-athletes at its center.”\n\nSen. Cantwell is leading the effort to reform college sports and ensure tomorrow’s athletes have the same opportunities as today’s competitors do. She and Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, joined by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), introduced the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 to protect athletes, preserve true competition in college sports and maximize collegiate athletic opportunities while bringing desperately needed stability to the college sports system. The Act creates new rules and new tools to stabilize college sports, including codifying athletes’ rights and protections in law, supporting women’s and Olympic sports, and amending the Sports Broadcasting Act (SBA) to expand revenue for all schools. The text of the Protect College Sports Act is HERE. A section by section is HERE.\n\nIn March, Sen. Cantwell released a bipartisan discussion draft of the College Sports Competitive Act with Sen. Schmitt that would amend the SBA to allow colleges to pool their media rights in negotiations.\n\nIn December of last year, she introduced the Helping Undergraduate Students Thrive with Long-Term Earnings (HUSTLE Act) with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) so that college athletes earning NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money can protect more of it for their post-playing lives. In October, Sen. Cantwell joined former college and professional athletes and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in warning that the SCORE Act would roll-back hard fought NIL rights and health protections, leave athletes vulnerable to unscrupulous agents, short-change women’s and Olympic sports, and shut the door on collective bargaining rights.\n\nLast September, Sen. Cantwell, joined by co-sponsors Sens. Booker and Blumenthal, introduced the Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement (SAFE) Act to codify athletes’ rights and protections in law, expand revenue for all schools, support women’s and Olympic sports, and bring much-needed stability to the college sports system. Sen. Cantwell also released a report showing how skyrocketing media rights payments have exacerbated a massive financial gap between traditional power conferences, especially the new Power 2—the SEC and Big Ten—and everyone else.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-justice-applaud-white-house-coal-announcement-investment-into-west-virginia", "title": "Capito, Justice Applaud White House Coal Announcement, Investment into West Virginia", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) applauded President Trump’s announcement of significant investments into America’s ability to export and generate reliable power through coal, including a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant to establish a new coal-fired power plant in West Virginia. Both senators were unable to attend the event at the White House due to the U.S. Senate voting on legislation to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the entirety of the Trump administration.\n\n“I’m thrilled that President Trump is continuing his commitment to generating reliable, baseload energy through West Virginia coal. My fellow West Virginians and I are thankful to have an administration in the White House that recognizes the importance of coal, and how it creates expanded manufacturing opportunities, affordable power, and good-paying jobs for our coal miners and their families. While we continue to vote in the U.S. Senate to provide long-term funding for the hardworking men and women of ICE and CBP, it’s great to see the Trump administration make this investment to further strengthen our national security through American energy dominance,” Senator Capito said.\n\n“I’m really proud to say that today is a stake in the sand for our miners that get up every day, men and women alike who get their dinner bucket, and go out to work, every single day, and oftentimes, they are simply taken for granted. But today, we have President Trump standing up for all our miners and for all of us. Coal is in our DNA in West Virginia, and we are ready to continue steering America towards energy dominance,” Senator Justice said.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-participates-in-commerce-hearing-to-review-landmark-nil-legislation", "title": "Capito Participates in Commerce Hearing to Review Landmark NIL Legislation", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, participated in a hearing entitled, “Protecting College Sports: Supporting Student Athletes, Restoring Fair Competition, and Saving the Game Fans Love.”\n\nThe purpose of the hearing was to examine the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, introduced by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and supported by Senator Capito. This legislation would establish national standards for college athletics, creating necessary guardrails for a rapidly evolving landscape. This bill ensures fair competition, protects student athletes’ rights, and provides a competitive balance among teams.\n\n“I am proud to support The Protect College Sports Act to bring structure and stability back to college athletics. With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rapidly evolving, we are in uncharted territory, and the livelihood of our athletic programs are at stake.” Senator Capito said. “This legislation serves as an updated playbook to repair a fractured system—preventing the exploitation of student athletes, holding agents and coaches accountable, and putting education first.”\n\nSenator Capito began the hearing by introducing Dr. E Gordon Gee, President Emeritus of West Virginia University, as a witness—highlighting his decades of leadership in college education and athletics. Click here to view her remarks.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Protect College Sports Act will restore order and bring stability to school transfers, eligibility, recruiting practices, tampering, and real NIL rights for athletes. This bill preserves the integrity of college sports and ensures that athletic programs prioritize student athletes’ education.\n\nSpecifically, the Protect College Sports Act:\n\nMandates national rules for transfers (one free undergrad) and eligibility (5-in-5).\n\nCreates enforceable standards on recruiting, tampering, and NIL disclosures.\n\nProtects student athletes’ rights to earn from their own name, image, and likeness.\n\nEnables enforcement of House settlement on revenue sharing and fake NIL deals.\n\nSanctions agents that take advantage of student athletes, facilitate player poaching, and recruit tampering.\n\nProtects women’s sports, Olympic sports, and scholarship opportunities.\n\nPreserves historic rivalries and prevents Super League Consolidation.\n\nPrioritizes education to set student athletes up for success.\n\nProhibits football coaches from leaving mid-season to be hired by another program.\n\nEnsures safety standards, health care, and ombudsmen for student athletes.\n\nAllows option for school to pool media rights, making TV money work for college athletics.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-casts-10000th-consecutive-vote", "title": "Senator Collins Casts 10,000th Consecutive Vote", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Senator Collins’ remarks.\n\nClick HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Senator Angus King’s remarks.\n\nClick HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Majority Leader John Thune’s remarks.\n\nClick HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s remarks.\n\nClick HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Minority Whip Dick Durbin’s remarks.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins cast her 10,000th consecutive Senate roll call vote, extending the unbroken voting streak she began in 1997. She is the first Senator in U.S. history to have cast this many votes without ever missing one.\n\nThroughout her Senate service, Senator Collins has always made it a priority to return home to meet with constituents and visit communities, businesses, schools, and events.\n\n“Mainers are known for their work ethic, and they deserve a Senator who works just as hard for them,” said Senator Collins. “Growing up in Aroostook County, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and honoring your commitments. I am proud to bring those Maine values with me to the Senate every day. Representing the State of Maine is the honor of a lifetime, and I will continue serve with the diligence and responsibility that Mainers deserve.”\n\n“I want to rise to also congratulate my colleague on a truly remarkable achievement that reflects her character and dedication to the people of this country...,” said Senator King on the Senate floor. “Our state is not one where the weather is always favorable, and it's always easy to get here. And to have maneuvered through bad storms, snow storms, nor'easters, to be here for every single vote, since the first day she set foot in this chamber, is a truly remarkable achievement.\"\n\n“For nearly 30 years, Susan Collins has shown up for Mainers, has ensured that they are represented in every single vote the Senate takes, no matter what,” said Majority Leader Thune on the Senate floor. “Susan takes pride in the milestones that she's achieved, not because of any desire to have her name in the history books, but because to her, these votes are a tangible marker of the goal that she's set for herself since she came to the United States Senate. And that is ensuring that Mainers always have a voice.\"\n\n“No matter what has been going on in the world, or in her life, Senator Collins has never, never, missed a vote in her entire Senate career,” said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on the Senate floor. “This is truly a remarkable milestone. Many of us try hard to make every vote. Senator Collins has actually done it. 10,000 times in a row. Senator Collins and I belong to different parties and do not always see eye to eye, but 10,000 consecutive roll call votes is an extraordinary streak by any measure, and I congratulate her on reaching it.”\n\n“This is a true record, and it's one that reflects her commitment to public service, and in my case, friendship,” said Minority Whip Dick Durbin on the Senate floor. “We have worked together in many different capacities. I remember the days after 9/11 when your extraordinary leadership with Senator Lieberman, if I'm not mistaken, led to a complete reform of the intelligence agencies in our nation. It was a dynamic legislative achievement, and I've talked to you about it many times...Our friendship is sound, and my admiration for your achievement is one that's on the record for all to witness. Congratulations.”\n\nSenator Collins’ first vote in the Senate was on January 22, 1997, when she voted to confirm Madeleine Albright as Secretary of State. Her second vote, the same day, was to confirm former Maine Senator Bill Cohen as Secretary of Defense. Senator Collins succeeded Secretary Cohen in the Senate.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-praises-dhs-for-opening-cornyn-created-state-border-security-reimbursement-fund/", "title": "Cornyn Praises DHS for Opening Cornyn-Created State Border Security Reimbursement Fund", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially opened the Cornyn-created State Border Security Reinforcement Fund for applications from eligible states. This fund was authorized through a provision led by Sen. Cornyn as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which included $13.5 billion in funding to reimburse states like Texas for stepping up during the Biden administration to try and secure the border.\n\n“For four years, President Biden’s disastrous open-border policies wreaked havoc on our nation, and no state did more to fill in the gaps to protect and defend the southern border than Texas,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m glad the Department of Homeland Security has followed through on my reimbursement provision by opening the application process for the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund to reimburse states like Texas for the billions of dollars spent to try and secure the border after Joe Biden’s dereliction of this federal responsibility.”\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Cornyn has led the fight in Washington to secure federal reimbursement for Texas by:\n\nSwiftly backing Governor Abbott’s request for Texas to be reimbursed for the taxpayer dollars spent on Operation Lone Star;\n\nCalling attention to the ongoing reimbursement effort on the Senate floor;\n\nMeeting with Governor Abbott and members of the Texas congressional delegation to discuss the legislative strategy for the reimbursement push;\n\nHolding ongoing meetings and phone calls with Governor Abbott, Senate and House leadership, and congressional colleagues regarding the effort;\n\nLeading legislation in the Senate to reimburse the State of Texas for the more than $11 billion dollars Texas taxpayers spent on Operation Lone Star;\n\nAnd led a letter with members of the Texas congressional delegation to the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) urging them to prioritize the release of funds set aside in the One Big Beautiful Bill to reimburse the State of Texas for the more than $11 billion spent on border security efforts.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/funding-critical-energy-infrastructure-through-the-defense-production-act", "title": "Funding Critical Energy Infrastructure Through the Defense Production Act", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click here for audio***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced his plan to respond to the nation’s energy emergency by providing funding under the Defense Production Act for upgrades at power plants and other coal infrastructure throughout the nation.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) applauded the president’s actions.\n\n“For more than 20 years, federal and state policies prioritized unreliable, intermittent energy generation resulting in higher electricity bills and distribution grids pushed to the breaking point,” said Cramer. “President Trump recognized the danger posed by decades of neglect and declared an energy emergency shortly after he was sworn in. The president is focused on lower energy bills and more affordable and reliable sources of electricity as he leads us to the front of the AI race. Today, by using the tools available under the Defense Production Act, President Trump is refusing to sacrifice energy security, low prices, or jobs to the fallacies and fantasies of Democrats who have presided over rising electric rates and deteriorating infrastructure.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-releases-finalized-idaho-housing-survey-report", "title": "Crapo Releases Finalized Idaho Housing Survey Report", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, released the finalized report from his comprehensive Idaho housing survey, marking one year since launching the initiative to gather input from Idahoans and housing stakeholders across the state.\n\nThe survey, combined with a series of listening sessions with stakeholders, including a roundtable discussion in Boise with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, provided critical insight into Idahoans’ views of the challenges driving housing affordability in Idaho. Many key themes emerged, including rising constructions costs, limited housing supply, and workforce housing and labor shortages. Feedback gathered through this effort will inform Senator Crapo’s legislative actions on housing and contributed to proposals sponsored by Crapo and ultimately included in the Senate-passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.\n\n“The input we received from Idahoans shapes ongoing solutions to address housing challenges facing the state and country,” said Crapo. “I thank residents, community leaders, local officials and industry professionals who took the time to share their perspectives and expertise. This feedback will continue to help guide legislation that takes meaningful steps toward increasing housing supply and strengthening affordable housing opportunities for Idaho families.”\n\nCrapo remains committed to advancing policies that support sustainable housing development, improve affordability and ensure Idaho communities can continue to grow and thrive, without the use of excessive federal government overreach. While the survey is closed, Senator Crapo encourages Idahoans to continue to share feedback on this topic, or others, by contacting one of his offices throughout the state or via email on his website.\n\nTo read the executive summary of the survey findings, click here.\n\nThe full report is available on the Senator’s website here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-preserve-mq-9-aircraft-mission", "title": "Sen. Cruz Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Preserve MQ-9 Aircraft Mission", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.cruz.senate.gov", "scraper": "cruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001098", "name": "Ted Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced the Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act. This legislation prohibits the Air Force from reducing MQ-9 units or staffing levels in ways that would erode their current operational capabilities.\n\nSen. Cruz said, “The MQ-9 is a proven, cost-effective platform that provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. In Texas, they were invaluable after the devastating July 4, 2025 floods, when the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Attack Wing deployed the MQ-9 to support search, rescue, and recovery operations along the Guadalupe River. I am proud to introduce this legislation to protect the MQ-9’s operational capabilities and preserve this vital asset.”\n\nSen. Kelly said, “This aircraft is a critical platform for the Arizona National Guard to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform strike missions. We must invest in the best tools that strengthen our national security. With this bill we’re making sure servicemembers have the equipment they need at a time of growing global threats.”\n\nSen. Slotkin said, “Protecting Air National Guard missions has been a priority for me since my time in the House. The message is simple: don't take away missions from the National Guard until you have a plan to replace it. The same rule applies here. I’m glad to have bipartisan support to protect these missions and the servicemembers that form the backbone of our military, including at Battle Creek in Michigan. The SUSTAIN Act holds the Air Force to a basic standard: show us the plan before you start cutting people and planes. Our National Guard units deserve that, and our national security will be stronger because of it.\"\n\nNational Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) President MG (Ret.) Francis McGinn said, “The Air National Guard's MQ-9 enterprise provides critical combat capability, homeland defense support, and operational experience that cannot be easily replaced. Two weeks ago, the Air Force Chief of Staff referenced the MQ-9 as the 'MVP' of the US air campaign against Iran in Operation Epic Fury. The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) fully supports Senator Cruz and Senator Kelly’s legislation. Any effort to retire or reduce MQ-9 aircraft and units must be accompanied by a clear, funded modernization or recapitalization strategy that preserves Air National Guard MQ-9 capacity and readiness. A recapitalization plan developed in partnership with National Guard leadership will help ensure Air National Guard MQ-9 units remain ready, capable, and part of the future force.\"\n\nBay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Brian Freedman said, “Senator Cruz’s legislation provides a statutory firewall that halts the premature divestment of the MQ-9 fleet and preserves a critical and cost-effective platform vital to modern joint force operations. By establishing long-term inventory and personnel floors through 2032, this bill ensures the Air National Guard, including Ellington Field’s 147th Attack Wing, retains the baseline readiness required for both global threat deterrence and domestic emergency response. Thank you to Senator Cruz for introducing this important legislation and we hope that Congress moves quickly to pass it.”\n\nU.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas-36) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nRep. Babin said, “The 147th Attack Wing at Ellington Field in my district represents exactly why this effort is urgently needed. MQ-9 units have provided the nation with persistent ISR, strike, and other critical capabilities that strengthen our national defense. The platform that delivers this capability may evolve over time, but we cannot allow the capability, expertise, and readiness these Airmen provide to disappear without a clear and responsible path forward. I am proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Senators Cruz and Kelly to ensure these units are not left behind. At a time when our adversaries are growing more aggressive, we should not weaken our military or hollow out proven capabilities. I will keep fighting to protect Ellington Field, strengthen our Air National Guard, and ensure the United States remains the strongest and most feared military power on Earth.”\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act prohibits the U.S. Air Force from reducing MQ-9 aircraft, units, or staffing levels from the date of enactment through September 30, 2032. The bill provides an exception for MQ-9 aircraft that are determined to be no longer mission-capable and too costly to repair due to a critical malfunction or if an MQ-9 unit undergoes a change of mission.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-fda-grants-free-pass-to-flavored-e-cigarettes-durbin-leads-senate-democrats-in-letter-to-tobacco-companies-about-trump-administration-influence", "title": "After FDA Grants Free Pass To Flavored E-Cigarettes, Durbin Leads Senate Democrats In Letter To Tobacco Companies About Trump Administration Influence", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent letters to Reynolds American and Altria Group to inquire about these Big Tobacco companies’ engagement with the Trump Administration, following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent misguided decisions to unleash kid-friendly flavored e-cigarettes.\n\nReynolds American’s recent $5 million donation and Altria Group’s millions of dollars in contributions towards President Trump’s political operation appears to have enabled tobacco manufacturers to circumvent federal law and unlawfully sell unauthorized e-cigarettes. In the letters, the Senators raise serious concerns about the suspicious timeline of political donations to President Trump and the timing of FDA’s announcement.\n\nThe Senators wrote, “After political contributions by the companies—which followed which followed donations to President Trump’s gold-plated ballroom and campaign—and lunch at the President’s golf resort, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alarming new industry guidance. This May 8, 2026, FDA guidance grants enforcement discretion to permit kid-friendly, flavored e-cigarettes to be sold on the market without obtaining the law’s required pre-market regulatory authorization.”\n\nThe Senators continued, “FDA’s abrupt reversal and decision to grant a free pass to addictive and harmful vapes will cause irreparable harm to children across the country and the agency’s independence from political influence. But for you and your shareholders, this was a lucrative payday after years of unsuccessful legislative and regulatory efforts to weaken federal tobacco oversight.”\n\nThe Senators posed a series of questions to understand how many new and unauthorized e-cigarettes manufactured by Reynolds and Altria may be on the market following FDA’s recent guidance to grant enforcement discretion to addictive, flavored e-cigarettes that lack the FDA’s lawfully required authorization. The Senators request a response to various questions by July 2, 2026.\n\nThe Senators’ letter to Reynolds American can be found here.\n\nThe Senators’ letter to Altria Group can be found here.\n\nThe recent actions by FDA include authorizing the first-ever non-tobacco or menthol-flavored vaping products (mango and blueberry); FDA issuing final guidance permitting e-cigarettes that lack FDA authorization to remain on the market in violation of the law; and former FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary resigning, at least partially, in protest of these actions. By authorizing fruit flavors that are primarily used by children, FDA is once again enabling youth tobacco use and exacerbating the risk of serious chronic disease and death for a new generation. Durbin recently sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging him to push back on these actions.\n\nDurbin has been a vocal leader in the fight against Big Tobacco since he lost his father to lung cancer when Durbin was 14 years old. He went after Big Tobacco when he served in the House of Representatives and led the charge to ban smoking on airplanes, which eventually led to bans on smoking in restaurants, office buildings, trains, and other locations. Durbin has also led efforts to grant FDA jurisdiction over tobacco, raise tobacco taxes to prevent youth initiation, and enhance support for tobacco cessation tools.\n\nIn May, Durbin pressed the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dr. Jay Bhattacharya about the Trump Administration’s failure to protect children from nicotine addiction and exposure to toxic chemicals as Big Tobacco continues to push kid-friendly flavored e-cigarettes during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. During last month’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to crack down on illegal e-cigarette products, especially those targeting children.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-files-amendments-to-republicans-reconciliation-bill-to-protect-immigrants", "title": "Durbin Files Amendments To Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill To Protect Immigrants", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – In response to the current vote-a-rama on Senate Republicans’ partisan reconciliation bill, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, filed amendments to the bill that would protect DACA recipients and keep immigration enforcement officials from targeting sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.\n\nAfter failing to include funding in the bill for Trump’s billion-dollar ballroom and weaponized Justice Department, Senate Republicans are attempting to push through $70 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).\n\n“Nothing in this legislation will help struggling American families with the cost of gas, groceries, housing, or health care. But Republicans are adamant about funding one of President Trump’s most unpopular issues: mass deportation. Americans are outraged at his overreaching anti-immigrant campaign that doesn’t target the ‘worst of the worst,’ and I urge Republicans to at least support these commonsense amendments to establish basic guardrails on an unruly President,” said Durbin.\n\nDurbin’s amendments would:\n\nRedirect $10 million dollars towards timely processing of DACA renewal applications, and restrict funds from being used for the arrest, detention, or deportation of DACA recipients; and\n\nRestrict funds for immigration enforcement at or near sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools, hospitals, or domestic violence shelters.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-cracks-down-on-foreign-influence-in-national-security-contracting", "title": "Ernst Cracks Down on Foreign Influence in National Security Contracting", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), members of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, are building on their efforts to prevent the Pentagon from contracting with consulting firms that simultaneously advise the United States, Russia, China, and other countries of concern.\n\nThe consulting firm McKinsey & Company has been awarded federal government consulting contracts while working for Chinese and Russian governments.\n\nErnst’s Combating Obstructive National Security Underreporting of Legitimate Threats (CONSULT) Act became law in 2023 and enables the federal government to identify potential conflicts of interest involving consulting firms and government contractors, such as McKinsey & Company. It also allows those conflicts to be considered when determining whether a firm is eligible to receive national security contracts.\n\nThe new Ending Double Dealing Act expands upon that work by:\n\nEncompassing emerging technologies to ensure updates address advancements in artificial intelligence,\n\nAllowing the restriction of secret spending arrangements known as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) to close contracting loopholes, and\n\nUpdating the definition of foreign adversaries to expand the list of countries covered.\n\n“Allowing firms with financial or operational ties to foreign adversaries to secure federal contracts and influence defense-related decisions creates an unacceptable national security risk,” said Ernst. “Updating and enforcing conflict-of-interest protections is essential to safeguarding American interests and ensuring taxpayer-funded contractors are not advancing the objectives of hostile regimes.”\n\n“At a time when the United States faces growing threats around the world, it’s critical that firms that provide mission support services to the Department of Defense are not working with our adversaries,” said Rosen. “That’s why Senator Ernst and I are introducing a bipartisan bill to ensure the Department of Defense cannot contract with companies that do business with hostile regimes.”\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\nBackground:\n\nErnst has long worked to hold the Pentagon accountable for responsible spending, notably shepherding the CONSULT Act into law and pushing for OTA transparency with her Stop Secret Spending Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-ricketts-to-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-bolster-u-s-competition-against-china/", "title": "Gallego, Ricketts to Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster U.S. Competition Against China", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) will introduce the China Subsidy Response and Export Competitiveness Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP). CTEP is a mandate for the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to help U.S. exporters facing competition from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and ensure the U.S. continues to lead in transformational export areas.\n\n“Over the past two decades, Arizona has lost nearly 66,000 manufacturing jobs to China, fueled by China’s trade cheating and unfair subsidies,” said Senator Gallego. “We need to level the playing field. By making the China and Transformational Exports Program more competitive and more flexible, this bill helps get us there.”\n\n“Communist China doesn’t compete fairly. It cheats by subsidizing its industries to undercut American companies and corner critical supply chains,” said Senator Ricketts. “This bill gives the Export-Import Bank the tools to fight back. When Americans compete on a level playing field, they win. The China Subsidy Response and Export Competitiveness Act will protect America’s jobs and our national security.”\n\nSpecifically, the China Subsidy Response and Export Competitiveness Act would:\n\nGive EXIM more flexibility to address concerns that the PRC can subsidize their competing goods and services not only through export credits but also through domestic credits and other financial assistance.\n\nAdd medical manufacturing as a new transformational export area to revitalize domestic medical manufacturing, help bring down prices, and build more resilient medical supply chains.\n\nAdd printed circuit boards to the semiconductor transformational export areas to counter U.S. dependence on overseas providers, particularly China, which now produces over half of the world’s circuit boards.\n\nFind the full text of the legislation HERE.\n\nSenator Gallego is a champion for trade policies that protect workers, consumers, and small businesses while growing our economy.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-ryan-urge-usda-to-approve-disaster-aid-for-new-york-fruit-and-specialty-crop-growers-after-devastating-spring-frost/", "title": "Gillibrand, Schumer, Ryan Urge USDA To Approve Disaster Aid For New York Fruit And Specialty Crop Growers After Devastating Spring Frost", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), urged Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to approve federal aid for New York fruit and specialty crop growers facing mass crop loss after an April frost that damaged the early growth of fruits and vegetables.\n\nThe letter follows New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s request for a Secretarial disaster designation, which would give affected farmers access to low-interest emergency loans. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets estimates more than $30 million in losses to date, with apple, grape, stone fruit, onion, and other growers potentially losing anywhere from 15 to 100 percent of their crops to the frost.\n\n“Farmers are the backbone of New York’s economy, but as climate change worsens, extreme weather events are becoming more common and are wreaking havoc on growers across the state,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. “These frost events are devastating for New York’s specialty crop and fruit sector, and a Secretarial disaster designation would help ensure that impacted growers have the resources they need to recover. I urge USDA Secretary Rollins to swiftly consider and approve New York’s request in order to bring relief to farmers across New York.”\n\n“From the vineyards of the Finger Lakes to the orchards of the Capital Region, New York’s farms are the heart of our economy. But this past April, they suffered from a devastating freeze that severely damaged crops, which had already started growing due to a warmer winter,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m calling on USDA Secretary Rollins to swiftly provide New York’s farms with a disaster designation so our farmers can unlock the critical emergency relief funds they need. I will always fight to protect and support impacted farms across Upstate New York.”\n\n“The frost this spring was absolutely devastating to our farmers and growers in the Hudson Valley. Hearing and seeing the damage firsthand makes clear we need urgent action. One of our apple growers told me they lost close to 90% of their crop,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Our community needs the USDA to step up and do their job – now. An official Disaster Designation would unlock millions of dollars in emergency grants and resources to help farmers and growers begin to recover from the estimated $30 million loss. I am fighting tooth and nail to make sure Secretary Rollins understands the on-the-ground impacts and acts with urgency.”\n\nAccording to USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, New York is one of the top-ranking specialty crop states in the country, including second in apples and third in grapes. Many specialty crop farms also support New York’s agritourism and economy through pick-your-own operations and value-added products, such as hard cider and wine.\n\nThe bicameral group wrote to Secretary Rollins: “A Secretarial Disaster Designation will unlock resources, such as emergency loans, for farmers across New York so that they can begin the process of recovering.”\n\n“April’s frost had temperatures easily reaching below freezing and badly damaged the early growth of buds and shoots,” the group continued. “This disaster has significantly impacted New York farmers growing specialty crops, particularly apples, grapes, stone fruit, pears, and strawberries, as well as early vegetables such as onions.”\n\nThe letter is also signed by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), and Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-the-secure-america-act", "title": "Grassley Statement on the Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released the following statement regarding the Senate’s consideration of the Secure America Act:\n\n“Today, the Senate is voting on the Secure America Act. This is a bill to fund federal law enforcement officers and border security. There is no funding for the Department of Justice in this bill outside of enforcing immigration. Democrats proposed a measure regarding the Anti-Weaponization Fund that would have blocked the bill’s passage by sending the bill back to committee. The Acting Attorney General has already stated the Fund is ‘not moving forward.’ I voted against the Democrat proposal and in favor of advancing the Secure America Act, so we can keep our nation’s families and borders secure.”\n\nThe Democrat proposal failed to pass, by a vote of 49-50.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/photos-grassley-speaks-at-greater-des-moines-partnership-breakfast-during-groups-annual-advocacy-trip-to-washington", "title": "PHOTOS: Grassley Speaks at Greater Des Moines Partnership Breakfast During Group’s Annual Advocacy Trip to Washington", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE for photos.\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) answered questions at the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Congressional Breakfast on Thursday as part of the group’s annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., alongside other members of Iowa’s congressional delegation.\n\nThis week, Grassley held meetings with the partnership to discuss their featured priorities of transportation and infrastructure, housing, workforce and permitting reform. He also attended their Congressional Reception on Wednesday evening.\n\n“It’s a treat to spend my morning with nearly 200 Iowans in our nation’s capital. I appreciate every member of the Greater Des Moines Partnership who came to the Capitol to advocate for the region and its priorities. It was great to see so many new faces joining the Partnership’s trip for the first time to participate in representative government,” Grassley said.\n\nDownload photos HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-keynotes-american-compass-new-world-gala-artificial-intelligence-will-not-choose-moral-liberty/", "title": "Hawley Keynotes American Compass New World Gala: ‘Artificial Intelligence Will Not Choose Moral Liberty’", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered the keynote address at the American Compass New World Gala, presenting on the foundation of our country and its moral covenant. He contrasted our founding with the dangers of artificial intelligence that threaten to unravel the very fabric of this nation.\n\nSenator Hawley said, “For we are confronting now new questions of technology and science that will test our commitment to the great moral covenant that binds us together as a nation. I tell you tonight that the decisions we must soon make about the most powerful technology of our lifetimes—the technology of artificial intelligence—are among the most difficult we have yet faced as a people. These decisions will go far beyond questions of economics or policy. They are questions of labor and the family, of freedom and the value of human life. They are fundamental questions of identity—our identity; they are questions about the nature of this republic given to us by God.”\n\nHe continued, “Let me be blunt. Left to itself, artificial intelligence will not choose moral liberty. It will choose the appetite. It will gather power into the fewest hands the world has ever seen and call the result progress. That is the rule of the strong over the weak. That is the dissolution of the covenant. And it is the oldest temptation in the human story, dressed now in silicon. So we must choose. And here is the heart of what I have come to say tonight: in deciding how to govern this technology, we are not merely writing policy. We are renewing—or surrendering—the moral basis of our life together. The covenant does not keep itself. Every generation must swear it again. Ours will swear it, or break it, over artificial intelligence.”\n\n“And let me say a word now to my own party, because the Republican Party has a choice of its own to make—perhaps the defining choice of its next half century. We can be the party of the boardroom: the party of the donor and the share price, the party that measures a man by his market value and a policy by what it does to a stock. Or we can be the party of the covenant: the party of the good, the just, and the right; the party of the worker and the family and the small town; the party that remembers our commitment to justice for all, to the sanctity of the individual, to the dignity of labor, to the priority of the poor,” he said.\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, “For we know, in the end, that license is not liberty at all. Might does not make right. And the strong have no claim to rule the weak. For we are all endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights. And we choose to honor those rights, and the God who gave them, again in our time. That is why we will bend the arc of this technology toward the welfare of the nation, toward the welfare of our families, and our children, and of labor. We will not surrender our principles toward the technology. The technology will answer to our principles. This will happen because the American people, together, with intention, in the time still given us, choose to be a country that is more than the sum of its outputs—choose, as our forebears did on the Arbella, to live in liberty under God.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/new-op-ed-hawley-urges-congress-to-pass-his-legislation-to-rescue-trafficked-kids/", "title": "New Op-Ed: Hawley Urges Congress to Pass His Legislation to Rescue Trafficked Kids", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Hawley’s Legislation is Included in GOP Reconciliation Bill Being Voted on Today, Awaits Final Passage\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) penned an op-ed in The Daily Wire about the need to pass his legislation to combat child trafficking. The Department of Homeland Security funding bill, which the Senate is expected to vote on today, includes Senator Hawley’s provision that would allocate $108.5 million for hiring 200 child exploitation investigators and forensic analysts. Currently, DHS has only seven forensic analysts for these cases. Senator Hawley’s effort follows key advocacy from former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, who testified to Senator Hawley’s subcommittee in March about the desperate need for more resources and tools at the federal level.\n\nRead the full op-ed here or below.\n\nThere is a quiet crisis destroying the lives of American children happening right in front of us, but about which far too few people know. It is the crisis of child sex trafficking. Tens of thousands of kids—boys and girls—are trapped in it, and most all of it takes place online.\n\nI learned the story recently of a girl I’ll call Lisa. She was first sexually abused when she was only a toddler, just two or three. Her attacker posted degrading and graphic pictures of the abuse to the internet. That’s where federal investigators first saw her. The good news was, based on certain identifying clues in the photos, they believed they could pinpoint Lisa’s location. The bad news? The government has only a handful of investigators with forensic expertise dedicated full-time to fighting child trafficking. And the scope of the crisis is overwhelming. It’s time we did something about it.\n\nThere are thousands and thousands of children like Lisa. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recorded 20.6 million files—images, videos, and other files—of suspected child sexual abuse in 2017. In 2025, it was 61.8 million files. That’s a 200% increase in less than a decade. To give you a sense of the sheer number of abusers involved, consider this: in a single, six-month period last year, 338,000 separate IP addresses—individual online users, essentially—posted or shared images of child rape. All of that in just six months.\n\nWhat does that mean in real terms? It means that tens of thousands of children are trapped and waiting to be rescued. The global police agency INTERPOL estimates there are 89,000 children for whom law enforcement have identifying images, but who have not been located. This means there are nearly 90,000 kids who could be found and rescued, if we just devoted the time and manpower to find them. How do I know it’s possible? Because of Lisa.\n\nInvestigators in her case began analyzing what they found online, zeroing in on clues in the images her abuser shared. A shadow here. The outlines of buildings there. A glimpse of playground equipment in the background of a video that one analyst recognized as unique to certain cities in the American South. They worked and analyzed and narrowed her location until, finally, they were able to find her and bring her to safety.\n\nLisa’s rescue was no one-off. In another case, investigators were able to isolate the audio of a bird call in the background of a video to locate and rescue a child based on the range and habitat of that particular bird. And in yet another case, federal investigators analyzed an image depicting a young victim in the backseat of a car, with a blurry highway sign through the window. Their analysis of that single sign led to a search that rescued an 11-year-old girl only thirteen days after the images were first discovered online. That’s what the best cops can do when they have the means.\n\nIt’s time we gave them what they need.\n\nOne man who has been showing the way is Tim Tebow, the former Heisman Trophy winner and football legend. His nonprofit group, the Tim Tebow Foundation, has been a powerful advocate for America’s missing and exploited children. Every year, the Tebow Foundation partners with federal law enforcement to surge resources to the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks help rescue kids. That surge means more forensic analysts, more investigators—and more children rescued.\n\nThis program has had tremendous success. But it’s only two weeks, once a year. We ought to make that surge bigger. And it’s time to make it permanent.\n\nTim and I have worked on legislation together to add 200 full-time cops and forensic experts to Homeland Security to analyze every piece of child abuse evidence they can get their hands on. Our legislation would also create a new training program to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts, so that all levels of law enforcement can tackle this problem together. Taken as a whole, it would constitute one of the largest investments in fighting child trafficking this country has ever made.\n\nCongress has the opportunity to pass this legislation this week. It’s part of the latest funding package for the Department of Homeland Security, which currently awaits final votes in both the House and Senate.\n\nThe crisis we face is real, and the thousands of kids trapped in trafficking cannot wait any longer. Let’s go rescue them.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-releases-statement-ahead-of-oil-and-gas-lease-sale-in-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge", "title": "Heinrich Releases Statement Ahead of Oil and Gas Lease Sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Video Here\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement ahead of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s lease sale for the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge tomorrow, June 5, which will open up the area’s 1.56 million acres for harmful drilling:\n\n“I've been blessed to see the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with my own eyes. It is deeply connected to the traditions and daily life of the people who have lived there for thousands of years. For wildlife, it’s essential habitat. And it’s not just a reminder of the past – it’s hope for the future. Simply put, the Arctic Refuge is the crown jewel of the American National Wildlife Refuge System and has been ever since it was set aside in 1960 by President Eisenhower to protect its wildlife.\n\n“To all the oil and gas majors, I have a message for you: I understand you have a job to do. That job never involves drilling in America’s national parks or America’s national wildlife refuges. Don’t bid.”\n\nVIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, urges oil and gas executives to not bid in the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on Friday, June 5.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nToday, no oil company holds leases on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge. Major companies, including Chevron and BP, have abandoned their Arctic Refuge interests entirely, in some cases paying millions to walk away. Every major bank in the United States and Canada has refused to finance Arctic Refuge drilling, citing no real industry interest, extreme costs, remoteness, and decades-long bipartisan opposition.\n\nRepublicans have repeatedly tried to use Arctic drilling to help offset tax breaks for the wealthy. Trump’s first billionaire giveaway – the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act – mandated lease sales in the Arctic Refuge that the Congressional Budget Office estimated would generate $1.8 billion. The first sale in 2021 generated less than one percent of that projected revenue, while the second in 2025 received zero bids. Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill repeated the same tactic, requiring more lease sales to pay for tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy.\n\nThe Arctic Refuge, located in northeastern Alaska, is essential habitat for the endemic wildlife that lives there. It is also deeply connected to the traditions and daily life of the people who have lived there for thousands of years.\n\nThe Coastal Plain provides critical habitat for polar bears and the Porcupine Caribou Herd, which Alaska Native and Indigenous communities, particularly the Gwich’in people, depend on for subsistence.\n\nEarlier this year, Heinrich, along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), led 60 members in the Senate and House in a letter condemning the Trump administration’s plans to auction off sacred and sensitive lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas companies.\n\nIn December 2025, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor, stressing the need to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and urged his colleagues to vote no on a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval that would upend the management plan for the Arctic Refuge, risking one of the world’s last great wild landscapes.\n\nIn October 2025, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor, blasting Republicans for pushing forward CRA resolutions of disapproval targeting BLM’s Resource Management Plans (RMPs), putting public lands and National Parks at risk from mining companies.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bashes-maga-republicans-for-blocking-amendment-to-end-trumps-slush-fund-for-tina-peters/", "title": "Hickenlooper Bashes MAGA Republicans for Blocking Amendment to End Trump’s Slush Fund for Tina Peters", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Hickenlooper plans to vote NO on ICE funding bill\n\nSubmits additional amendments to redirect funding from ICE to protect Coloradans from wildfires, the increasing prices caused by the war with Iran, Trump’s tariffs\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after Republicans blocked his amendment to Republicans’ $70 billion U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding package that would permanently stop Trump from giving taxpayer-funded payouts from the DOJ’s $1.8 billion slush fund to election criminals like Tina Peters and January 6th rioters.\n\nHickenlooper will vote NO on the final ICE funding bill that does nothing to rein in the out-of-control agency or address the cost-of-living emergency crushing Americans.\n\n“Republicans blocked our amendment to make sure election criminals like Tina Peters don’t see a dime of your taxpayer dollars from Trump’s slush fund,” Hickenlooper said in a video statement. “When will MAGA Republicans finally draw the line? They’d rather give taxpayer-funded bailouts to criminals who sow distrust in our elections or to insurrectionists who attacked police officers on January 6th. All while working families are struggling to pay for gas, health care, and rent. Enough is enough. Americans deserve better than this.”\n\nHickenlooper voted against the funding bill last month and has consistently refused to fund ICE without an overhaul of the agency. Instead of addressing the cost of living crisis impacting Americans, Republicans are rubber stamping legislation that sends $70 billion in new funding to ICE and CBP, in addition to the $75 billion Republicans already approved for ICE last summer.\n\nWatch Hickenlooper’s interview with MS NOW about his push to permanently kill the president’s slush fund HERE.\n\nHICKENLOOPER AMENDMENT:\n\nYesterday, Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor in support of his amendment to permanently prevent Trump from creating a billion-dollar slush fund to give taxpayer-funded handouts to Tina Peters and January 6th insurrectionists. The Trump administration has walked back their slush fund plans but Hickenlooper still forced Republicans to vote on the record and stop the slush fund permanently.\n\n“President Trump plans to hand out nearly two billion of YOUR taxpayer dollars to January 6 rioters, to his wealthy business partners, and to people who have attacked democracy,” said Hickenlooper. “The acting Attorney General says they’ll no longer pursue this slush fund. I don’t believe that for one second. The only promises this administration has seemed to keep are to billionaires and President Trump’s cronies.”\n\nClick HERE to download Hickenlooper’s remarks.\n\nADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS:\n\nHickenlooper introduced 12+ amendments to help Colorado fight wildfires, lower prices, stop ICE’s lawlessness, protect Coloradans’ health care, and safeguard our public lands.\n\nSpecifically, he introduced amendments to:\n\nStop Trump’s Corruption\n\nPrevent Special Treatment for Trump and his Family: Hickenlooper-led amendment would undo the settlement the president made with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to create his $1.8 billion slush fund. His amendment would also bar the Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury from protecting Trump, his family, or any business affiliated with the president and his family from being investigated by the IRS.\n\nLower Prices for Americans\n\nReturn Tariff-taxes to the People: Hickenlooper-led amendment would zero out funding for ICE and use that funding to deliver refunds to the American people and the small businesses getting crushed by Trump’s illegal tariffs.\n\nSecure Gas Refunds for Families: Hickenlooper-led amendment to redirect $31 billion away from ICE for immediate refunds for American consumers for high gas prices caused by Trump’s unwanted war.\n\nHelp Farmers Survive Trump’s Cost-of-Living Crisis: Hickenlooper-led amendment would redirect $1 billion away from ICE to help farmers overcome the increasingly high prices of fertilizer caused by the illegal war in Iran.\n\nStop ICE’s Violence and Lawlessness\n\nProtect Kids in ICE Detention: Hickenlooper-led amendment would redirect $1 billion from Trump’s Big Bad Betrayal Act to make sure children in immigration detention receive essential care.\n\nForce ICE to Comply with Oversight Visits: Hickenlooper-led amendment would eliminate all funding for DHS unless they rescind their restrictions obstructing Members of Congress and their staff’s congressional ability to conduct oversight visits of immigration detention facilities.\n\nProtect DACA Recipients: Hickenlooper-backed amendment would provide $10 billion to help process DACA applications and work applications. It would also prevent any of that funding from being used to arrest, detain, deport, or remove DACA recipients.\n\nLower the Cost of Health Care\n\nProtect Americans’ Health Care: Hickenlooper-led amendment would help extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Enhanced Premium Tax Credits for 2 years to protect millions of Americans’ health care after Republicans gutted the ACA to pay for the $4 trillion tax cuts.\n\nReverse Republicans’ Medicaid Cuts: Hickenlooper-led amendment would reallocate more than $31 billion from ICE to reverse the disastrous cuts to Medicaid that Republicans made last summer\n\nProtect Public Lands and the Environment\n\nFight Wildfires: Hickenlooper-led amendment would redirect $31 billion from ICE to efforts to mitigate and fight wildfires as Colorado and the West prepare for another severe wildfire year.\n\nDefend American Science and Public Health\n\nSave NCAR: Hickenlooper-led amendment would redirect $1 billion from ICE to fully fund the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The amendment would stop the Trump admin’s effort to dismantle NCAR and preserve the world-class and life-saving weather research NCAR does.\n\nProtect Our Public Health: Hickenlooper-led amendment to redirect $1 billion from ICE to help monitor and prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-mccormick-heinrich-young-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-national-commission-on-robotics/", "title": "Hickenlooper, McCormick, Heinrich, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish National Commission on Robotics", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Dave McCormick, Martin Heinrich, and Todd Young introduced the bipartisan National Commission on Robotics Act, which would create an independent commission to evaluate America’s competitiveness in robotics and recommend policies to strengthen U.S. leadership in that field. The legislation comes as America’s dependence on foreign-manufactured robotics technology raises urgent questions about supply chain security, economic competitiveness, national defense, and workforce development.\n\n“Advancements in robotics are rapidly changing how we live and work. If America is going to lead the future, we need a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead—from supply chains and national security to workforce development,” said Hickenlooper. “Colorado is a growing robotics and innovation hub, and this legislation will help ensure we harness these technologies in ways that build opportunity, strengthen our economy, and minimize the unintended consequences.”\n\n“Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh especially, is an incredible hub of robotics talent and demonstrates that American leadership in robotics creates high-paying jobs, strengthens domestic supply chains, and drives long-term growth,” said McCormick. “The Commission on American Leadership in Robotics will bring together leading experts to help ensure the United States maintains its technological edge over our adversaries and builds the workforce needed to succeed in a technology-driven future.”\n\nSpecifically, the commission is directed to examine and make recommendations on:\n\nThe competitiveness of the United States in robotics and the strength of the domestic marketplace.\n\nWhether the U.S. has the appropriate means and methods to assert and maintain a technological advantage across industrial, retail, and commercial sectors.\n\nForeign actions and policies to advance robotics.\n\nWhether certain strategic partnerships in robotics with industry, the public, and academic institutions could enhance economic competitiveness and manufacturing.\n\nWorkforce incentives and programs to attract and recruit leading talent in robotics and associated STEM fields.\n\nSupply chain risks and policies to increase domestic manufacturing of robotics.\n\nThe commission will deliver an interim report to Congress and the President within one year of establishment and a final report with concrete recommendations within two years of establishment.\n\nThe National Commission on Robotics Act is supported by: Gecko Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, Agility Robotics, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Association for Advancing Automation (A3), FANUC America, Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), the Colorado Technology Association, Advanced Construction Robotics, Carnegie Robotics, Near Earth Autonomy, HEBI Robotics, Robots for America, the New American Industrial Alliance, and the Mass Technology Leadership Council.\n\n“Robotics is poised to be one of the defining technologies of the 21st century, with profound implications for economic growth, national security and societal well-being. At a time of increasing global competition, the United States must take an ambitious and deliberate approach to maintaining its leadership in this critical field,” said Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon University. “Carnegie Mellon University applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators McCormick and Hickenlooper in advancing a National Robotics Commission. By bringing together leaders from industry, academia, government and the workforce, this effort can help develop a shared national strategy that accelerates innovation, strengthens American competitiveness and ensures the benefits of robotics are broadly shared across society.”\n\n“AUVSI commends Senators McCormick and Hickenlooper for their leadership in introducing the National Commission on Robotics Act. Robotics will be central to the future of U.S. manufacturing, productivity, and national security. With the People’s Republic of China moving strategically and aggressively to shape and win this market, the United States needs a clear national strategy to align policy, strengthen trusted industrial capacity, and compete to win. This bill is an important step toward that goal and AUVSI strongly endorses the National Commission on Robotics Act,” said Michael Robbins, President & CEO of Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).\n\n“The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) applauds the leadership of US Senators David McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and welcomes their introduction of legislation in the United States Senate to establish a national robotics strategy,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of A3. “The accelerated adoption of robotics, along with enabling technologies like artificial intelligence, machine vision, and motion control, will strengthen every US industry in the future. Robotics and automation are essential to bringing more manufacturing back to the US while creating better, safer and higher paying jobs for American workers.”\n\n“Staying on the cutting edge of robotics development and deployment is critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. So much of the innovation in this space is being driven by entrepreneurs and small/medium-sized businesses across the country—thousands of which are served by TECNA’s member councils. We applaud Senator McCormick’s effort to create a Robotics Commission ​and ensure we continue to foster and leverage American ingenuity,” said Jennifer G. Young, CEO, TECNA\n\n“FANUC America applauds Senators David McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) for their leadership in advancing robotics,” said Mike Cicco, CEO of FANUC America. “The National Commission on Robotics Act is an important step to strengthen U.S. leadership in robotics and industrial automation. As a global leader in industrial robotics, FANUC America strongly supports federal efforts to develop a skilled workforce and accelerate the adoption of robotics across U.S. manufacturing. FANUC America is proud of its continued investments and expansion in the United States and looks forward to working with Congress to create high-quality jobs including robotics designers, technicians, and operators, while advancing initiatives that strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.”\n\n“Robotics has the potential to power America’s manufacturing renaissance, which is why it’s critical to enact smart policy that leads the way on adoption. The National Commission on Robotics Act would do just that, by creating a bipartisan commission to assess the state of American robotics and establishing a strategy to ensure continued American robotics dominance. We thank Sen. McCormick, Sen. Hickenlooper, Congressman Obernolte, and Congresswoman McClellan for acting urgently to address this critical need,” said the New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA) .\n\n“Despite inventing the modern robotics industry, the United States currently operates less than 10% of the world’s industrial robots, which significantly threatens America’s position as the global economic leader. There’s no time to waste, which is why the creation of an independent, bipartisan commission on American leadership in robotics must be an urgent priority for US policymakers. We thank Senator McCormick, Senator Hickenlooper, Congressman Obernolte, and Congresswoman McClellan for their leadership on this effort,” said Robots for America .\n\n“Global competition around robotics and AI is accelerating quickly, and the U.S. must move decisively to remain the global leader. A national robotics strategy is essential to strengthening American industry, infrastructure, energy, and national security, while accelerating innovation and high-skilled jobs. Gecko, from our Pittsburgh headquarters to facilities around the world, is at the forefront of companies transforming critical industries using robotics and stands firmly behind Senator McCormick and Senator Hickenlooper’s initiative,” said Jake Loosararian, Co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics.\n\n“America’s robotics leadership will be built on strong research institutions, a skilled workforce, resilient supply chains, and bold entrepreneurs going after big problems. This commission is exactly the kind of federal commitment our industry needs. We strongly support this legislation and urge that workforce development, technology transfer, supply chain resilience, and academic-industry partnerships be central in its considerations.” said Audrey Russo, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council.\n\n“Pittsburgh has been at the forefront of robotics innovation for decades, which is why Agility has made a meaningful investment in its footprint there,” said Peggy Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Agility Robotics. “Sen. McCormick and Sen. Hickenlooper’s introduction of the National Commission on Robotics Act reflects a clear understanding of the strategic importance of U.S. leadership not only in developing, but in deploying robotics, including humanoids, at scale. We hope the Senate will move swiftly on a bipartisan basis to advance this critical legislation.”\n\nThe full bill text can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-basin-electric-to-receive-27-million-for-antelope-station-under-federal-coal-support-program", "title": "Hoeven: Basin Electric to Receive $27 Million For Antelope Station Under Federal Coal Support Program", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump released a $700 million plan to support the nation’s coal producers, including $27 million to modernize Basin Electric Cooperative’s Antelope Station, improving efficiency and increasing generation capacity. The funding is being made available under the Defense Production Act to ensure the nation can meet growing demand for power and to strengthen the long-term resiliency of the U.S. coal industry. To this end, the funds will be used to make upgrades to existing coal plants, help finance two new coal plants and support the construction of a coal export terminal on the West Coast.\n\n“Coal is available 24/7, regardless of weather, providing an affordable and reliable source of electricity that can ramp up to meet demand and ensure power is available when we need it most. Today’s announcement, which includes $27 million for upgrades at Antelope Station in North Dakota, is a welcome step to support the continued resiliency of our coal producers and ensure their facilities and infrastructure can meet the growing demands on our grid,” said Senator Hoeven. “This aligns with our Crack the Code 2.0 initiative, where we are working to double the life of our coal plants while also doubling oil recovery in the Bakken. Through efforts like these, combined with the regulatory relief we’ve advanced for our energy industry, we are working to make the U.S. truly energy dominant.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-pressing-forest-service-to-better-manage-prairie-dogs-prevent-impacts-on-private-lands-ranchers", "title": "Hoeven Pressing Forest Service to Better Manage Prairie Dogs, Prevent Impacts on Private Lands & Ranchers", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – During a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven pressed for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to more proactively manage prairie dog populations on USFS lands, which are impacting ranching operations and adjacent private lands. Hoeven outlined to USFS Chief Tom Schultz language he included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior Appropriations bill that calls on the agency to:\n\nLimit prairie dog habitat to no more than 1.5 percent of federal land in any single grazing allotment.\n\nEstablish a one-mile buffer between federal lands and state and private lands.\n\nThe senator stressed that current USFS policy has not created a sufficient buffer, resulting in prairie dog encroachment upon adjacent, non-federal acres, damaging the landscape and creating a real hazard for livestock.\n\nSchultz responded that USFS expects to release a plan in the next month, and Hoeven secured a commitment from Schultz to visit North Dakota and discuss the plan in detail with local grazing groups.\n\n“Prairie dogs are a big problem in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands,” said Hoeven. “Our grazers are losing ground, not just on federal lands where they are permitted, but on their adjacent private lands. The existing buffer isn’t getting the job done. I appreciate that Chief Schultz is working to comply with the legislation we passed, and I look forward to reviewing the plan the Forest Service is developing, which should be released in the next month. At that time, we will arrange a meeting with the Chief to get input from our local grazers and make sure this new plan works for them.”\n\nIn addition, Hoeven thanked Schultz for USFS’ continued efforts, including those of USFS Deputy Chief Chris French, to control noxious weeds on federal lands. Hoeven continues to work to advance the $4.5 million grant to local grazing groups for weed spraying.\n\nThe senator also stressed the importance of ensuring multiple use on USFS lands, including for grazing, energy development and recreation, and highlighted that Schultz’s visit to North Dakota will be an opportunity to review and strengthen access for these important priorities.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-unveils-amendments-to-republican-budget-resolution", "title": "Kaine Unveils Amendments to Republican Budget Resolution", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, unveiled his amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution in an effort to improve the partisan megabill, which the Trump-Vance Administration is using to end-run regular order for funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).\n\n“Democrats have been advocating for common-sense guardrails for ICE and CBP to protect our communities, particularly in the wake of the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by ICE and CBP agents. But instead of negotiating, Republicans are shoehorning funding for ICE and CBP into a partisan budget reconciliation process—the same process they used last year to fund massive tax breaks for the uber-wealthy. I’m filing amendments to this legislation to add important public safety and law enforcement standards and help fix our broken legal immigration system. These include making ICE and CBP agents abide by the many of the same professional standards as local cops, getting our legal immigration backlog unstuck, providing automatic tariff refunds, and conclusively blocking President Trump’s IRS settlement slush fund.”\n\nKaine’s amendments would:\n\nProvide automatic and full refunds for Trump’s illegal broad-based tariffs, which the Supreme Court struck down.\n\nInstead of adding unnecessary funding for ICE, redirecting some of those funds to close the Pell Grant shortfall and ensure that student aid is not restricted or cut.\n\nConclusively prohibit implementation of the recent settlement agreement that establishes the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund, a $1.776 billion slush fund that Trump intends to use to financially reward political allies for lawless behavior.\n\nLower prescription drug costs.\n\nProhibit Trump’s family—and the families of all past and future Presidents—from being granted lifetime immunity from IRS audits.\n\nPrevent the funding of Trump’s slush fund and instead use that money to help Americans access health care and to lower costs, including:\n\nFunding to support rural health, in the wake of numerous health institutions facing the danger of closing after the cuts in the first Republican reconciliation bill;\n\nFunding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to help mitigate the harmful effects of the cuts from the first Republican reconciliation bill;\n\nFunding to support low-income Americans trying to afford home energy bills, as Americans struggle with higher energy prices driven by the President’s tariffs and Iran war;\n\nHelping veterans afford rent; and\n\nSupporting working parents trying to pay for child care.\n\nRedirect ICE funding to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to be used to eliminate the backlog of legal immigration applications and petitions that have accumulated during Trump’s second term in office.\n\nRequire ICE and CBP to inform and deconflict with state and local law enforcement agencies when conducting large-scale immigration enforcement operations.\n\nPrevent ICE and CBP from entering homes without judicial warrants.\n\nRequire ICE and Border Patrol to respond timely to inquiries about the location of people they are detaining.\n\nRequire the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women to distribute approximately $150 million in so-far-undistributed Fiscal Year 2025 grants.\n\nKaine is also a cosponsor of an amendment filed by U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) that would prohibit ICE and CBP agents from using masks or face coverings and require such agents to identify themselves. Kaine and Warner introduced legislation to this effect last year and have been vocally pressing DHS to require that ICE and Border Patrol agents remain unmasked and identify themselves.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-van-hollen-and-alsobrooks-raise-concerns-over-blanket-pause-on-immigration-decisions-based-on-national-origin", "title": "Warner, Kaine, Van Hollen & Alsobrooks Raise Concerns Over Blanket Pause on Immigration Decisions Based on National Origin", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) 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.\n\nIn a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow, Sens. Warner, Kaine, Van Hollen, and Alsobrooks 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.”\n\nThe 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.”\n\nThere 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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\nThe senators are especially concerned about the far-reaching impacts of the pause.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Director Edlow:\n\nWe 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.\n\nOn 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.\n\nFurthermore, 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.\n\nUSCIS 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.\n\nThese 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nOf 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.\n\nWith 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nFinally, 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.”\n\nHowever, 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nIn light of these concerns, we respectfully request that you provide written responses to the following questions within two weeks of receiving this letter:\n\nWhat 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?\n\nHow 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.\n\nHow 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?\n\nWhat 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?\n\nGiven 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?\n\nPlease 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.\n\nWhat 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?\n\nBoth 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?\n\nHow 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.\n\nPlease 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.\n\nThe 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?\n\nWill 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?\n\nThe 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?\n\nAs 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-cruz-slotkin-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-preserve-mq-9-aircraft-mission/", "title": "Kelly, Cruz, Slotkin introduce Bipartisan Bill to Preserve MQ-9 Aircraft Mission", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced the Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act to prohibit the Air Force from reducing MQ-9 units or staffing levels in ways that would erode their current operational capabilities.\n\n“This aircraft is a critical platform for the Arizona National Guard to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform strike missions. We must invest in the best tools that strengthen our national security,” said Kelly. “With this bill we’re making sure servicemembers have the equipment they need at a time of growing global threats.”\n\n“The MQ-9 is a proven, cost-effective platform that provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. In Texas, they were invaluable after the devastating July 4, 2025, floods, when the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Attack Wing deployed the MQ-9 to support search, rescue, and recovery operations along the Guadalupe River. I am proud to introduce this legislation to protect the MQ-9’s operational capabilities and preserve this vital asset,” said Cruz.\n\n“Protecting Air National Guard missions has been a priority for me since my time in the House. The message is simple: don’t take away missions from the National Guard until you have a plan to replace it. The same rule applies here. I’m glad to have bipartisan support to protect these missions and the servicemembers that form the backbone of our military, including at Battle Creek in Michigan. The SUSTAIN Act holds the Air Force to a basic standard: show us the plan before you start cutting people and planes. Our National Guard units deserve that, and our national security will be stronger because of it,” said Slotkin.\n\nRepresentative Brian Babin (R-TX-36) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n“The 147th Attack Wing at Ellington Field in my district represents exactly why this effort is urgently needed,” saidBabin. “MQ-9 units have provided the nation with persistent ISR, strike, and other critical capabilities that strengthen our national defense. The platform that delivers this capability may evolve over time, but we cannot allow the capability, expertise, and readiness these Airmen provide to disappear without a clear and responsible path forward. I am proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Senators Cruz and Kelly to ensure these units are not left behind. At a time when our adversaries are growing more aggressive, we should not weaken our military or hollow out proven capabilities. I will keep fighting to protect Ellington Field, strengthen our Air National Guard, and ensure the United States remains the strongest and most feared military power on Earth.”\n\n“The Air National Guard’s MQ-9 enterprise provides critical combat capability, homeland defense support, and operational experience that cannot be easily replaced,” said President of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), MG (Ret.) Francis McGinn. “Two weeks ago, the Air Force Chief of Staff referenced the MQ-9 as the “MVP” of the US air campaign against Iran in Operation Epic Fury. The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) fully supports Senator Cruz and Senator Kelly’s legislation. Any effort to retire or reduce MQ-9 aircraft and units must be accompanied by a clear, funded modernization or recapitalization strategy that preserves Air National Guard MQ-9 capacity and readiness. A recapitalization plan developed in partnership with National Guard leadership will help ensure Air National Guard MQ-9 units remain ready, capable, and part of the future force.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act prohibits the U.S. Air Force from reducing MQ-9 aircraft, units, or staffing levels from the date of enactment through September 30, 2032. The bill provides an exception for MQ-9 aircraft that are determined to be no longer mission-capable and too costly to repair due to a critical malfunction or if an MQ-9 unit undergoes a change of mission.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-epw-subcommittee-hearing-kelly-pushes-for-rural-transportation-planning-support-and-better-roads-on-tribal-lands/", "title": "WATCH: In EPW Subcommittee Hearing, Kelly Pushes for Rural Transportation Planning Support and Better Roads on Tribal Lands", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This week, during a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) committee hearing on the Federal Highways Administration’s (FHWA) proposed FY27 budget, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly pressed for the need to strengthen transportation planning resources for rural communities and improve road infrastructure on tribal lands.\n\nKellyhighlighted how rural communities are often left behind in the transportation planning process becauseRegional Transportation Planning Organizations(RTPOs) do notreceive dedicatedfederalfunding: “Years ago, Congress created an equivalent program for rural communities called ‘regional transportation planning organizations’ but there’s never been dedicated funding provided in the highway trust fund to fund them. I think that’s been a real disservice to rural communities; it’s another way where they’re just left behind. Projects that go through a local planning process are delivered more efficiently with fewer delays and have more community support and all of that likely means that projects can be delivered at lower costs when we do this and we fund them.”\n\nKellyraised concerns about the poor conditions of roads on the Navajo Nationand the challenges they create for students and essential services: “As you know, many roads on tribal lands are in very poor shape. On the Navajo Nation, we have hundreds of miles of unpaved, poorly maintained roads. They often wash out in rainstorms, school buses get stuck taking kids to and from school, and even teachers have a hard time getting to these schools, so it’s hard to find teachers who want to work on the Navajo Nation because the roads are so poor. Kids there then get a poorer education. All of this is a real problem, and I think we need to look at how the tribal transportation program, managed by the Federal Highway Administration, can help fix this. We need to make sure that this program is well funded, but we also need to make sure that tribes aren’t bogged down in undue permitting processes.”\n\nSen. Kelly questions witnesses at an EPW Committee hearing.\n\nClick here to download a video of Kelly’s remarks. See the full transcript below:\n\nSenator Kelly:\n\nMr. McMaster, thank you for being here today. I want to discuss transportation planning in rural communities. To help facilitate transportation planning and local buy-in, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, or MPOs, bring local leaders together in urban areas to identify regional transportation priorities.\n\nWould you agree that these MPOs are effective at bringing together local leaders to develop and execute projects?\n\nFederal Highways Administrator Sean McMaster:\n\nYes, metropolitan planning organizations and rural transportation planning organizations play an important role in making sure that not only local but state transportation plans are developed consistent with the priorities of all of the communities within the state.\n\nKelly:\n\nI agree, and that’s why MPOs get dedicated funding out of the highway trust fund. But MPOs only exist in urban areas, and small cities and rural communities often get left out. Years ago, Congress created an equivalent program for rural communities called Regional Transportation Planning Organizations but there has never been dedicated funding provided in the highway trust fund to fund them. And I think that’s been a real disservice to rural communities and is another way where they’re just left behind.\n\nProjects that go through a local planning process are delivered more efficiently, with fewer delays and have more community support, and all of that likely means that projects can be delivered at lower costs.\n\nSo, Administrator McMaster, in your experience as a transportation professional, do you think that dedicated planning funding would help rural communities deliver projects faster and at a lower cost?\n\nMcMaster:\n\nI do know that these rural communities and the RTPOs work closely with their state partners. If you’re considering that in reauthorization or other legislation, we’d be happy to work with you and provide technical assistance as to what that could mean and how that could be implemented.\n\nKelly:\n\nHas the Federal Highway Administration looked at opportunities to provide dedicated transportation planning funding to RTPOs to ensure that these entities have the resources to provide quality support for rural communities?\n\nMcMaster:\n\nWe do provide technical assistance within our division offices for our rural transportation planning organizations. As far as specific funding, I’m not aware of that. But we do provide technical assistance and work closely with the RTPOs in the planning process.\n\nKelly:\n\nWell, let me just say I hope that we can look for opportunities to work together on this to make sure rural communities have the support they need. And we’re going to look for opportunities in the surface transportation bill to do this.\n\nI also want to ask a question about the challenges facing tribal communities. As you know, many roads on tribal lands are in very poor shape. On the Navajo Nation, we have hundreds of miles of unpaved, poorly maintained roads. They often wash out in rainstorms, school buses get stuck taking kids to and from school, and even teachers have a hard time getting to these schools, so it’s hard to find teachers who want to work on the Navajo Nation because the roads are so poor. Kids there then get a poorer education. All of this is a real problem, and I think we need to look at how the tribal transportation program, managed by the Federal Highway Administration, can help fix this. We need to make sure that this program is well funded, but we also need to make sure that tribes aren’t bogged down in undue permitting processes.\n\nSo, Administrator McMaster, is it accurate to assume that most tribal transportation projects take place on tribal trust land?\n\nMcMaster:\n\nThat’s my understanding, but I share your interest in supporting our tribal nations across the country. It’s a significant need that they have. Resources are challenging for tribal communities. We have a number of programs directly addressing tribal needs and tribal projects, and we look forward to working with you to address these needs further.\n\nKelly:\n\nThank you for that. I’ve spent a good amount of time on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. It’s almost as big as West Virginia and has a population of 225,000 tribal members, so it’s incredibly rural with significant challenges delivering services, and power, water and roads are such a challenge. To get these roads improved and to get a company up there to do the work, it’s often twice as expensive as getting it done in Maricopa County.\n\nI appreciate your willingness to work with us on this to improve the infrastructure on these tribal lands. Thank you.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/kim-amendments-demand-justice-at-delaney-hall-republicans-instead-hand-billions-more-to-ice/", "title": "Kim Amendments Demand Justice at Delaney Hall, Republicans Instead Hand Billions More to ICE", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Senate Republicans worked to hand billions more to Trump’s ICE, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) pushed solutions to ensure accountability and justice at Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey and around the country. During a marathon voting session, the Senator filed amendments to end inhumane treatment in the facility, improve medical care at all ICE detention facilities, and require de-escalation training for ICE officials, and more.\n\nOn the Senate Floor, Senator Kim spoke about one of the many detainees he met who is suffering without proper medical care. Senator Kim shared: “Only after he and other detainees protested and got the nation’s attention was he able to get released this week from Delaney…There are many of these type of stories at Delaney Hall. This amendment would have an audit of conditions at Delaney and require the for-profit company GEO Group, who is getting nearly a $1 billion contract for that facility to fix the problems or risk not getting any taxpayer dollars.”\n\nWatch Senator Kim’s Full Remarks\n\nSpecifically, Senator Kim’s amendments would:\n\nEnsure the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Office of Inspector General conduct audits of the conditions at Delaney Hall and require GEO Group, the private company that runs Delaney Hall, to address concerns or risk not getting a single additional taxpayer dollar.\n\nDemand that ICE and CBP provide proper and prompt medical care to the detainees in their custody.\n\nRequire annual de-escalation training hours for interactions with civilians, detainees, and protestors, and provides funding to audit whether that training is being appropriately implemented in the field.\n\nProhibit DHS from using funds anymore tax dollars to purchase a warehouse or to repurpose, operate, staff, or maintain already purchased warehouses like the one ICE has threatened to build in Roxbury, New Jersey.\n\nInvestigate the lawless actions of DHS agents who have arrested, killed, detained, or deported U.S. citizens.\n\nLast week, Senator Kim led members of the New Jersey Democratic Congressional delegation in sending a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche outlining a series of demands for immediate action and accountability, and to end ICE brutality and inhumane detention at Delaney Hall.\n\nThe letter built on months of work by Senator Kim to close Delaney Hall and end inhumane detention across the country, including hisoversight visits this past week and previous inspections and direct conversations with those detained. During committee mark-up, Senator also filed a series of reforms to rein in the Trump administration’s lawless ICE, including specifically to end inhumane detention at Delaney Hall, and introduced a package of legislation to end warehouse detention nationwide and prevent taxpayer dollars from funding ICE’s lawlessness.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-cosponsors-bill-to-protect-veterans-from-scams-exploitation", "title": "King Cosponsors Bill to Protect Veterans From Scams, Exploitation", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is cosponsoring legislation to crack down on fraudulent activity that attempts to exploit veterans’ hard-earned benefits. The Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would clarify that only accredited individuals can assist veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims, reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While federal law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution, and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties.\n\n“Veterans earned their benefits through service and sacrifice, and no one should be allowed to profit by scamming them out of what they've earned,” said Senator King. “These so-called ‘claims sharks’ prey on veterans at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Our SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, and better protect veterans so they can access the benefits they deserve without being exploited by bad actors.”\n\nMore specifically, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would:\n\nReestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans;\n\nProhibit VA accreditation of any person found guilty of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims;\n\nClose loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims;\n\nProhibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information;\n\nRequire VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and\n\nIncrease warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents.\n\nJoining King on the legislation are U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.”\n\nOn the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs. Last year, he introduced the VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act that wouldprotect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. Earlier this year, he introduced the TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. Additionally, he introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which would address an unfair rule in federal law that creates unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6479085D-1C6A-422B-84E7-5E67CD919328", "title": "ICYMI: Ahead of Vote-a-Rama, Chairman Graham Calls on Senate Colleagues to Pass the Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today delivered floor remarks to commence the Senate’s vote-a-rama on the Secure America Act. This legislation fully funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol through the Trump presidency.\n\nGraham has consistently fought back against Democrats’ efforts to defund ICE and Border Patrol and has warned that such policies would trigger a return to the days of open borders. During his speech, Chairman Graham contrasted the Biden and Trump administrations’ records on border security.\n\nGRAHAM: “The wake of open borders and irrational and irresponsible Biden immigration policy is wide and is deep. What have we been able to achieve in less than two years? During the Biden years, we had 5,110 people [apprehended on average] every day. … Where are we at today? Zero [illegal immigrants released into the country in 12 months]. Pretty good. So what do you get for your money? You go from 5,110 [average daily border apprehensions] to zero [illegal immigrants released into the country].”\n\nhttps://youtu.be/FHanOFdFssU?si=FkVjRD0xXELHuFmP&t=31\n\nIn his remarks, Chairman Graham also described several violent crimes in South Carolina perpetrated by illegal immigrants over the past two years.\n\nGRAHAM: “Just in my state alone, in April 2026, a 12-year-old boy and a 9-year-old boy in Spartanburg were killed by an illegal immigrant in a drunk driving car crash. One hundred fifty-six pounds of fentanyl that originated in Mexico, smuggled across the Southern border, the largest seizure of fentanyl in South Carolina history – enough to kill 36 million people. Hopefully that will be harder to do in the future. June ’25, 72 illegal aliens at [a] Charleston night club, run by a member of a cartel, were arrested. University of South Carolina student, 21-year-old Nathaniel Baker, was killed in a hit-and-run crash by an illegal alien. A mother of two was murdered in Rock Hill by a group of six illegal immigrants. February 2025, DEA arrests four suspects in Sumter involved in money laundering for two Mexican cartels. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”\n\nhttps://youtu.be/FHanOFdFssU?si=Up6wyBhhi2HfUtxD&t=88\n\nClick here to watch Chairman Graham’s full remarks.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8700F7BD-6A63-424B-BC09-B3965B18EA21", "title": "Graham Applauds President Trump's Intent to Nominate Todd Blanche for Attorney General", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following President Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Todd Blanche to be the next U.S. Attorney General.\n\n“I applaud President Trump for his decision to nominate Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General of the United States. I have known Todd for years. He is highly qualified and has the temperament, judgement and experience that one would want for the Attorney General of our great nation.\n\n“He has served in the Attorney General’s office at the highest levels and will be able to hit the ground running on day one. I will enthusiastically support his nomination in the Judiciary Committee and on the floor, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/lummis-sullivan-lead-colleagues-in-urging-bank-regulators-to-establish-fair-capital-standards-for-digital-assets/", "title": "Lummis, Sullivan Lead Colleagues in Urging Bank Regulators to Establish Fair Capital Standards for Digital Assets", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.lummis.senate.gov", "scraper": "lummis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000571", "name": "Cynthia M. Lummis", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) led their colleagues Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Jon Husted (R-OH) in sending a letter to Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Miki Bowman, FDIC Chairman Travis Hill, and Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould urging the agencies to build on recent progress clarifying the capital treatment of tokenized securities and move toward a clear and fair capital standard for banks engaged in digital asset activities.\n\n“The Basel Committee on Bank Supervision published prudential capital standards for the on-balance sheet treatment of digital assets like bitcoin in 2022 and assigned a 1,250% risk weight— the most punitive classification in the capital framework,” the senators wrote. “This classification was not derived from a calibrated assessment of the actual risk profile of digital assets, however. This framework appears to be a blanket penalty assigned by asset category as a de facto ban on banks holding this asset class, in direct tension with a technology-neutral approach. The practical consequences of this framework are stark.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/lummis-supports-trump-coal-announcement/", "title": "Lummis Supports Trump Coal Announcement", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.lummis.senate.gov", "scraper": "lummis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000571", "name": "Cynthia M. Lummis", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today released the following statement applauding President Trump’s pro-coal announcement:\n\n“Today, President Trump made clear he is 150 percent committed to fighting for America’s energy workers, and Wyoming couldn’t be prouder to stand with him,” said Lummis.“Directing over $700 million toward coal-fired electricity and export infrastructure is exactly the leadership our nation needs. The growing demands of AI and modern industry require more affordable, reliable electricity which coal delivers. The West Gateway export terminal alone will open critical new pathways for Wyoming coal to reach global markets. Americans cannot afford an energy policy that leaves them in the dark, and with this investment, President Trump is making sure they never will.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-representatives-bonamici-and-scott-reintroduce-legislation-to-ensure-fair-compensation-for-workers-who-face-discrimination", "title": "Senator Markey, Representatives Bonamici and Scott Reintroduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Compensation for Workers Who Face Discrimination", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (June 4, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), alongside Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), today reintroduced the Equal Remedies Act to secure full financial relief for victims of workplace discrimination.\n\nFor more than 30 years, a civil rights law has capped how much money workers can win in discrimination or harassment lawsuits under Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These limits, tied to the size of an employer’s workforce, range from $50,000 for smaller businesses to a ceiling of $300,000 for larger corporations. Federal judges are often forced to reduce jury awards due to these outdated caps, regardless of the severity of the employer’s misconduct. The Equal Remedies Act corrects this injustice by eliminating these arbitrary caps, ensuring that victims of discrimination based on sex, religion, race, national origin, and disability can receive the full compensation awarded by a jury.\n\nThe legislation also modernizes the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) by expanding relief for older workers. Under the current law, victims of age discrimination lack access to the legal relief available to workers who experience discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. The Equal Remedies Act rectifies this disparity, ensuring equal access to justice for all workers.\n\n“It’s outrageous that many workers are still denied financial justice when they experience discrimination on the job while corporations reap record-high profits,” said Senator Markey. “Arbitrary and outdated caps routinely force judges to slash jury awards, leaving victims with only a fraction of the payment they deserve despite suffering significant economic and emotional harm. The Equal Remedies Act eliminates these unfair limits, holds abusive employers accountable, and gives seniors and other workers a shot at full compensation and real justice.”\n\n“It’s unacceptable that many workers are not receiving full compensation after experiencing discrimination,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “Arbitrary caps on awards for discrimination allow irresponsible employers to avoid being held accountable for their wrongdoing and add to the harm experienced by workers in discrimination cases. I’m grateful to partner with Ranking Member Scott and Senator Markey to finally end this outdated and harmful practice.”\n\n“Too often, when employers are found liable for discriminating against an employee based on age, for example, the employee is not awarded the full amount that the jury determines they should receive. This is because of a decades-old law that arbitrarily caps damages for employment discrimination. Moreover, the caps have not been adjusted over time to keep pace with inflation. Weak and ineffective penalties do not deter unscrupulous employers from violating workers’ rights and protections,” said Ranking Member Scott. “The Equal Remedies Act eliminates unfair damage caps and amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act so employees who experience age discrimination can access the same remedies available to those who experience other forms of discrimination. I am grateful for Rep. Bonamici and Sen. Markey’s leadership on this important issue and look forward to fighting alongside them to ensure workers receive the full amount of damages they are awarded by a jury of their peers.”\n\nThe Equal Remedies Act is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) Action Fund, National Employment Law Project (NELP), Lift Our Voices, Equal Rights Advocates, WorkLife Law, People’s Parity Project, National Institute for Workers’ Rights, National Employment Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice (AAJ).\n\n“For far too long, arbitrary, one-size-fits-all limits on damages in workplace discrimination cases have allowed employers to discriminate at a discount,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice at the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund. “These caps on jury awards are outdated and unpopular, and it’s time to eliminate them once and for all. The Equal Remedies Act would do just that, ensuring that employers who discriminate are held fully accountable and that workers who experience discrimination can be fully compensated for the harm they have suffered.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-fcc-plan-to-review-e-rate-program", "title": "Senator Markey Statement on FCC Plan to Review E-Rate Program", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington (June 4, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission announced that it will vote to open a proceeding to review the E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries connect to the internet.\n\n“E-Rate is a cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to closing the digital divide. I am worried that this FCC review of the program will result in new obstacles to connecting kids to the internet in schools and libraries across the country. Although I share concerns about social media’s impact on our young people, it is important to remember that all screen time is not the same, and E-Rate already includes strong safeguards to protect students online. I plan to engage closely to ensure the FCC protects E-Rate, follows the law, and keeps students connected.”\n\nIn April 2026, the FCC approved a new rule creating additional administrative burdens for schools and libraries to access funds from the E-Rate program. In September 2025, the FCC repealed its rule allowing schools and libraries to use their E-Rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators, setting back years of success in ensuring students and educators have access to the internet at home.\n\nSenator Markey is the House author of the original E-Rate program, which has invested more than $69 billion to connect schools and libraries to the internet across the country. Massachusetts schools and libraries have received more than $950 million from the E-Rate program and another $97 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a $7 billion program that Senator Markey created within the American Rescue Plan to provide devices and connectivity for students and educators at home.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-active-management-is-key-to-wildfire-prevention/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Active Management is Key to Wildfire Prevention", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Questions Witnesses at Senate Ag Committee Hearing\n\nWashington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz during a Senate Agriculture Committee oversight hearing focused on the agency’s management of national forests and grasslands.\n\nSenator Marshall highlighted the importance of active land management — including grazing, prescribed burns, and vegetation reduction — to reduce fuel loads and mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires, particularly at the Cimarron National Grassland in Kansas.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nHighlights from the hearing include:\n\nSenator Marshall: “Well, thank you, Chairman. Welcome, Chief Schultz, to the hearing. Glad you’re here. I just want to remind everybody that the terms Kansasand forestare oxymorons. We get to examine the beauty of nature one tree at a time. You know, do you know what we call three trees on a quarter section of land in Kansas? A forest. Now, all that being said, the Cimarron National Grassland is something near and dear to my heart and is under your purview. I was out there not too long ago, and, by the way, longtime District Ranger Nancy Brewer gave me an incredible tour. What a wonderful, committed ranger we have there. But that same day, the wind was literally blowing 40 miles an hour — not gusts of 40, I mean, that was the baseline: 40 miles an hour. And as we were leaving, she said, “My gosh, I sure hope we don’t have any fires today. It’s a bad day.” And sure enough, we weren’t 30 minutes out of the grasslands before there was a huge fire. It turned out to be 280,000 acres, but fortunately, it was east of those grasslands. So, look, just speak specifically to that grassland and forest management — or grassland management, in this particular case — and what can be done to decrease the chances of losing all of that, if you could.”\n\nChief Schultz: “In my opening statement, I talked about active management, and active management is not just forest management — it’s also range management and managing grasslands. We have 20 national grasslands, and the Cimarron National Grassland is one of those. So, active management is key to reducing fuels and fine fuels on the landscape. That means making sure that we have active permittees out there because, as you know, the Forest Service doesn’t have staff all over the place. So, in many cases, it’s the permittees who are going to see issues first — whether there’s a wildfire issue, an insect or disease issue, or an invasive species issue. The permittees are going to see those things, let us know, and they are the front line of defense in most cases when it comes to making sure management occurs. So, we work with our permittees a lot.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “What that means to me is their active grazing is a good thing.”\n\nChief Schultz: “It’s absolutely a good thing.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “And some prescribed burns are a good thing as well. I would still encourage you to think about what types of buffers you could put in there — around, between, or wherever appropriate — to break it up somehow. Certainly, when you took this job on, I thought one of the biggest challenges was the lack of management of our forests over the past decade or two, and that’s a big reason these fires get out of control. Can you tell me what type of progress you’re making on actively managing our forests to help prevent some of these huge, huge fires?”\n\nChief Schultz: “Yes, so active management is a broad thing. So, it’s – we’ve highlighted the importance of grazing. We’ve actually worked with permittees to increase grazing on the landscape and do it in a way that’s consistent with our forest plans. We’ve also looked at our timber sale program. We’ve increased our timber sale sales that we’re selling. We’re going to increase that I mentioned in my statement up to about 4 billion board feet over the next three years, we’re seeing about a 10 to 15% increase every year, and that’s going to continue to increase terms of the fuels program. We actually treated more acres prescribed fire this past season than we have over the last year as well by about an additional 500,000 acres.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “Is that a 5% increase or a 2%?”\n\nChief Schultz: “In terms of year over year, we’re probably at about a 40 percent increase over last year.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “What has that allowed you to do?”\n\nChief Schultz: “So, it varies. When you use prescribed fire, it depends on where you’re doing it and how much work you’re able to accomplish. Region Eight, which is the Southern Region of the Forest Service — basically from Texas across to Georgia and South Carolina, including Kentucky and Tennessee — is a good example. If we can get out there early in the season and get fire on the landscape, it allows us to treat a lot of acres, so we can get more work done. This year, we were able to accomplish more work early in the season given the fire conditions. Right now, using prescribed fire in the West doesn’t make much sense. The conditions are so dry and hot. So, we’ve actually gotten ahead of our fuels program this year compared to where we were the prior year, based on getting folks out on the ground and making that work a priority. Those are some of the things we’ve done. But in terms of overall management, we’ve increased our forest management, increased our grazing management, and increased our fuels treatments. Those are the key focus areas we have. And then, on the fire side, in terms of aggressive initial attack, I mentioned that last season we had 12 percent more starts than we typically see based on a 10-year average, yet we burned half as many acres of Forest Service land. So, it’s about being safe, being aggressive in our initial attack, and also being aggressive in how we treat the landscape through fuels treatments and timber sales.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “Yeah, I want to point out that certainly we’re all concerned about the cost of housing, and we’re hopeful that by allowing our forests to be harvested appropriately — and, of course, replenished — we can help bring down the cost of lumber as well. Just briefly, what is keeping you from doing more forest management, or what do you need from us to enable you to do even more?”\n\nChief Schultz: “The question was asked previously about FOFA. We believe that is a strong provision you could support through passage of FOFA, the Fix Our Forests Act, which would provide us with additional tools to get more work done on the ground. So, in the short term, that’s probably the biggest impact you could have, sir.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-mccormick-hickenlooper-young-and-heinrich-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-national-commission-on-robotics/", "title": "SENATORS MCCORMICK, HICKENLOOPER, YOUNG, AND HEINRICH INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ROBOTICS", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "scraper": "davemccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001243", "name": "David McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Todd Young (R-IN), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) today introduced the bipartisan National Commission on Robotics Act. The bill would create an independent commission to evaluate America’s competitiveness in robotics and recommend policies to strengthen U.S. leadership in that field. The legislation comes as America’s dependence on foreign-manufactured robotics technology raises urgent questions about supply chain security, economic competitiveness, national defense, and workforce development.\n\n“Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh especially, is an incredible hub of robotics talent and demonstrates that American leadership in robotics creates high-paying jobs, strengthens domestic supply chains, and drives long-term growth,” said Senator McCormick. “The Commission on American Leadership in Robotics will bring together leading experts to help ensure the United States maintains its technological edge over our adversaries and builds the workforce needed to succeed in a technology-driven future.”\n\n“Advancements in robotics are rapidly changing how we live and work. If America is going to lead the future, we need a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead—from supply chains and national security to workforce development,” saidSenatorHickenlooper. “Colorado is a growing robotics and innovation hub, and this legislation will help ensure we harness these technologies in ways that build opportunity, strengthen our economy, and minimize the unintended consequences.”\n\nSpecifically, the commission is directed to examine and make recommendations on:\n\nThe competitiveness of the United States in robotics and the strength of the domestic marketplace.\n\nWhether the U.S. has the appropriate means and methods to assert and maintain a technological advantage across industrial, retail, and commercial sectors.\n\nForeign actions and policies to advance robotics.\n\nWhether certain strategic partnerships in robotics with industry, the public, and academic institutions could enhance economic competitiveness and manufacturing.\n\nWorkforce incentives and programs to attract and recruit leading talent in robotics and associated STEM fields.\n\nSupply chain risks and policies to increase domestic manufacturing of robotics.\n\nThe commission will deliver an interim report to Congress and the President within one year of establishment and a final report with concrete recommendations within two years of establishment.\n\nTheNational Commission on Robotics Acthas received support from the following stakeholders: Gecko Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, Agility Robotics, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Association for Advancing Automation (A3), FANUC America, Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), the Colorado Technology Association, Advanced Construction Robotics, Carnegie Robotics, Near Earth Autonomy, HEBI Robotics, Robots for America, the New American Industrial Alliance, and the Mass Technology Leadership Council.\n\n“Robotics is poised to be one of the defining technologies of the 21st century, with profound implications for economic growth, national security and societal well-being. At a time of increasing global competition, the United States must take an ambitious and deliberate approach to maintaining its leadership in this critical field,” said Farnam Jahanian, PresidentofCarnegie Mellon University. “Carnegie Mellon University applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators McCormick and Hickenlooper in advancing a National Robotics Commission. By bringing together leaders from industry, academia, government and the workforce, this effort can help develop a shared national strategy that accelerates innovation, strengthens American competitiveness and ensures the benefits of robotics are broadly shared across society.”\n\n“Global competition around robotics and AI is accelerating quickly, and the U.S. must move decisively to remain the global leader. A national robotics strategy is essential to strengthening American industry, infrastructure, energy, and national security, while accelerating innovation and high-skilled jobs. Gecko, from our Pittsburgh headquarters to facilities around the world, is at the forefront of companies transforming critical industries using robotics and stands firmly behind Senator McCormick and Senator Hickenlooper’s initiative,” said Jake Loosararian, Co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics.\n\n“America’s robotics leadership will be built on strong research institutions, a skilled workforce, resilient supply chains, and bold entrepreneurs going after big problems. This commission is exactly the kind of federal commitment our industry needs. We strongly support this legislation and urge that workforce development, technology transfer, supply chain resilience, and academic-industry partnerships be central in its considerations.” said Audrey Russo, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council.\n\n“Pittsburgh has been at the forefront of robotics innovation for decades, which is why Agility has made a meaningful investment in its footprint there,” said Peggy Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Agility Robotics. “Sen. McCormick and Sen. Hickenlooper’s introduction of the National Commission on Robotics Act reflects a clear understanding of the strategic importance of U.S. leadership not only in developing, but in deploying robotics, including humanoids, at scale. We hope the Senate will move swiftly on a bipartisan basis to advance this critical legislation.”\n\n“AUVSI commends Senators McCormick and Hickenlooper for their leadership in introducing the National Commission on Robotics Act. Robotics will be central to the future of U.S. manufacturing, productivity, and national security. With the People’s Republic of China moving strategically and aggressively to shape and win this market, the United States needs a clear national strategy to align policy, strengthen trusted industrial capacity, and compete to win. This bill is an important step toward that goal and AUVSI strongly endorses the National Commission on Robotics Act,” saidMichael Robbins, President & CEO ofAssociation for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).\n\n“The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) applauds the leadership of US Senators David McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and welcomes their introduction of legislation in the United States Senate to establish a national robotics strategy,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of A3. “The accelerated adoption of robotics, along with enabling technologies like artificial intelligence, machine vision, and motion control, will strengthen every US industry in the future. Robotics and automation are essential to bringing more manufacturing back to the US while creating better, safer and higher paying jobs for American workers.”\n\n“Staying on the cutting edge of robotics development and deployment is critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. So much of the innovation in this space is being driven by entrepreneurs and small/medium-sized businesses across the country—thousands of which are served by TECNA’s member councils. We applaud Senator McCormick’s effort to create a Robotics Commission ​and ensure we continue to foster and leverage American ingenuity,” said Jennifer G. Young, CEO, TECNA\n\n“FANUC America applauds Senators David McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) for their leadership in advancing robotics,” said Mike Cicco, CEO of FANUC America. “The National Commission on Robotics Act is an important step to strengthen U.S. leadership in robotics and industrial automation. As a global leader in industrial robotics, FANUC America strongly supports federal efforts to develop a skilled workforce and accelerate the adoption of robotics across U.S. manufacturing. FANUC America is proud of its continued investments and expansion in the United States and looks forward to working with Congress to create high-quality jobs including robotics designers, technicians, and operators, while advancing initiatives that strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.”\n\n“Robotics has the potential to power America’s manufacturing renaissance, which is why it’s critical to enact smart policy that leads the way on adoption. The National Commission on Robotics Act would do just that, by creating a bipartisan commission to assess the state of American robotics and establishing a strategy to ensure continued American robotics dominance. We thank Sen. McCormick, Sen. Hickenlooper, Congressman Obernolte, and Congresswoman McClellan for acting urgently to address this critical need.” –New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA)\n\n“Despite inventing the modern robotics industry, the United States currently operates less than 10% of the world’s industrial robots, which significantly threatens America’s position as the global economic leader. There’s no time to waste, which is why the creation of an independent, bipartisan commission on American leadership in robotics must be an urgent priority for US policymakers. We thank Senator McCormick, Senator Hickenlooper, Congressman Obernolte, and Congresswoman McClellan for their leadership on this effort.”- Robots for America\n\nThis bill has bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House. Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) are sponsoring companion legislation, H.R. 7334, in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe full bill text may be read here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/after-fda-grants-free-pass-to-flavored-e-cigarettes-durbin-leads-senate-democrats-in-letter-to-tobacco-companies-about-trump-administration-influence/", "title": "AFTER FDA GRANTS FREE PASS TO FLAVORED E-CIGARETTES, DURBIN LEADS SENATE DEMOCRATS IN LETTER TO TOBACCO COMPANIES ABOUT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION INFLUENCE", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent letters to Reynolds American and Altria Group to inquire about these Big Tobacco companies’ engagement with the Trump Administration, following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent misguided decisions to unleash kid-friendly flavored e-cigarettes.\n\nReynolds American’s recent $5 million donation and Altria Group’s millions of dollars in contributions towards President Trump’s political operation appears to have enabled tobacco manufacturers to circumvent federal law and unlawfully sell unauthorized e-cigarettes. In the letters, the Senators raise serious concerns about the suspicious timeline of political donations to President Trump and the timing of FDA’s announcement.\n\nThe Senators wrote, “After political contributions by the companies—which followed which followed donations to President Trump’s gold-plated ballroom and campaign—and lunch at the President’s golf resort, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alarming new industry guidance. This May 8, 2026, FDA guidance grants enforcement discretion to permit kid-friendly, flavored e-cigarettes to be sold on the market without obtaining the law’s required pre-market regulatory authorization.”\n\nThe Senators continued, “FDA’s abrupt reversal and decision to grant a free pass to addictive and harmful vapes will cause irreparable harm to children across the country and the agency’s independence from political influence. But for you and your shareholders, this was a lucrative payday after years of unsuccessful legislative and regulatory efforts to weaken federal tobacco oversight.”\n\nThe Senators posed a series of questions to understand how many new and unauthorized e-cigarettes manufactured by Reynolds and Altria may be on the market following FDA’s recent guidance to grant enforcement discretion to addictive, flavored e-cigarettes that lack the FDA’s lawfully required authorization. The Senators request a response to various questions by July 2, 2026.\n\nThe Senators’ letter to Reynolds American can be found here.\n\nThe Senators’ letter to Altria Group can be found here.\n\nThe recent actions by FDA include authorizing the first-ever non-tobacco or menthol-flavored vaping products (mango and blueberry); FDA issuing final guidance permitting e-cigarettes that lack FDA authorization to remain on the market in violation of the law; and former FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary resigning, at least partially, in protest of these actions. By authorizing fruit flavors that are primarily used by children, FDA is once again enabling youth tobacco use and exacerbating the risk of serious chronic disease and death for a new generation. Durbin recently sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging him to push back on these actions.\n\nDurbin has been a vocal leader in the fight against Big Tobacco since he lost his father to lung cancer when Durbin was 14 years old. He went after Big Tobacco when he served in the House of Representatives and led the charge to ban smoking on airplanes, which eventually led to bans on smoking in restaurants, office buildings, trains, and other locations. Durbin has also led efforts to grant FDA jurisdiction over tobacco, raise tobacco taxes to prevent youth initiation, and enhance support for tobacco cessation tools.\n\nIn May, Durbin pressed the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dr. Jay Bhattacharya about the Trump Administration’s failure to protect children from nicotine addiction and exposure to toxic chemicals as Big Tobacco continues to push kid-friendly flavored e-cigarettes during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. During last month’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to crack down on illegal e-cigarette products, especially those targeting children.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/bonamici-merkley-mannion-underwood-alsobrooks-introduce-resolution-to-overturn-student-loan-rule/", "title": "Bonamici, Merkley, Mannion, Underwood, Alsobrooks Introduce Resolution to Overturn Student Loan Rule", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. John Mannion (D-NY), Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval in the House and Senate to repeal the Department of Education’s finalized rule that caps federal student loans and overhauls the student loan system.\n\nThe final rule unnecessarily limits the definition of a professional degree for the purpose of establishing federal loan caps, which will force future nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and many others to turn to often predatory, high-interest private lenders to complete their degrees. It also officially eliminates the Grad PLUS program and creates new, more expensive loan repayment options for all borrowers.\n\n“We should be making it easier, not harder for people to enter essential professions like nursing, education, and social work,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The Trump administration does not have the best interest of the people who want to go into these professions in mind. The shortsighted changes to the student loan program will make higher education more expensive and drive people away from the jobs our communities need. I’ll keep working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to stop these unacceptable changes to the student loan program.”\n\n“Nurses, teachers, counselors, and social workers are dedicated public servants, and Congress must do everything it can to help recruit the next generation of these heroes,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “We’re already facing a shortage of these critical workers, and new limits on federal student loans for these professions and others threaten to further jeopardize the future of our workforce. Financial freedom and flexibility are essential to aspiring students, and I’m leading the charge with my colleagues to oppose these dangerous changes and stand up for affordable student loans so folks can continue to achieve their dreams and serve the public.”\n\n“The Trump Administration is making it harder for people to become nurses, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals at the exact moment our communities need them most,” said Representative John W. Mannion. “This rule is arbitrary, short-sighted, and harmful to low- and middle-income students who do not have the luxury of paying out of pocket for an advanced degree, which is why I’m working with my colleagues on this legislation to repeal this shortsighted rule. We should be expanding access to educational opportunity, not creating new barriers to the workforce.”\n\n“While working families struggle to buy groceries and put gas in their cars, the Trump Administration is sending a clear message to aspiring nurses, health care providers, social workers, teachers, and firefighters: If you can’t afford a high interest loan, then you can’t serve your community,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood. “This rule will undermine public health, and it’s a slap in the face to the millions of professionals who are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. It should be thrown out, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this Congressional Review Act resolution to get it overturned.”\n\n“The Trump Administration is once again actively targeting the public servants who make up the bedrock of our communities – nurses, teachers, and social workers – by taking away their opportunities to access affordable student loans and forcing them into the clutches of private lenders,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This new rule creates a deep inequity that will exacerbate nursing and educator shortages and is an insult to the hard working professionals that sacrifice every day to serve others.”\n\nThe final rule establishes an arbitrary list of 11 fields that are eligible for an aggregate borrowing limit of $200,000. Borrowers in programs excluded from the definition of “professional” – including nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and more – will have a $20,500 annual borrowing limit and a $100,000 aggregate borrowing limit. This will exacerbate healthcare workforce shortages and disincentivize students from entering high-need fields.\n\nMillions of borrowers with outstanding student loans will also see their required monthly payment amounts increase by hundreds of dollars, dramatically adding to the affordability crisis. Changes to student loan repayment include significantly higher monthly loan payments and a mandated $50 minimum monthly payment under the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, rather than allowing for lower amounts when the lender and borrower agree. Together, these changes will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income students and families.\n\nThe text of the CRA can be read here. It is supported by nearly 200 organizations including: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; Advanced Professionals Workforce Alliance, American Academy of Audiology; American Academy of Physician Associates; American Association for Marriage and Therapy (AAMFT); American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM); American Counseling Association; American Institute of Architects; American Library Association; American Nurses Association (ANA); Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, National Art Education Association; National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP); National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); National Career Development Association; National Education Association (NEA); the National League for Nursing (NLN); National Nurses United; National Rural Health Association; the PA Education Association; and National Rural Health Association.\n\n“Students do better when educators have the training, support, and opportunities they need to grow in their professions,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. “This administration rule is making it harder for teachers, school counselors, nurses, social workers, and other public service professionals to pursue advanced degrees by pushing many of them towards predatory high-interest loans and deeper debt. At a time when schools across the country are struggling with staffing shortages, we should be removing barriers to the profession, not creating new ones. Repealing this rule is essential to restoring fairness and ensuring aspiring educators are not priced out of serving their communities.”\n\n“On behalf of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), we thank Representatives Bonamici, Mannion and Underwood and Senators Merkley and Alsobrooks for their efforts to introduce legislation that will overturn the recent final rule for the Reimagining and Improving Student Education Federal Student Loan Program,” said AANP President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP. “The final rule written by the Department of Education will have a devasting impact on our nation’s health care workforce. It is critical that we work together to ensure that nursing students have access to the necessary federal student loans to pursue their education and ultimately deliver care in their communities. It’s time we invest in our next generation of health care providers.”\n\nAdditional statements of support can be found here.\n\nIn the House, the CRA is cosponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Angie Craig (D-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Madeline Dean (D-PA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Llyod Doggett (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John Larson (D-CT), Summer Lee (D-PA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).\n\nIn the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wicker-lead-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-u-s-fishers-by-cracking-down-on-illegal-fishing-and-abusive-vessel-flagging-practices/", "title": "Merkley, Wicker Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Protect U.S. Fishers by Cracking Down on Illegal Fishing and Abusive Vessel Flagging Practices", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Ahead of the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing on June 5, 2026, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced a new bipartisan bill to target a loophole that illegal fishers exploit to gain an unfair advantage over folks adhering to responsible fisheries management in the United States and worldwide.\n\nThe Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act would hold bad actors accountable for swapping out their vessel’s flag—known as a flag of convenience—when a vessel is registered in a country different from the owner’s home country. Flags of convenience, which are often issued by countries with weak oversight practices, can allow foreign vessels to avoid environmental and labor standards in international waters, while enabling illegal fishers to flood the market with low-cost, difficult-to-trace seafood.\n\n“The United States is the world’s largest seafood-importing country, and we have both the purchasing power and the responsibility to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” said Merkley. “Flags of convenience enable IUU fishing by allowing vessels to dodge oversight, further exposing American consumers to illegally caught seafood and driving down prices for sustainable domestic products. Our bipartisan bill is a win-win—protecting U.S. fishers that play by the rules while also promoting sustainable fisheries management across the globe.”\n\n“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing puts the United States seafood industry at a competitive disadvantage. Our maritime laws are built to protect fishermen and improve environmental and labor standards, but many bad actors use the flag of convenience to exploit gaps in those laws. Closing this loophole benefits fishermen, consumers, and the fishing industry,” said Wicker.\n\nThe bipartisan Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act is endorsed by the Oregon Trawl Commission, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Southern Shrimp Alliance.\n\n“The United States has some of the most responsibly managed fisheries in the world, and Oregon’s commercial seafood industry is proud to help supply healthy, sustainable seafood to American consumers,” said Yelena Nowak, Executive Director of the Oregon Trawl Commission. “This bill is an important step toward ensuring that seafood tied to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing does not benefit from access to the U.S. market, while helping level the playing field for U.S. fishermen and processors. The Oregon Trawl Commission commends Senator Merkley and Senator Wicker for their leadership in advancing bipartisan legislation to strengthen accountability for IUU fishing and the countries that enable it.”\n\n“Oceana applauds this bipartisan bill that addresses flags of convenience that create cover for some of the worst abuses on our oceans, allowing vessels engaged in illegal fishing and labor exploitation to evade scrutiny and accountability,” said Maisie Pigeon, Oceana’s Senior Director of Global Transparency. “If we want to promote sustainable fisheries, protect habitat and wildlife, and keep illegally caught seafood out of the U.S. market, we need to hold flag states accountable and this bill would do just that. Congress should pass this commonsense bill to hold foreign countries accountable for actions at sea and help level the playing field for U.S. fishers and seafood producers that follow the rules.”\n\n“Illegal fishing and labor abuses at sea persist when bad actors can hide behind lax foreign flags to evade basic oversight,” said Molly Masterton, Senior Attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act updates NOAA’s enforcement tools to shed a light on flags of convenience, helping to level the playing field for US fishermen who play by the rules and helping to secure a healthier future for our shared ocean.”\n\n“Because IUU fishing continues to play a significant role in the production of feed for foreign aquaculture, American shrimpers are among the hundreds of thousands of law-abiding commercial fishermen harmed by vessels operating under flags of convenience,” said Blake Price, Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. “Senator Merkley’s and Senator Wicker’s Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act of 2026 provides the federal government with an important tool to meaningfully counter the negligence of some of our foreign trading partners and is strongly supported by the Southern Shrimp Alliance and the U.S. shrimp industry.”\n\nFull text of the bill can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-laud-stewardship-agreement-for-malheur-national-forest/", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Laud Stewardship Agreement for Malheur National Forest", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New 20-year agreement with Iron Triangle in John Day is for 20 years\n\nWashington, 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“This stewardship agreement is a huge win for our timber communities and our forests,” Merkley said. “It will create jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and generate healthier forests and streams. I love the stewardship model that has so many positive outcomes and I will continue to champion this approach in my role leading the Democrats on the Interior spending committee.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-senator-moody-honors-heroic-florida-law-enforcement-officer-who-was-shot-twice-in-the-face-and-is-working-towards-full-recovery/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Honors Heroic Florida Law Enforcement Officer Who Was Shot Twice in the Face and is Working Towards Full Recovery", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody honored a Florida law enforcement hero who is working towards full recovery after being shot in the face twice while protecting Floridians. From the Senator Floor Senator Moody recognized Port St. Lucie Police Sergeant Erik Levasseur with the Florida’s Finest Award. Sgt. Levasseur is a 27-year veteran of law enforcement.\n\n“Sergeant Levasseur answered a routine call and got shot twice in the face. He received a law enforcement Purple Heart award and is working towards full recovery and returning to the force to serve the community he loves. Sergeant Levasseur is a true Florida hero and we are a safer state because of his courage and those brave enough to answer the call to put others’ safety ahead of their own,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn December 2025, Port St. Lucie Police Sgt. Levasseur was shot twice in the face when responding to a residence call. When Sgt. Levasseur and other officers responded to the scene, a suspect emerged from the home’s garage brandishing a rifle and immediately began firing at officers. The suspect also attempted to run at and flank Sgt. Levasseur and the officers. Sgt. Levasseur was struck twice in the face—one bullet near the nose and another beneath. Other officers subdued the suspect. Learn more here.\n\nSgt. Levasseur underwent five surgeries—two on the eyes to remove shrapnel and another three on the face. From the beginning of the sergeant’s recovery, Sgt. Levasseur has been looking forward to returning to work.\n\nIn March, Sgt. Levasseur received a law enforcement Purple Heart from the Port St. Lucie Police Department for his service.\n\nA local veteran, Staff Sergeant Thomas Matteo, presented Sgt. Levasseur with one of his own military Purple Hearts for the sergeant’s service. Matteo earned six Purple Hearts over two deployments to Vietnam in the 1960s, and is also a former law enforcement officer. Learn more here.\n\nSgt. Levasseur also received the First Responders Appreciation Foundation’s Valor Award at the group’s annual Law Enforcement Officers Awards luncheon last month.\n\nSenator Moody honored Sgt. Levasseur with a Florida’s Finest Award. Senator Moody’s Florida’s Finest Awards are presented to citizens or law enforcement officers who go above and beyond to protect others.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FF5E8F6F-59DC-4F37-B5F3-A5EAB80F1F67", "title": "VIDEO: Sen. Moran Questions Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Food for Peace Program", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs – this week questioned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the Food for Peace program and the administration’s decision to waive Russian oil sanctions.\n\n“In Senator Boozman’s and Senator Klobuchar’s Farm Bill, we hope to make the transfer of Food for Peace to USDA permanent,” said Sen. Moran. “We appreciate the transfer that has been made administratively. Let me ask you if there’s just things that I should know, the committee should know, in regard to that transition – anything that is being left behind, are there problems in delivering the food aid, what role does the State Department still play?”\n\n“I think the role the State Department will always play is because our embassies – and in some cases, we do have Department of Agriculture people embedded in our embassies – I think ultimately our embassies will always serve as a key liaison point with host countries that are recipients or maybe in need of recipients,” responded Secretary Rubio. “There may be some issues in terms of bringing in the aid or bringing in the Food for Peace assistance into those countries that we would have to navigate with the host country.”\n\n“But by and large, we felt that the transfer made sense,” continued Secretary Rubio. “It had long been advocated for by many representing agricultural states because truly at the end of the day, the Food for Peace program is an American agricultural program to benefit the world – to use what we’ve been blessed with as part of a tool of our foreign policy. We just felt it would be better executed – we agreed it would be better executed through the Department of Agriculture. So, we commit to doing everything we can on our end to facilitate the transition and then facilitate implementation.”\n\nSen. Moran also questioned Secretary Rubio on the administration’s decision to waive U.S. sanctions on Russian oil sales.\n\nClick HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Questioning", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/gao-investigation-requested-by-murray-kaptur-confirms-energy-department-illegally-steered-funding-away-from-clean-energy/", "title": "GAO Investigation Requested by Murray, Kaptur Confirms Energy Department Illegally Steered Funding Away from Clean Energy", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: Murray, Kaptur Asked GAO to Look Into Energy Department’s Decision to Steer Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Away from Wind, Solar in Defiance of Spending Law\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded that the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision last year to steer hundreds of millions of dollars provided by Congress in fiscal year 2025 for the research and development of clean energy sources toward energy sources favored by Secretary Chris Wright violated the law.\n\nGAO’s investigation into the matter was requested last July by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.\n\nIn a statement responding to the decision, Senator Murray and Congresswoman Kaptur said:\n\n“Today, GAO confirmed what’s been clear from the start: the Trump administration broke the law when it gutted investments in affordable, clean energy. Secretary Wright unilaterally rewrote a spending bill signed into law by President Trump, all so he could benefit handpicked industries at the expense of clean energy research Americans are counting on to lower their energy bills. GAO has made clear that this was not merely a policy choice—it was a clear violation of appropriations law.\n\n“The Department of Energy cannot simply ignore the law because the Secretary has a vendetta against the most affordable energy sources. American families have paid the price for this lawbreaking—in higher energy costs, in canceled university and industry research awards, and in national lab scientists who lost their jobs. The administration must take steps to immediately comply with the law, and we must work on a bipartisan basis to insist the Department follows the law.”\n\nIn fiscal year 2024, Congress provided $137 million for DOE to support wind energy and $318 million to support solar energy. The fiscal year 2025 full-year continuing resolution—written by House Republicans and signed into law by President Trump in March 2025—continued those funding levels. However, in a spend plan made public on July 2, 2025, the Trump administration revealed it was steering hundreds of millions of dollars away from congressionally directed clean energy technologies to other, favored industries. Rather than fund wind at the enacted level of $137 million, the administration allocated just $29.8 million – a 78% cut. Rather than fund solar at the enacted level of $318 million, it allocated just $41.9 million – an 87% cut.\n\nOn July 28, 2025, Kaptur and Murray formally asked GAO to issue a legal decision on whether DOE’s FY2025 spend plan violated the Purpose Statute—which requires that appropriations be used only for the purposes for which they were provided—and the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits agencies from obligating funds in excess of available appropriations.\n\nOn February 25, 2026, as DOE began obligating funds in defiance of the law—including issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity making $146.5 million in FY2025 funds available for geothermal energy despite Congress providing only $118 million—Kaptur and Murray renewed their GAO referral and called on the Department to immediately reverse course. Today’s GAO legal decision responds to that request.\n\nIn its decision today, GAO stated: “DOE is required to obligate and expend its FY 2025 appropriations in accordance with the referenced congressional control point amounts in the FY 2024 explanatory statement. …. To the extent that DOE obligated or expended FY 2025 funds in excess of appropriated amounts—that is the FY 2024 levels described above—DOE should report an Antideficiency Act violation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/video-republicans-block-sen-ossoffs-amendment-to-prevent-insrance-companies-from-denying-or-delaying-needed-health-care/", "title": "VIDEO: Republicans Block Sen. Ossoff’s Amendment to Prevent Insrance Companies from Denying or Delaying Needed Health Care", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Sen. Ossoff continues working to ban insurance companies from denying needed health care\n\nSen. Ossoff: “Instead of slush funds for criminals and corrupt ballrooms, let’s do something useful. Let’s ban insurance companies from denying or delaying medically necessary health care to Americans.”\n\nWashington, D.C. — Senate Republicans blocked U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed care.\n\nDuring the Senate’s vote series today, Sen. Ossoff offered an amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care, but Senate Republicans blocked Sen. Ossoff’s amendment.\n\nOn the floor, Sen. Ossoff told the story of a Georgian who had to delay cancer treatments waiting for her insurance company to approve them first.\n\n“Mr. President, instead of slush funds for criminals and corrupt ballrooms, let’s do something useful. Let’s ban insurance companies from denying or delaying medically necessary health care to Americans,” Sen. Ossoff said on the Senate floor.\n\n“My constituent, Ellen, lives in Atlanta, and a few years ago she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. But not only did Ellen have to battle cancer, she had to battle her insurance company too. And as Ellen told me, ‘For a corporation to have a finger on the button of your life is ridiculous. They have their minds on profit margins. I just want to be healthy and alive,’” Sen. Ossoff continued.\n\n“Thankfully, Ellen’s cancer is now in remission, but across America, insurance companies continue to deny and delay medically necessary health care. A vote against this motion is a vote to allow insurance companies to continue denying needed health care to the American people. I urge my colleagues to vote yes,” Sen. Ossoff said.\n\nSenator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) spoke on the Senate Floor and urged Senators to vote against Sen. Ossoff’s amendment.\n\nSen. Ossoff’s amendment failed, 47-50.\n\nClick here to watch Sen. Ossoff’s remarks and Sen. Grassley’s objection on the Senate floor for your use on air.\n\nDuring the Senate’s last budget debate, Sen. Ossoff offered another amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed care, but Senate Republicans blocked Sen. Ossoff’s amendment.\n\nA Johns Hopkins study found that the practice of prior authorization, where patients must seek approval from their insurance company before receiving care, was “associated with disease exacerbation, preventable hospitalization, prolonged hospital stay, and lower rates of disease-free survival.”\n\nAccording to KFF, virtually all seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage must obtain prior authorization for some services, and in 2024 over four million of these requests were denied.\n\nKFF also found that of the approximately 85 million Affordable Care Act (ACA) in-network denied claims in 2024, less than 1% were appealed, forcing patients either to pay for services out-of-pocket, despite having “coverage,” or forgoing care – solely because of decisions made by insurance companies.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-statement-on-trumps-nomination-of-todd-blanche-for-united-states-attorney-general/", "title": "Padilla Statement on Trump’s Nomination of Todd Blanche for United States Attorney General", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump announced his plan to nominate Todd Blanche to be U.S. Attorney General:\n\n“As Acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche has shown he is more loyal to Donald Trump than to federal law – from supporting his ‘anti-weaponization’ slush fund, to shielding the President and his family from tax audits, to perpetuating the cover-up of the Epstein files.\n\n“We deserve an Attorney General who will put the Constitution above political retribution. Trump’s former personal lawyer will never be fit to be the American people’s lawyer.”\n\nSenator Padilla has fought to hold Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) accountable. Last month, Padilla slammed Acting Attorney General Blanche for establishing the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” slush fund and highlighted that the slush fund could be used to compensate or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists. Last year, Padilla voted against advancing Blanche for U.S. Deputy Attorney General and warned against nominating Trump’s allies who refuse to commit to upholding key constitutional provisions.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-announces-uss-wichita-plans-to-visit-ri-for-fourth-of-july-celebration", "title": "Reed Announces USS Wichita Plans to Visit RI for Fourth of July Celebration", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is bringing a special guest to the Ocean State to help celebrate America’s independence and salute the men and women who serve in the U.S. Navy.\n\nToday, Reed announced that Rhode Island is scheduled to receive a port visit from the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13) to coincide with the state’s 2026 Fourth of July celebrations. The U.S. Navy has committed to sending the 378-foot Wichita to support patriotic festivities in Bristol and is scheduled to anchor in Narragansett Bay.\n\n“Nobody celebrates the Fourth of July like Rhode Island and I am thrilled the U.S. Navy is once again honoring the Ocean State with a special port visit during our Fourth of July festivities,” said Senator Reed. “These port calls showcase the talented men and women of the U.S. Navy and the incredible work they do. It gives Rhode Islanders a chance to learn more about the Navy and gives our sailors an opportunity to join in one of the greatest, most patriotic 4th of July celebrations in the country. I hope Rhode Islanders will get a chance to do public tours of the ship and the crew will get to spend some time ashore enjoying all Rhode Island has to offer.”\n\nWith a top speed of 45 knots, the USS Wichita was designed for combat near shorelines and is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, and sea control operations. With a core crew of roughly 50 sailors and weapons that can fire up to 9 miles, the USS Wichita is designed to operate within 25 miles of a shoreline anywhere in the world and is capable of open-ocean operations. The ship regularly deploys with two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters.\n\nThe ship was built in Marinette, Wisconsin, by the Lockheed Martin-led LCS team that is comprised of shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, naval architect Gibbs & Cox, and more than 500 suppliers across 37 states. It was commissioned in 2019.\n\nWichita is assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 and homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. It is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.\n\nRhode Island is home to America’s #1 Fourth of July parade: the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration – a multi-day event that culminates in the longest-running, continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States. This year, Senator Reed will march in the 241st annual Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, and also take part in other local Independence Day parades and celebrations around the state.\n\nThe U.S. Navy will provide further details at a later date on how and where Rhode Islanders can get an up-close view of the USS Wichita as well as information about ship tours and opportunities to learn about the ship’s crew and capabilities.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-offers-affordable-housing-amendment-to-republican-budget-reconciliation-bill", "title": "Reed Offers Affordable Housing Amendment to Republican Budget Reconciliation Bill", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a leading member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, introduced an affordable housing amendment to Republicans’ partisan reconciliation bill.\n\nDespite the fact that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol operations are already funded well above historic levels through the end of the fiscal year, Senate Republicans voted along party lines to advance a $69.5 billion reconciliation bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies, including more money for detention facilities, through the rest of President Donald Trump’s term.\n\n“America needs more housing that families can afford, not more unwanted ICE detention mega-warehouses that benefit private special interests. This partisan bill does nothing to address affordability issues, lower costs, or help Americans who are struggling to make ends meet due to President Trump’s mishandling of the U.S. economy. Republicans are ramming through tens of billions of additional dollars for ICE and Border Patrol while ignoring the needs of working Americans,” said Senator Reed.\n\nReed’s amendment would take $62 billion from the already massively over-funded ICE and DHS put it toward the production and rehabilitation of 2.1 million units of affordable housing nationwide.\n\nUnder President Trump’s watch, home prices have hit record highs, the average age of first-time homebuyers is the highest it’s ever been, and more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before.\n\nThe White House’s own economists identified the main cause: the lack of housing supply.\n\n“Instead of doing something that helps Americans, Senate Republicans want to give ICE another big, blank check. There have been no reforms after the shootings of two Americans and no accountability for frittering away taxpayer money on luxury jets and an ad campaign to promote the former Secretary. Republicans are just throwing more money at ICE and making things like gas, groceries, housing, and health care more expensive for average Americans,” said Senator Reed.\n\nCongressional Republicans used the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill to appropriate up to $45 billion “for single adult alien detention capacity and family residential center capacity.” President Trump signed the bill into law last July.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/with-summer-approaching-reed-delivers-210k-to-monitor-ri-beach-water-quality-protect-swimmers", "title": "With Summer Approaching, Reed Delivers $210K to Monitor RI Beach Water Quality, Protect Swimmers", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PROVIDENCE, RI – As more swimmers get ready to hit the beach this summer, experts and volunteers from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are fanning out to collect and study water samples at some of the Ocean State’s most popular beaches.\n\nThey’re on the lookout for hidden dangers beneath the waves of recreational waters: high levels of enterococcus, a type of bacteria found in the guts of all warm-blooded animals, or other pollutants, and testing the water frequently is the best way to ensure it is safe for swimmers.\n\nThis year, U.S. Senator Jack Reed led efforts to deliver $210,000 in federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act grant funding for Rhode Island. Federal BEACH grants help coastal states, including those located along the shores of the Great Lakes, monitor beach water quality nationwide.\n\n“Safe, clean beaches are important to Rhode Islanders and our communities. A day at the beach to be safe, fun, and healthy. These BEACH grants help protect public health, economic health, and the health of our waterways. It keeps people updated when temporary beach closures are warranted and provides policymakers with the data needed to ensure sound management,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, which oversees federal BEACH Act funding.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Reed rescued BEACH grants from the Trump Administration’s budget chopping block. Instead of allowing the Trump Administration to eliminate the program, Reed led the successful effort to deliver $9.75 million in BEACH grant funds nationwide in 2026.\n\n“Forget sharks. The greatest risk to swimmers’ health is tiny, microscopic bacteria. That is why it is so important to be proactive and ensure people have the most up to date information about beach water quality. The Trump Administration’s short-sighted effort to eliminate funding for beach water testing would only put children, families, and vulnerable Americans at risk. I am pleased to have worked on a bipartisan basis to secure this funding for Rhode Island and other states,” said Senator Reed.\n\nThe federal funds are administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which distributes the funds to states and territories.\n\nIn Rhode Island, federal BEACH grants support beach water-quality collection, testing, and monitoring and public notification efforts if bacteria levels become unsafe.\n\nSwimming in contaminated waters can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses, skin rashes, sore throat, ear or eye infection, or fever.\n\nBeyond the public health warning, closed beaches can offer an economic warnings to policy makers: address the environmental issues or deal with the outflow of tourism and recreational dollars.\n\nRhode Island experienced multiple beach closures last summer, with more than 20 facilities temporarily shutting down at various points from June to August due to bacteria concerns, with some facilities experiencing multiple closure periods.\n\nThe number of beach advisories/closures in a given year varies, in part due to weather conditions. Last year, Rhode Island beaches experienced a total of 123 closure days, according to RIDOH data. Heavy rains can increase the chance for bacteria due to sewage overflows that drain into the storm water system and eventually end up in recreational waters.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-rick-scott-rep-andy-ogles-introduce-bill-to-honor-the-37th-anniversary-of-the-tiananmen-square-massacre", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Andy Ogles Introduce Bill to Honor the 37th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles introduced the Tiananmen Square Memorial Act in honor of the 37th anniversary of the 1989 atrocity. The bill would rename the street directly in front of the Chinese Embassy Compound in Washington, D.C. to “Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard” and changes the embassy address to “1 Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard.”\n\nThe Epoch Times first broke the story HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “Thirty-seven years ago, the world witnessed the true brutality of the Chinese Communist Party when countless peaceful demonstrators were murdered in cold blood for opposing the communist regime. The regime has shown no remorse for this horrific event, has never taken accountability, and continues to commit severe human rights violations to this day. In memory of the courageous victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre, I am honored to lead this legislation to condemn the heinous human rights abuses committed by the Chinese Communist Party and pay tribute to the lives lost on that horrific day.”\n\nRep. Andy Ogles said, “China is ruled by the immoral, genocidal Communist regime. Tomorrow marks 37 years since the Tiananmen Square Massacre, when the Chinese government attacked its own people, mowing them down in the streets and murdering thousands of innocent demonstrators. As the CCP continues its reign of terror, America must unequivocally condemn its human rights abuses and honor the victims who were slaughtered in 1989. I am proud to partner with Senator Rick Scott to rename the street outside the Chinese Embassy. The CCP may try to erase history, but we will not forget.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe renaming commemorates the Tiananmen Square Massacre that took place in Beijing on June 4, 1989. The Chinese government declared martial law and used military forces to suppress student-led protests calling for democratic political reforms. Some estimates indicate up to 10,000 civilian fatalities.\n\nSenator Scott has led the charge on holding the CCP and its actors accountable for the Tiananmen Square Massacre.\n\nSeptember 30, 2021: Sen. Rick Scott to Microsoft: Why Are You Censoring American Journalists on Behalf of Communist China?\n\nDecember 30, 2020:Sen. Rick Scott Urges FTC Investigation into Zoom’s Relationship with Communist China\n\nFor a full account of Sen. Scott’s work to combat Communist China, click HERE.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/sen-rick-scott-sends-letter-to-tampa-leaders-demanding-taxpayer-dollars-are-not-spent-platforming-antisemite-kanye-west", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Sends Letter to Tampa Leaders Demanding Taxpayer Dollars Are Not Spent Platforming Antisemite Kanye West", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Tampa Sports Authority Board of Directors regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to support Kanye West’s upcoming concert at Raymond James Stadium. In the letter, Senator Scott argues that a publicly funded stadium should not be used to give platforms to West, given his history as a raging antisemite, and demands that taxpayer-funded resources not be used to aid his performance.\n\nAs a longtime advocate for Florida’s Jewish community, Senator Scott has opposed using taxpayer dollars to give any support to those who spread hate in any way, especially those who push antisemitism.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nDear Directors:\n\nThe Raymond James Stadium is a publicly owned venue made to be safe and serve the interests of the Hillsborough County and Tampa residents. What happens there and who performs is accountable to the taxpayers that fund it, which is why I am writing regarding the upcoming concerts headlined by Kanye West from June 26th to June 29th.\n\nKanye West’s consistent antisemitic attacks are an affront to the values of the people of the Hillsborough community. He has openly praised Nazis, called himself one, and slandered Jews across the world. Kanye West also funded a Superbowl ad in 2025 that directed viewers to purchase merchandise featuring swastikas. West’s remarks are vile and a slap in the face to our state’s Jewish community. It is troubling that a stadium supported by taxpayer dollars would openly subsidize an event led by an artist known for pushing this dangerous, hateful rhetoric, especially with Florida having one of the largest Jewish populations in our country.\n\nWest has been condemned by political figures across the political aisle. His outbursts and hate have helped to mainstream antisemitism. He was recently barred from performing in the United Kingdom due to offensive antisemitic remarks. I urge you to carefully review this decision, given the fact that taxpayer dollars are helping the show go on.\n\nI am confident that the Tampa Sports Authority will continue fostering a safe and inclusive community, especially for Jewish Floridians. No taxpayer dollars should be used to give a vocal antisemite a stage in Florida, and I am sure that you will take appropriate action to make sure that doesn’t happen. What we spend public money on reflects our values, and using dollars from hardworking families to platform a hateful person pushing evil ideologies is not a Florida value.\n\nMy team stands ready to assist with accessing any resources needed in addressing this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your dedication to the well-being of the Hillsborough community.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-celebrates-historic-milestone-at-inl-idaho-leadership-in-nuclear-energy/", "title": "Risch Celebrates Historic Milestone at INL, Idaho Leadership in Nuclear Energy", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.risch.senate.gov", "scraper": "risch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000584", "name": "James E. Risch", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "First Nuclear Reactor Achieves Criticality at the Idaho National Laboratory in Nearly 50 Years\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today celebrated the first new nuclear reactor to achieve criticality, or demonstrate a fission chain reaction, at the Idaho National Laboratory in nearly 50 years.\n\nThe Antares R1 Mark-0 Reactor Project is the first of three advanced microreactors expected to go critical ahead of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding on July 4th. The project supports efforts by Senator Risch to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation nuclear technologies.\n\n“Today’s achievement at the INL adds another chapter to Idaho’s proud leadership in nuclear innovation,” said Risch. “The Antares Reactor Project is only the beginning. In the coming months, multiple microreactors will go critical at the INL in a move that will be central to fortifying America’s place as a global leader in nuclear energy, strengthen our security, and power the future. Congratulations to the INL and the Antares team on this remarkable accomplishment.”\n\nSenator Risch is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, which amplifies the essential role nuclear energy plays in the U.S. and explores emerging nuclear technologies. He has spearheaded legislation to increase domestic energy production, enhance national security, and keep the United States at the forefront of nuclear advancement. Earlier this year, Risch introduced the ARC Act to accelerate investment in and encourage completion of new commercial nuclear reactors by mitigating the risk of project cost overruns.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/06/04/rosen-ernst-lankford-booker-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-develop-middle-east-air-and-missile-defense-acquisition-strategy-to-deter-and-defend-against-iranian-attacks/", "title": "Rosen, Ernst, Lankford, Booker Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Develop Middle East Air and Missile Defense Acquisition Strategy to Deter and Defend Against Iranian Attacks", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and James Lankford (R-OK) – co-chairs of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus – introduced a bill to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop an air and missile defense acquisition strategy with partners and allies in the Middle East, including Israel and Abraham Accords partners. The bipartisan Optimizing Acquisition Strategies for Integrated Security (OASIS) in the Middle East Act would ensure that the U.S. and our allies and partners in the region have the resources needed to defend against Iranian missile, drone, and rocket attacks.\n\n“For years, and particularly since Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Iran and its proxies have used their missile, drone, and rocket arsenals to attack U.S. servicemembers, our partners and allies in the region, and civilian infrastructure. Iran’s reckless and destabilizing behavior underscores why we must work together to ensure we have sufficient air and missile defense resources to respond to Iranian aggression and keep our allies, like Israel, safe,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan bill will provide a clear framework to support DOD’s efforts to develop an integrated air and missile defense acquisition strategy for the region. I will continue working across the aisle as we create a path towards security and prosperity in the Middle East.”\n\n“Since the horrific October 7th attacks, Iran and its terrorist proxies have continued to target and threaten our servicemembers, partners, and allies across the Middle East. The OASIS in the Middle East Act will help ensure the United States and our partners can replenish interceptor stockpiles and better defend against Iran-backed attacks,” said Senator Ernst. “Building on the success of the Abraham Accords, and the bipartisan legislation we have already ushered into law to strengthen regional air and missile defense, this bill represents the next step in ensuring our allies have the tools they need to deter Iranian aggression, defend themselves, and move towards a more secure and peaceful Middle East.”\n\n“Iran has destabilized the Middle East through missiles, drones, and proxy forces, threatening Americans and our allies and undermining every effort toward peace in the region,” said Senator Lankford. “That aggression cannot go unanswered. The OASIS in the Middle East Act makes sure the Department of War has a coordinated strategy so Israel and our partners have what they need before the next attack comes, not after. Standing with our allies is not optional; it is a core American commitment, and this bill ensures we back that commitment up with real resources and real strategy.”\n\n“Security and diplomacy go hand in hand, and as threats evolve, our defense cooperation must evolve as well,” said Senator Booker. “The OASIS in the Middle East Act strengthens coordination between the United States and our regional allies and partners to defend against missile, drone, and rocket attacks, bolstering collective defense, deterring aggression, and protecting innocent lives across the region. Building on the spirit of cooperation established by the Abraham Accords, this bipartisan legislation advances a safer, more secure future for all.”\n\nAs the founding members and co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, Senators Rosen, Ernst, Booker, and Lankford have led efforts to deepen security cooperation between the U.S. and our partners and allies in the Middle East to defend against Iran’s aggression. Their bipartisan MARITIME Act to require the Department of Defense to work with partners in the Middle East to counter maritime threats posed by Iran and other violent organizations was signed into law. Their bipartisan DEFEND Act was signed into law to establish an air and missile defense architecture with Israel and other Middle East allies.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-calls-out-trumps-unqualified-pick-for-director-of-intelligence-slams-blanches-politicization-of-justice-department/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Calls Out Trump’s Unqualified Pick for Director of Intelligence, Slams Blanche’s Politicization of Justice Department", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined MS NOW’s The Briefing with Jen Psaki to react to President’s Trump’s decision to nominate corrupt and unqualified Bill Pulte for Director of National Intelligence. Schiff noted that Pulte only has no qualifications for the role – except for his willingness to weaponize the government to help Trump.\n\nSchiff also spoke about the president’s possible nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General; he highlighted that Blanche has continued to politicize the Justice Department and put the president’s interests above the American people.\n\nAdditionally, the Senator emphasized the urgency for the Senate to pass the War Powers Resolution, after it passed in the House, and hold the administration responsible for the Iran war.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey excerpts:\n\nOn Trump’s nomination of Bill Pulte for Director of National Intelligence:\n\nWhat went through my head is this is such an in-your-face move by the president, because, of course, the president knows this guy has no qualifications to lead the intelligence agencies. But one, and that is that he is willing to weaponize any access to government data to be used against the president’s enemies. That’s his only qualification.\n\n[…] The other result, though, is we saw Gabbard politicizing elections in Georgia, the DNI has no role in domestic elections. It has a role in trying to prevent foreign interference, but nothing that we saw in Georgia indicates that was her purpose. We’ve also seen her pushing out false conspiracy theories about people within the intelligence community and getting people fired or taking aim at the president’s political opponents. That is exactly what Pulte did at the housing agencies, so we can expect a lot more of that.\n\nOn Todd Blanche’s possible nomination for Attorney General:\n\nThe Attorney General, acting Attorney General, Blanche was his criminal defense lawyer and has never been able to shed that role. He is still Trump’s criminal defense lawyer. He is still looking out for his personal client. That is, how do I make sure that Donald Trump doesn’t face any criminal or civil liability for his tax returns? That is priority number one, priority number two, or three, or somewhere down the line, the American people. That is just not where Blanche is coming from. He just wants the job too badly.\n\nOn the passage of the War Powers Resolution in the House:\n\n[…] The longer this dragged on, when it exceeded the limit under the War Powers Act, and blew through that, when the president said, we have a cease fire, it doesn’t apply, and then we’re still bombing, and they’re still bombing our allies. Well, as long as this continues, we’re going to gain more Republican support. And these resolutions are pretty simple. They basically say that this war has to come to an end, unless you come to Congress and you seek congressional authorization.\n\nOn the California Elections:\n\nAs is the case often in California elections, we’re going to have to wait a while to see the final results, and there’s nothing nefarious about that. The president, and I’ve even heard Speaker Johnson so mislead the country and say there’s something inherently suspicious if the results after Election Day, as more ballots come in, are different than on election day. There’s nothing suspicious about that. It’s just that different types of people vote at different times.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-chairs-hearing-on-denaturalization-american-citizenship-is-sacred/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Chairs Hearing on Denaturalization: “American Citizenship is Sacred”", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schmitt Calls for Passage of His SCAM Act to Denaturalize Fraudsters, Terrorists, Gangsters\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, held a hearing titled Protecting American Citizenship III: Denaturalization and its Constitutional Limits. Schmitt highlighted our nation’s legal immigration problems and argued why denaturalization is a critical safeguard to protect the sanctity of American citizenship. Schmitt previously introduced the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act to restore integrity to the naturalization process by expanding and clarifying grounds to revoke the citizenship of certain individuals who demonstrate through their involvement with fraud, espionage, or terrorist organizations that they never met the statutory requirements for citizenship.\n\nWatch the Senator’s opening remarks HERE.\n\n“American Citizenship is sacred. It is the highest civic honor this country can give. It carries rights, duties, allegiance, memory, inheritance, and obligation. It means joining the American people and accepting responsibility for the future of the nation. But for too long, Washington treated naturalization like paperwork. Check the boxes. Say the words. Get the passport. Collect the welfare check or federal tax credit. Move on. That approach desecrates American citizenship. It insults every immigrant who came here honestly, followed the law, learned our history, embraced our Constitution, and took the oath in good faith. The Constitution gives Congress the power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization. Congress used that power to require more than residency and forms. Instead, applicants must show good moral character. They must be attached to the principles of the Constitution. They must be well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States. When someone lies during that process, conceals material facts, hides criminal conduct, masks allegiance to a foreign enemy, or swears loyalty with mental reservation, he commits fraud against the United States and the American people. Fraud has desecrated American citizenship. But that desecration did not happen overnight. It built up over decades of lax enforcement, cheapened standards, and political cowardice. Re-consecrating citizenship requires a remedy strong enough to remove those who abused it: Denaturalization. Denaturalization cancels citizenship that should never have been granted. It enforces the conditions Congress placed on naturalization. It protects the American people from those who abused our generosity and turned the oath into a scam. The Supreme Court has made the rule clear: no alien has the slightest right to naturalization unless every statutory requirement is met. Citizenship obtained by fraud is stolen status. Stolen status should be revoked…”\n\nIn Senator Schmitt’s line of questioning, he highlighted the cases of Mirsad Ramic and Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, two naturalized citizens who were convicted of terrorism offenses related to ISIS. After being released from his ISIS-related sentence in federal prison, Jalloh went on to kill Lt. Col. Brandon Shah in a terrorist attack on an ROTC classroom. Schmitt asked the witnesses about the federal government’s ability under to current law to denaturalize people who have proven through actions like these horrific crimes that they never met the requirements for naturalization and American citizenship in the first place. Schmitt’s SCAM Act would give the Trump Administration the ability to denaturalize and deport individuals who are involved with terrorist organizations.\n\nWatch the Senator’s line of questioning HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-their-push-schumer-and-ryan-announce-trump-admin-is-once-again-moving-forward-with-28-million-in-fed-funding-for-rhinecliff-train-station-upgrades-and-repairs", "title": "FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, SCHUMER AND RYAN ANNOUNCE TRUMP ADMIN IS ONCE AGAIN MOVING FORWARD WITH $28 MILLION IN FED FUNDING FOR RHINECLIFF TRAIN STATION UPGRADES & REPAIRS", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schumer And Ryan Forced End To Federal Delays After Trump Admin Derailed $28M Grant For Rhinecliff Station Upgrades Without Explanation\n\nSchumer, In 2020, Personally Visited Rhinecliff Station – One Of NY’s Busiest – To Push For Fed Funding For Much-Needed Repairs To Give Dutchess County And The Hudson Valley The Modern Train Station It Deserves\n\nSchumer, Ryan: Rhinecliff Train Station Upgrades Are Getting Back On Track!\n\nAfter demanding an end to inexplicable delays for $28 million in much-needed federal funding to upgrade the Rhinecliff train station, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Congressman Pat Ryan today announced the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has heeded their calls and will again be moving forward with the project. The lawmakers explained that the Rhinecliff train station is one of New York’s busiest train stations, and delaying this funding could deny Hudson Valley commuters the modern, accessible station they need and deserve. FRA’s assurance that the project is moving forward means that the temporarily stalled project can now get back on track.\n\n“The Rhinecliff train station is one of New York’s busiest transportation hubs, but it is in desperate need of critical infrastructure and accessibility improvements. When Congressman Ryan and I heard the Trump administration was senselessly delaying federal support we’ve fought hard to secure, we immediately called on the Federal Railroad Administration to cut the red tape and stop derailing this vital project,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to learn FRA has heeded our calls and will be moving forward with plans to bring Dutchess County the modern and accessible train station it deserves. We will continue watching like hawks to ensure this project stays on track for the local commuters and hundreds of thousands of travelers that come through every year.”\n\n“Rhinecliff Station is central to our Hudson Valley community and one of the busiest in New York. We’ve been fighting for years, not just for more transit options for passengers but to improve our existing infrastructure. The Rhinecliff Station project is the product of years of community advocacy and bipartisan partnership at the local, state, and federal level,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The Hudson Valley was rightly outraged when DOT suddenly paused the construction, jeopardizing our progress and leaving our community in the dark. I made it clear when I spoke to Secretary Duffy that this project is essential, and that our neighbors would rally with everything we have to save it. That’s exactly what we did. Because of our advocacy, we’re making sure Rhinecliff Station gets the resources it needs to serve our community.”\n\nNew York State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “The Rhinecliff Train Station is long overdue for full-scale renovations and upgrades, and Washington should not stand in the way of modernizing this critical transportation hub for Dutchess County and the thousands of Hudson Valley commuters and visitors who rely on it. Between my office and our partners at all levels of government, I’m glad the FRA has heard our calls and is moving construction forward so that we can provide the safe and accessible railway connection that Hudson Valley residents deserve. We will continue to closely monitor progress and work to ensure the project reaches the finish line without further unnecessary delays.”\n\nNew York State Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha said, “It’s a relief the FRA has resumed the essential upgrades at the Rhinecliff station, but this pause should never have happened in the first place, and we have yet to receive an explanation for it. Infrastructure projects like this should be completed as swiftly as possible, instead of stalling them with multiple unnecessary delays. I will continue to work with partners at all levels of government to ensure the Trump administration gets this done.”\n\nThe lawmakers explained that the Rhinecliff Station is one of the busiest in New York, but for over 15 years, it has been in utter disrepair with desperately needed accessibility upgrades. The station is 90 miles from New York City and serves 26 Amtrak trains daily. In 2019, the station serviced over 200,000 passengers according to Amtrak. The existing low-level platform requires passengers to use a step stool to transition from the platform, which has created severe accessibility issues and caused many operational delays, which is on top of many other routine maintenance issues that have gotten worse over the years due to a lack of funding.\n\nIn early 2020, Schumer fought to secure the federal dollars needed for Amtrak and New York State to finally undertake federally mandated ADA-compliant infrastructure upgrades and modernizations the station required. Schumer personally visited the Rhinecliff Station in 2020 to push for this funding to finance the construction to replace the existing 520-foot-long low-level platform at the Rhinecliff Station with a new, longer high-level platform. In addition, it will also help complete related track and signal work, including a new interlocking south of the station, and will build new access to the platform, including stairs, elevators, and a pedestrian bridge.\n\nIn April, the Trump administration told local officials that it was putting Rhinecliff Train Station’s more than $28 million federal grant under review without an explanation and canceled meetings on the project. Local leaders worried the review would risk years of progress on the project, right as they enter the final phases. Schumer and Ryan called on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator David Armstrong Fink to immediately provide the public and local leaders with an explanation of what this review means, to stop federal delays, and release this much-needed funding for the Hudson Valley. Schumer and Ryan’s letter to FRA Administrator David Armstrong Fink can be found HERE.\n\nThe FRA earlier this week informed the New York State Department of Transportation that it can continue moving forward with the project.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-offers-amendments-to-republican-budget-reconciliation-bill-to-require-transparency-on-ice-facilities-address-bureau-of-prisons-staffing-shortages", "title": "Shaheen Offers Amendments to Republican Budget Reconciliation Bill to Require Transparency on ICE Facilities, Address Bureau of Prisons Staffing Shortages", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(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.\n\n“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.”\n\nBelow is an overview of the amendments Senator Shaheen will offer for consideration:\n\nTo 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.\n\nTo 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0C174FF5-0FBB-478C-8906-E73069D070D9", "title": "Thune: Republicans Invest in Border Security, Democrats Undermine Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, I expect there will be a lot of amendments today on a lot of topics.\n\n“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.\n\n“It’s a simple bill, Mr. President.\n\n“It will do nothing more than fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the next three years.\n\n“And why are we doing this bill, Mr. President?\n\n“Why are we doing appropriations for these Department of Homeland Security agencies separately – and for three years instead of the usual one?\n\n“Because Democrats have refused to fund border security or immigration law enforcement.\n\n“That’s it, Mr. President.\n\n“We are here today only – only – because Democrats refused to appropriate a single dollar for our border and immigration law enforcement.\n\n“They originally agreed to fund them, of course.\n\n“Back in January, Democrats in both houses – House and Senate – signed off on an appropriations bill that included multiple reforms.\n\n“But shortly before passage, after the events in Minneapolis, Democrats reneged.\n\n“They wanted more reforms, they claimed.\n\n“And Republicans agreed to reopen negotiations.\n\n“The White House implemented a number of reforms on its own.\n\n“And then the White House repeatedly – repeatedly – offered Democrats a robust package of legislative reforms.\n\n“But Democrats would not agree to anything.\n\n“And eventually, they walked away altogether.\n\n“Presumably because they thought that it would serve them better to have an issue for November.\n\n“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.\n\n“Because let’s be very clear, Mr. President, that is what Democrats have opted for.\n\n“No – zero, no – officers at our nation’s borders.\n\n“And no officers to remove dangerous criminal illegal immigrants from our country.\n\n“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.\n\n“And dangerous criminal illegal aliens could be living freely in our country.\n\n“That’s, Mr. President, what no funding for border security and immigration enforcement means.\n\n“And I can’t emphasize that enough, Mr. President.\n\n“If Democrats had their way, our nation’s borders would be completely – completely – unprotected.\n\n“And criminal illegal immigrants would be allowed to remain in our country and endanger Americans.\n\n“Democrats’ position is not just breathtakingly irresponsible; it’s a betrayal of their obligation as members of our government.\n\n“This, Mr. President, is a national security issue, and Democrats have completely abdicated their national security responsibility.\n\n“Mr. President, as I said, I expect there will be a lot of amendments today.\n\n“Many will be intended to distract from Democrats’ ‘defund law enforcement’ position.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“For the next three years, Mr. President.\n\n“That’s what Democrats have forced us to do.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“And Republicans are going to continue to ensure that these agencies have the funding that they need to fulfill their national security responsibilities.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-urges-trump-administration-to-approve-disaster-designation-for-maryland-counties-impacted-by-destructive-april-freeze", "title": "Maryland Delegation Urges Trump Administration to Approve Disaster Designation for Maryland Counties Impacted by Destructive April Freeze", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nGovernor 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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\nThey 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.”\n\n“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.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rollins,\n\nWe 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.\n\nPreliminary 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.\n\nAgriculture 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.\n\nWe 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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-warner-kaine-raise-concerns-over-blanket-pause-on-immigration-decisions-based-on-national-origin", "title": "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Warner, Kaine Raise Concerns Over Blanket Pause On Immigration Decisions Based On National Origin", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nIn 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.”\n\nThe 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.”\n\nThere 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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\nThe senators are especially concerned about the far-reaching impacts of the pause.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Director Edlow:\n\nWe 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.\n\nOn 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.\n\nFurthermore, 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.\n\nUSCIS 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.\n\nThese 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nOf 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.\n\nWith 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nFinally, 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.”\n\nHowever, 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nIn light of these concerns, we respectfully request that you provide written responses to the following questions within two weeks of receiving this letter:\n\nWhat 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?\n\nHow 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.\n\nHow 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?\n\nWhat 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?\n\nGiven 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?\n\nPlease 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.\n\nWhat 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?\n\nBoth 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?\n\nHow 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.\n\nPlease 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.\n\nThe 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?\n\nWill 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?\n\nThe 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?\n\nAs 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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-gallego-coons-call-on-secretary-rubio-to-ban-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-from-the-us", "title": "Van Hollen, Gallego, Coons, Call On Secretary Rubio to Ban Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir from the U.S.", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nOn 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.\n\n\"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.\"\n\nThe 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.\"\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe full text of the letter is availble here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio:\n\nWe 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.\n\nOn 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nSpecifically, we request answers to the following questions no later than June 17, 2026:\n\n1. Has the Department reviewed Minister Ben-Gvir’s conduct toward detained human rights activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla for potential visa ineligibility?\n\n2. 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?\n\n3. Has the Department sought information from allied governments whose nationals were detained or allegedly mistreated?\n\n4. Has the Department reviewed whether any individuals involved in this incident may be subject to visa restrictions or other accountability measures?\n\n5. 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?\n\nThe 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.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-budd-warnock-colleagues-in-introducing-bipartisan-bill-to-reduce-regulatory-risks-for-companies-to-sell-public-shares-and-strengthen-us-financial-markets", "title": "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", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nBackground on the Encouraging Public Offerings Act:\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/what-70b-could-do-for-the-american-people-instead-of-more-money-for-ice-and-cbp/", "title": "What $70B Could Do for the American People Instead of More Money for ICE and CBP", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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\n\nIn July 2025, Washington Republicans delivered ICE and CBP $75 billion; nearly $20 billion more than the entire budget for the U.S. Marine Corps\n\nThe $145 billion total for ICE and CBP is more money than most countries spend on their entire governments in a single year\n\nSenator 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”\n\nWashington, 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nBelow is a “By The Numbers” breakdown of what $70 billion could fund to improve the lives of everyday Americans:\n\nChildcare and Education:\n\nInstead of giving ICE and CBP another $70 billion dollars, Washington Republicans could use that money to:\n\nFund universal pre-K for all 3-and 4-year-olds in the U.S. for two years.\n\nProvide free childcare for 1.3 million children through September 2028.\n\nCover two years of community college tuition for 2.2 million students through September 2029.\n\nDouble the Pell Grant for undergraduate students entering college.\n\nFood:\n\nCover the annual cost of groceries for approximately 10.7 million American households.\n\nProvide free school lunch to 22.7 million more children under the National School Lunch Program through Fiscal Year 2029.\n\nProvide one year of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to 31 million Americans.\n\nProvide over two years’ worth of direct payments to U.S. farm producers.\n\nHealth Care\n\nCover 2.2 million more Americans under Medicaid through September 2029.\n\nExpand the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for at least one year.\n\nCover all U.S. annual expenditures on insulin three times over.\n\nCover approximately 31.5% of Americans’ medical debt.\n\nHousing\n\nCover 4.25 million Americans’ rent for a year.\n\nProvide $40,000 in downpayment assistance for every first-time homebuyer this year.\n\nHouse 2.4 million more Americans under Section 8 through September 2029.\n\nEnd homelessness for nearly 8 years.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-foreign-governments-dump-billions-into-paramount-warner-bros-bid-warren-blumenthal-schiff-liccardo-seek-cfius-review-of-national-security-threats", "title": "After Foreign Governments Dump Billions into Paramount-Warner Bros. Bid, Warren, Blumenthal, Schiff, Liccardo Seek CFIUS Review of National Security Threats", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "After Foreign Governments Dump Billions into Paramount-Warner Bros. Bid, Warren, Blumenthal, Schiff, Liccardo Seek CFIUS Review of National Security Threats\n\nForeign-backed deal could give Gulf sovereign wealth funds significant influence over one of America’s largest media and entertainment conglomerates\n\nDeal could provide foreign entities with access to the sensitive personal data of millions of Americans; influence over key programming and editorial decisions\n\nText of Letter (PDF)\n\nWashington, 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.\n\nRecent 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.\n\n“The recently released details of this deal — and [Paramount’s attempts to evade review] — instead reveal its urgency,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.\n\nLast 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.”\n\nSenator 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.\n\nSenator Warren has led Congressional efforts to closely scrutinize Paramount’s mergers and beat back against corporate media consolidation:\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn December 2025, Senator Warren responded to news of Paramount-Skydance’s hostile bid for Warner Bros., calling it a “five-alarm antitrust fire.”\n\nIn December 2025, Senator Warren responded to news of Netflix’s winning bid for Warner Bros., calling it an “anti-monopoly nightmare.”\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.”\n\nIn July 2025, Senator Warren published an op-ed in Variety: “Elizabeth Warren on Colbert 'Late Show' Cancellation: Is the Paramount Trump Payoff a Bribe?”\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn July 2025, Senator Warren called for an investigation into Paramount’s settlement with Trump.\n\nIn 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.\n\n###\n\nPrevious Article", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/ranking-member-welch-condemns-republicans-support-of-trumps-mass-deportation-anti-immigrant-agenda/", "title": "Ranking Member Welch Condemns Republicans Support of Trump's Mass Deportation, Anti-Immigrant Agenda", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch: “This is all part of a radical crusade against immigration.”\n\nWASHINGTON, 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.\n\n“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.’”\n\nSenator 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nRead Senator Welch’s opening statement here and watch his full remarks below:\n\nRead a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s remarks:\n\n“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.”\n\nSenator 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.”\n\nPeter 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.\n\nRead and watch an excerpt from Ranking Member Welch’s exchange with Professor Spiro:\n\nSen. Welch: The number of cases that have been prosecuted for denaturalization historically, under Republican and Democratic administrations, has been really quite small, correct?\n\nProfessor Spiro: Exceedingly small.\n\nSen. 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?\n\nProfessor Spiro: Yes, Senator.\n\n•••\n\nIn April, Senator Welch celebrated with new United States citizens, their families and loved ones, and Vermont leaders at a Naturalization Ceremony held in Barre.\n\nSenator 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.\n\nAdditionally, 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-blasts-trumps-nomination-of-todd-blanche-for-attorney-general/", "title": "Whitehouse Blasts Trump’s Nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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:\n\n“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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-cheers-landmark-pancreatic-cancer-drug/", "title": "Whitehouse Cheers Landmark Pancreatic Cancer Drug", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Whitehouse’s Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act supported foundational research behind the breakthrough\n\nWashington, 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nIn 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nWhitehouse 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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-laud-stewardship-agreement-for-malheur-national-forest", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Laud Stewardship Agreement for Malheur National Forest", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New 20-year agreement with Iron Triangle in John Day is for 20 years\n\nWashington, 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.\n\n“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.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-the-only-reason-to-nominate-todd-blanche-for-attorney-general-is-to-abuse-the-law-illegally-protect-trump-and-persecute-trumps-critics", "title": "Wyden: The Only Reason to Nominate Todd Blanche for Attorney General is to Abuse the Law, Illegally Protect Trump And Persecute Trump’s Critics", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Without Reforms, FISA Section 702 Warrantless Spy Powers Will Be Abused By Pulte and Blanche to Target, Blackmail and Smear Trump’s Enemies\n\nWashington, 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.\n\nBlanche 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/06/04/rep-young-kim-chairs-subcommittee-hearing-on-beijings-hand-in-fentanyl-crisis-reauthorizing-fentanyl-sanctions/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Chairs Subcommittee Hearing on Beijing’s Hand in Fentanyl Crisis, Reauthorizing Fentanyl Sanctions", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.”\n\nAs 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.\n\nRead opening remarks below and watch full hearing HERE.\n\nGood 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.”\n\nToday, 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.\n\nToday’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.\n\nChinese 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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nChinese 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.\n\nWhenever 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.\n\nWhy 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.\n\nI 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.\n\nThat 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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/06/04/reps-kim-secures-house-passage-of-bark-act-to-feed-shelter-animals-reduce-waste/", "title": "Rep. Kim Secures House Passage of BARK Act to Feed Shelter Animals, Reduce Waste", "date": "2026-06-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe Pet Food Institute, representing U.S. pet food manufacturers, expressed strong support for the measure.\n\nOrganizations 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\n\nInspired 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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7B4A7994-FD19-4461-A44B-E78995F3E25E", "title": "Rep. Austin Scott on HASC Passage of FY27 NDAA", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "austinscott.house.gov", "scraper": "austinscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001189", "name": "Austin Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\n\"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.\n\n\"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)\n\nIn 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:\n\nMQ-9 Reaper Retirement Prohibition\n\nProhibits the retirement, divestment, transfer, storage, or preparation for retirement of MQ-9 Reaper aircraft.\n\nF-22 Raptor Retirement Prohibition Extension\n\nExtends the prohibition on retirement of F-22 aircraft through September 30, 2032.\n\nFighter Force Structure Preservation\n\nExtends 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.\n\nEA-18G Growler Preservation\n\nExtends statutory protections against retirement, divestment, or sustainment reductions for EA-18G aircraft through September 30, 2032.\n\nC-17 Production Restart Assessment\n\nDirects the United States Air Force to assess the feasibility, cost, schedule, and alternatives associated with restarting C-17 production.\n\nJoint Trauma System Codification\n\nPermanently codifies the Joint Trauma System and requires Combatant Commands to maintain Combatant Command Trauma Systems.\n\nNational Intelligence College\n\nAdds the National Intelligence College to the statutory list of institutions comprising the National Defense University.\n\nCareer Intermission Program Expansion\n\nAllows servicemembers with existing service obligations to participate in the Career Intermission Program and reduces the minimum participation period to one month.\n\nAviation Retention Authorities\n\nEncourages maximum aviation incentive pay after eight years of service and expands retention authorities through shorter commitments, higher bonuses, and greater assignment flexibility.\n\nNational Guard Counterdrug Equipment Threshold\n\nRaises the procurement threshold for National Guard counterdrug equipment purchases from $15,000 to $25,000.\n\nAdvanced Military Prosthetics Industrial Base Strategy\n\nRequires the development of a strategy to strengthen domestic production of advanced military prosthetic technologies critical to wounded servicemember recovery.\n\nTherapeutic Nutrition and Humanitarian Logistics\n\nRequires an assessment of how existing military humanitarian logistics authorities can support delivery of therapeutic nutrition commodities, food assistance, and medical supplies during humanitarian crises.\n\nDefense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Unfunded Priorities\n\nAuthorizes the Director of DPAA to submit an annual unfunded priorities list to Congress.\n\nFort Shughart-Gordon\n\nDesignates Fort Gordon, in Georgia, to Fort Shughart-Gordon to honor Medal of Honor recipients Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart.\n\nMilitary Working Dog Recognition Program\n\nEstablishes a Department of Defense recognition program for military working dogs demonstrating exceptional service.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2899", "title": "Bacon, Valadao, Bonamici, Lead Effort to Provide Greater Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bacon.house.gov", "scraper": "bacon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001298", "name": "Don Bacon", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nThe CHIERS Act would:\n\nCreate a grant program with funding that could be used to train staff, purchase vehicles, and contract with ridesharing services to cover transportation.\n\nDirect 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.\n\nBackground:\n\nIndividuals 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.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=00AE7C3F-DE3E-4D3F-A005-C1DBA14DBA16", "title": "Barr Applauds Trump’s Investment in Kentucky Coal to Create Jobs, Lower Costs", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "barr.house.gov", "scraper": "barr", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001282", "name": "Andy Barr", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nLexington, 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/06/05/buchanan-initiative-to-strengthen-enforcement-of-animal-welfare-laws-passes-house/", "title": "Buchanan Initiative to Strengthen Enforcement of Animal Welfare Laws Passes House", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Amendment Provides $2 Million to Investigate and Enforce Animal Welfare Statutes\n\nWASHINGTON — 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):\n\n“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.”\n\nBuchanan’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.\n\nUSDA 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.\n\n“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.\n\nBuchanan, 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-lahood-introduce-bill-to-support-veterans-battling-parkinsons", "title": "Budzinski, LaHood Introduce Bill to Support Veterans Battling Parkinson’s", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nNon-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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3492", "title": "Carbajal Launches Oversight into Foreign Vessel Operators that Benefited from Jones Act Waiver", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nSince 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nIn addition, Carbajal requests detailed information from each company to ensure the organizations are in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.\n\n“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.”\n\nFor illustrative purposes, a sample letter is provided here.\n\nCarbajal serves as Ranking Member of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.\n\nLast 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.\n\nIn 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.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4925", "title": "Case Opposes Funding Measures That Cripple Efforts To Combat High Housing Cost And Weaken Core Environmental Programs", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "case.house.gov", "scraper": "case", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001055", "name": "Ed Case", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his Appropriations Committee approved two more of its twelve Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 appropriations bills: the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) and the Interior/Environment funding measures.\n\nThe FY 2027 T-HUD funding bill proposes a total $92.2 billion for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the U.S. Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a reduction of 8% from current Fiscal Year 2026.\n\nThe Interior/Environment bill proposes a total $39 billion for the U.S. Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Forest Service, and various independent agencies including the National Endowments on Arts and the Humanities, a further reduction of 2% off a steep reduction in FY26.\n\n“In both cases, I could not accept the overall result which is to walk away from key federal programs to assist with top priorities for our country and Hawai’i in affordable housing, transportation, environmental protection and historical and cultural preservation,” said Case. He cited the following examples from the T-HUD measure, which significantly cut or eliminated key programs including:\n\n· The HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the only federal program dedicated to developing affordable housing.\n\n· The Housing Counseling Assistance Program, which helps families obtain, sustain and retain their homes.\n\n· The Continuum of Care Program, which supports local service providers in community-based approaches to rehouse individuals and families and build pathways towards greater self-sufficiency.\n\n· National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts.\n\n· The Asian Pacific American Center, which documents and shares the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to the nation’s history.\n\n· The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which help to finance local water infrastructure projects.\n\n“However, I did succeed in incorporating many of my requests that are directed at Hawai’i-specific needs, starting with Native Hawaiian-focused housing programs”, said Case. Specifically:\n\nT-HUD\n\nThe bill provides $15 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and $28 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund. The funding represents a significant victory for Native Hawaiian housing programs, which have faced heightened scrutiny and proposed cuts this year, including the President’s proposal to eliminate both programs entirely. By rejecting those cuts, the bill preserves critical federal investments that expand housing opportunities and support Native Hawaiian communities across Hawaiʻi.\n\nThe bill also included Case’s request to continue funding for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety of the helicopter and small aircraft industry through accident investigation, analysis and recommendations to prevent future incidents, including several fatal accidents throughout Hawai‘i. The $175 million provided to the NTSB will help make Hawai‘i safer in response to the many aviation tragedies and accidents endured by the state in recent years.\n\nThe bill further includes the following funding requested by Case for programs to improve access to affordable housing in Hawai‘i and nationwide:\n\n· $5 million for core housing research partnerships with Native Hawaiian serving institutions among other minority serving institutions.\n\n· $38.8 billion for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, Section 8.\n\n· $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant formula program, which support state and local government efforts to increase access to affordable housing, community assistance services and jobs.\n\n· $290 million for Emergency Solutions Grants, which support emergency shelters, rapid rehousing programs and homeless prevention.\n\nOther transportation and infrastructure programs requested and secured by Case include:\n\n· $372 million for the Maritime Security Program.\n\n· $123 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program.\n\n· $105 million for assistance to small shipyards like Kalaeloa/Barbers Point.\n\n· $21.7 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including $1 million to assess the capabilities of using transponder landing systems in space and weather constrained airports such as those in Hawai‘i.\n\nFinally, through his assignment on the Committee, Case also secured two Member-designated Community Project Funding projects that specifically focus on local needs in Hawai‘i:\n\n· $1.8 million for the City and County’s Chinatown Affordable Housing Project. These funds would help to preserve much-needed housing by upgrading mechanical systems, making roof and waterproofing improvements and installing accessibility enhancements.\n\n· $250,000 for the Hawai‘i State Department of Education’s Safer Hawai‘i Schools Pilot Program. These funds would enhance the security infrastructure for Ruth Keli‘ikōlani Middle School by helping to build a new security camera system.\n\nThe House’s Community Project Funding rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here: https://case.house.gov/services/funding-disclosures.htm.\n\nInterior/Environment\n\nThe bill includes the following requests by Case:\n\n· $5 million for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s State of the Birds Activities to respond to the urgent needs of critically endangered birds that now face possible extinction. These funds are helping to save numerous endemic birds in Hawai‘i that have been devastated by climate change and avian malaria.\n\n· $4.6 million for Japanese Confinement Site Grants and funding for the Amache National Historic Site, which was one of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to detain Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their communities on the West Coast.\n\n· $80 million for State Fire Assistance, which provides financial and technical support directly to states to enhance firefighting capacity, support community-based hazard mitigation and expand outreach and education to homeowners and communities concerning fire prevention.\n\n· $65 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, which includes the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center based out of the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. These centers provide regionally relevant scientific information, tools and techniques to resource managers and communities in Hawai‘i in response to our changing climate.\n\n· $62 million for State Historic Preservation Offices which help preserve Hawaii’s treasured historic properties.\n\n· $29 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cooperative Research Units Program, which includes the Hawai‘i Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.\n\nThese two measures are the 8th and 9th of the twelve bills taken up by the House Appropriations Committee to collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026). Both bills now move on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.\n\nA summary of the THUD Appropriations bill is available here.\n\nA summary of the Interior Appropriations bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415688", "title": "SocialNews.XYZ article on Smith's CECC hearing'Chinese govt's moves to silence critics in US spark alarm'", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By GOPI\n\nPublished June 5, 2026\n\nWashington, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Chinese government's efforts to silence critics beyond its borders have come under fresh scrutiny in the US Congress, as lawmakers, state officials and democracy activists described what they called an expanding campaign of intimidation, surveillance and coercion targeting people living in America.\n\nAt a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), held on the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, lawmakers argued that Beijing's methods have evolved from domestic repression into what they described as a global strategy of \"transnational repression\".\n\nOpening the hearing, Co-Chair Representative Chris Smith said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was using a range of tactics, including \"detaining family members in China, doxing, the use of spyware, deepfakes, Hong Kong bounties, and illegal police stations right here in the United States.\"\n\n\"Tiananmen cannot be erased,\" Smith said. \"You either stand with the tank man or you stand with the tank. There is no middle ground.\"\n\nCo-Chair Representative Jim McGovern said China remained \"the world's worst perpetrator of transnational repression\", citing data from Freedom House showing 319 reported incidents since 2014. He urged Congress to advance the bipartisan Transnational Repression Policy Act, which would establish a statutory definition of the practice and strengthen federal, state and local responses.\n\nAmong the most striking testimony came from Arthur Liu, a former Chinese democracy activist who fled China after the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown and later settled in California.\n\nLiu told lawmakers he believed political persecution had ended when he arrived in the United States. That changed in 2021, when the FBI warned him that a Chinese operative was allegedly tracking him and seeking personal information about him and his daughter, Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.\n\n\"The FBI told me to watch out for my surroundings and be careful,\" Liu testified.\n\nHe said agents informed him that a suspected Chinese spy would monitor his movements, place a GPS tracker on his vehicle and attempt to obtain passport information.\n\n\"I was terrified for the safety of Alisa when she goes to Beijing to compete for the United States of America,\" Liu said.\n\nAnna Kwok, board chair of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, described what she called an intensifying campaign against pro-democracy activists living in the United States.\n\nAfter testifying before Congress in 2023, she said Hong Kong authorities issued a HK$1 million bounty for her arrest. She said she subsequently received threats online and faced intimidation during protests held in San Francisco during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States.\n\n\"Feeling safe is a privilege,\" Kwok told lawmakers. \"I am among hundreds of thousands of rights defenders in America who live every single day knowing we are being watched and threatened.\"\n\nShe also described the imprisonment of her father in Hong Kong, saying authorities had used family members as leverage against activists abroad.\n\nState officials told the commission that local governments were increasingly taking steps to counter perceived Chinese influence operations.\n\nEliot Bostar, a Nebraska state senator, outlined a series of laws enacted in his state to address foreign influence, protect critical infrastructure and combat transnational repression.\n\n\"The People's Republic of China is a threat to every state and every community in our country,\" Bostar said.\n\nStephen Cox, counsel to the Governor of Alaska and a former US attorney, argued that state authorities have a growing role to play because threats increasingly intersect with consumer protection, technology and infrastructure issues.\n\n\"Consumers are on the front lines of our geopolitical conflict with China,\" Cox said.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415689", "title": "Rep. Smith, Assemblyman McGuckin meet with GAO to discuss progress of report on whether the U.S. military weaponized ticks with Lyme disease", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Smith and Assemblyman McGuckin with top leaders from the GAO.\n\nRep. Chris Smith and NJ Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin today met with top leaders from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to discuss the progress of their investigation—mandated by Smith’s amendment to the FY26 NDAA—into whether the Cold War-era Department of Defense (Department of War) ever used ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents.\n\n“Today’s meeting was highly encouraging and eye-opening,” said Smith. “The GAO is in the process of fully and faithfully implementing the investigation required by my legislation, bringing us closer to the truth of how Lyme disease came to be so pervasive.”\n\nThe GAO report, once completed, will include an exhaustive review of experimentation and potential weaponization of ticks conducted by the military and federal government between the period of January 1, 1945 and December 31, 1972.\n\nDuring the meeting, Smith urged the GAO to review different DOW files and documents relating to Fort Detrick in Maryland and other military installations throughout the country.\n\n“Tick-borne diseases are exploding throughout the country, and New Jersey has one of the highest Lyme rates in the United States. In 2025 alone, New Jersey recorded 5,211 cases of Lyme disease,” stated Smith, a leading lawmaker and advocate for Lyme disease research, prevention, and identification.\n\n“The findings of this report could provide valuable insights into how Lyme disease came to be so common and chronic over the years, potentially leading to the identification and development of new treatments and therapies that could significantly improve Lyme patients’ quality of life and care,” Smith continued.\n\n“If the report determines that the U.S. government did not play a role in the proliferation of Lyme disease, we can close this chapter. But, if the GAO uncovers that the spread of Lyme disease was, in fact, enhanced by U.S. bioweapons specialists, we will be equipped with even more information and evidence to help us find a cure for this debilitating illness.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2631", "title": "Donalds and Moskowitz Release Bipartisan Hurricane Preparedness for Floridians", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "donalds.house.gov", "scraper": "donalds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000032", "name": "Byron Donalds", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) released a bipartisan public service announcement (PSA) urging Floridians to prepare now as hurricane season gets underway. The PSA covers critical preparedness steps every Floridian should take before a storm strikes, including assembling a disaster supply kit, understanding evacuation zones, and knowing the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.\n\n\"Protecting Florida communities is a shared duty that transcends any political divide. The safety and security of all Floridians is paramount, especially as we enter this hurricane season,\" said Congressman Byron Donalds. \"I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Moskowitz, in urging all Floridians to take proactive steps today. Don't wait for a storm. Prepare today: get 7 days of supplies, know your evacuation route, and stay ready.”\n\n“Hurricanes don’t care whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican; they hit everyone,” said Congressman Jared Moskowitz. “That’s why I’m proud to join Byron Donalds to deliver this message together. Floridians should not wait until a storm is on the radar to start preparing. Get your kit ready, have seven days of supplies, know your evacuation zone, and download the FEMA app today.”\n\nThe PSA urges Floridians to take the following steps before a storm arrives:\n\n● Assemble a disaster supply kit that can last you seven days, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.\n\n● Know your evacuation zone and follow instructions from local emergency management officials.\n\n● Understand the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours; a warning means they are expected within 36 hours.\n\n● Have a plan for pets. Know where you can take them, pack food and supplies, and make them part of your evacuation plan. Not all shelters accept pets; you must plan where you'll bring your pets ahead of time. Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred kennels and facilities, and make a plan to ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.\n\n● Download the FEMA app for real-time weather alerts and nearby shelter locations.\n\n● Businesses should plan to protect employees, maintain communications, and secure property before a storm hits.\n\nFloridians are encouraged to stay informed through their local emergency management office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.\n\nTo watch the PSA, click", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7481", "title": "Rep. Estes Introduces Bipartisan Digital Services Tax Resolution", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "estes.house.gov", "scraper": "estes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000298", "name": "Ron Estes", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Ron Estes (KS-04) introduced a bipartisan resolution, H.Res. 1340, expressing strong opposition to Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) and other extraterritorial tax measures levied by foreign nations that unfairly target and discriminate against American companies and workers.\n\nThe resolution highlights that several countries - including France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Austria, and the United Kingdom, have already implemented DSTs, while others such as Poland and Belgium are actively considering them. These taxes deviate from established international income tax systems by targeting a company’s gross revenue rather than its net income, regardless of whether the business has a physical presence in that country.\n\nCongressman Estes Resolution is co-led by Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and co-sponsored by Reps. LaHood (IL-16), Panetta (CA-19), Moran (TX-01), and Schneider (IL-10).\n\n“Free and fair trade relies on international cooperation, mutual respect, and legal certainty,” Rep. Estes said. “DSTs are designed to unfairly penalize American innovation, creating a hostile environment of double taxation and market distortion that harms not just our premier tech companies, but also the U.S. small businesses and consumers who rely on them. This resolution sends a clear message: the United States will use every trade and tax tool at our disposal to protect our workers and businesses from discriminatory foreign overreach.”\n\n“The U.S. should be rule makers, not rule takers, in the growing global digital economy. Digital trade is far more than just a technology issue. It is fundamental to our modern economy, supporting millions of American jobs and growing Washington state’s technology, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors,” Rep. DelBene said. “This resolution urges the U.S. to oppose digital service taxes that undermine the competitiveness of our digital sector and defend the high-quality jobs it supports.”\n\n“I’m proud to join my colleagues on this resolution to show strong bipartisan support for multilateral engagement to address the rise of digital services taxes and other similar taxes that blatantly target U.S. companies,” Rep. Schneider said. “We must stand together as members of the Ways and Means Committee to work with our global partners and ensure a fair playing field for U.S. companies.”\n\n“As co-chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, I have witnessed firsthand how fair and effective digital trade rules directly correlates to the success of manufacturers, farmers, and small businesses across Illinois’ 16th District,” Rep. LaHood said. “We must remain aggressive in using the necessary tools to combat unfair foreign digital trade policies that are in direct contradiction to our values and seek to undermine American businesses.”\n\n“Multiple reports have made clear that other countries' digital service taxes unfairly discriminate against the United States, violating principles of free and fair trade and undermining existing international agreements,” Rep. Panetta said. “I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in strong opposition to these harmful taxes that target American digital businesses and hurt their customers. We must build an international consensus against these taxes which undermine fundamental tax principles and fairness.”\n\n\"Foreign governments that single out American companies for discriminatory taxation are undermining free and fair trade. This resolution puts Congress on record demanding they stop,” Rep. Moran said. “I'm proud to join Representatives Estes, LaHood, DelBene, Panetta, and Schneider in sending that message clearly and with one bipartisan voice.\"\n\nThis resolution aligns with past investigations conducted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Those investigations concluded that DSTs are explicitly structured to discriminate against U.S. digital companies, are unusually burdensome due to retroactive applications, and violate prevailing international tax and trade agreements.\n\nCongressman Estes’ resolution emphasizes that while sustained U.S. trade engagement has previously compelled some trading partners to withdraw or rethink these taxes, continuous vigilance and a united legislative front are required to safeguard the competitiveness of the United States economy.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://fallon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1678", "title": "Rep. Fallon Statement in Response to HASC Passage of FY27 NDAA", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fallon.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fallon.house.gov", "scraper": "fallon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000246", "name": "Pat Fallon", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the House Armed Services Committee’s 44-12 vote in favor of passing the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairman, Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04) commented:\n\n“The United States is at a critical juncture in history. With the ever-looming threats posed by near-peer adversaries, we must ensure that our military has the resources and support necessary to defend our nation and American interests. For this reason, I am proud to join my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee in passing the FY27 NDAA. This critical piece of legislation strengthens our defense industrial base, invests in key technologies, and secures our supply chains while taking great strides to deliver on President Trump’s historic $1.5 trillion defense budget.”\n\n“As Chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I will always prioritize our military’s greatest resource–the men and women in uniform who dedicate their lives to defending our nation. The FY27 NDAA focuses on improving servicemember quality of life, including a seven percent pay raise and authorizing additional resources to recruiters to maintain the remarkable turnaround we have seen in recent years regarding recruitment and retention levels. This package dedicates much-needed funding to ensuring that the American warfighter has the support needed to prevail on the battlefield of today and tomorrow.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/06/05/finstad-applauds-committee-passage-of-fy27-national-defense-authorization-act/", "title": "Finstad Applauds Committee Passage of FY27 National Defense Authorization Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement following the full committee markup of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027:\n\n“In revitalizing America’s industrial base, enhancing quality of life for our servicemembers, and lowering barriers for small businesses, giving them greater opportunities to innovate and be a part of our supply chains, this FY27 NDAA delivers and builds upon critical components of Peace Through Strength,” said Rep. Finstad. “I was proud to support the Committee’s passage of this crucial, bipartisan legislation, and look forward to getting it to the House Floor.”\n\nFinstad continued, “Included in the Chairman’s Mark, the Committee’s proposed $1.15 trillion defense policy bill, was the National Guard Relief Act, legislation I introduced to designate the National Guard Relief Foundation as a military welfare society, ensuring our National Guard Members and their families have assistance in times of need. I am grateful to see this legislation move forward and will continue working to improve the quality of life for our servicemembers who work tirelessly to protect this great nation.”\n\n“Thanks to Congressman Finstad’s leadership, the FY27 NDAA designates the National Guard Relief Foundation as an official Military Relief Organization – a critical policy that will support National Guard members facing difficult circumstances,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. “He’s been a strong advocate for servicemembers, military families, and veterans in Minnesota and across the country. I look forward to working together to revitalize our defense industrial base, restock the Arsenal of Freedom, and reinforce our national security.”\n\nAlso included in the FY27 NDAA is language from Congressman Finstad’s legislation, the Strategic Transparency Act, ensuring that the United States remains equipped with the information necessary to respond to China’s growing influence and evolving military capabilities.\n\nCongressman Finstad authored 14 provisions and numerous amendments within this year’s NDAA that strengthen our overall national defense, such as:", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6096", "title": "Rep. Jimmy Gomez Votes to Pass Crucial Support for Ukraine", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released the following statement after helping pass the Ukraine Support Act:\n\n“I voted for this legislation to continue America’s support for the Ukrainian people as they defend their homes, their families, and their right to live free from Russia’s invasion.\n\n“For years, Ukrainians have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of violence, displacement, and loss while continuing to fight for their country and their future. Abandoning them now would reward Vladimir Putin’s aggression and send a dangerous signal to authoritarian leaders around the world.\n\n“The United States is stronger when we stand with our allies and support people fighting for freedom, security, and self-determination.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6097", "title": "Rep. Gomez Slams Senate Republicans for Passing $70 Billion Immigration Enforcement Slush Fund", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) released the following statement in response to Senate passage of Republican immigration enforcement bill:\n\n“In the dead of night, Senate Republicans advanced a bill that would hand Donald Trump another $70 billion to expand his mass deportation agenda and supercharge ICE and CBP without accountability or meaningful reform.\n\n“I’ve been inside these detention facilities because I fought to get inside them. After the Trump administration illegally blocked Members of Congress from conducting oversight, I sued them and won in federal court so we could continue carrying out inspections and expose what is happening behind closed doors.\n\n“What I’ve seen and heard has stayed with me. I’ve met with families torn apart by these policies, children separated from their parents, spouses terrified their loved ones will disappear into a detention system, and people being held in dangerous and inhumane conditions. As the son of immigrants, those conversations hit close to home. No one should fear that a trip to work, school, or church could end with their family being ripped apart.\n\n“Instead of reforming a broken system, or investing in lowering the cost of housing, childcare, and healthcare for working families, this bill gives ICE and CBP billions more to expand Trump’s mass deportation operation with even less accountability.\n\n“I will vote no, and I will continue fighting in Congress, in the courts, and on the ground to defend the dignity, safety, and constitutional rights of every person.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6098", "title": "One Year After Trump's Attempted Federal Takeover in Los Angeles Rep. Jimmy Gomez Conducts Oversight Visit at ICE Detention Facility", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) conducted an unannounced oversight visit at the B-18 federal detention facility in Los Angeles, marking one year since President Trump deployed federal forces to Los Angeles and dramatically escalated immigration enforcement operations across the region.\n\nThe visit comes as Rep. Gomez continues ongoing oversight efforts aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper treatment of individuals held in federal custody.\n\n\"For the past year, I've worked to hold the Trump administration accountable for its actions in Los Angeles,\" said Rep. Gomez. \"When the administration tried to block congressional oversight, I fought back in court and won. Since then, I've continued using my lawful oversight authority to monitor conditions inside detention facilities and ensure the public gets answers.\"\n\nOver the past year, Rep. Gomez has repeatedly sought information about federal immigration enforcement operations and detention conditions in Los Angeles. After being denied access to facilities where individuals were being held, Gomez challenged the administration's restrictions in court and successfully secured the right to conduct oversight visits.\n\nSince then, Gomez has conducted multiple inspections of federal detention facilities, meeting directly with detainees, reviewing conditions inside facilities, and pressing federal officials for answers regarding the treatment of individuals in custody.\n\nOne year after federal forces were deployed to Los Angeles and immigration operations intensified across the region, Rep. Gomez continues to conduct oversight on behalf of the communities he represents and to ensure federal agencies remain accountable to the public.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-armed-services-committee-adopts-goodlander-led-bipartisan-amendment-to-strengthen-militarys-right-to-repair-its-own-equipment/", "title": "House Armed Services Committee Adopts Goodlander-Led Bipartisan Amendment to Strengthen Military’s Right to Repair Its Own Equipment", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act would strengthen America’s military readiness and save taxpayers billions.\n\nWashington, D.C. — Tonight, the House Armed Services Committee adopted a bipartisan amendment led by Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) to strengthen the Department of Defense’s ability to repair and maintain its own equipment.\n\nThe amendment establishes a clear default framework for acquiring the technical data and repair rights needed to sustain military systems, helping improve readiness and reduce wasteful spending.\n\n“I offered this amendment for a very straightforward reason: to vindicate a principle that is both common sense and deeply American — that our servicemembers should have the tools and the ability to fix and maintain the equipment they rely on to accomplish their missions,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “For decades, our military has been forced to operate under a broken system that makes even routine repairs unnecessarily difficult, threatens readiness, and costs taxpayers billions of dollars. This amendment cuts red tape, closes loopholes, and helps ensure our warfighters can do the jobs we’ve asked them to do.”\n\n“Right to repair is in the final House version of the NDAA, and every service that asked us for it is going to get it,” said Congressman Harrigan. “When you are contemplating a protracted conflict in a far-off contested environment, where access to contractors may be limited and rapid organic maintenance is critical to mission success, this is a readiness requirement, not a nice to have. We owe this to the warfighters, we delivered, and I am proud to have fought for it alongside Congresswoman Goodlander.”\n\nThe amendment builds on longstanding concerns raised by military leaders across the services regarding restrictions that prevent the Department of Defense from repairing equipment it has already purchased.\n\nChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has testified that military right-to-repair policies would reduce reliance on contractors, lower maintenance costs, and lead to long-term cost savings. Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, has called current repair restrictions “not sustainable” and “dangerous,” while Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach has stated that “the ability to repair our own equipment is an important part of increasing readiness in many weapon systems.”\n\nThe military right to repair is supported by hundreds of small businesses across the country, which argue that expanding repair rights would increase competition, strengthen the defense industrial base, and keep our military mission-ready.\n\n“This is about military readiness, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and empowering the men and women who serve our country,” Goodlander said. “Our military leaders have been remarkably clear: they need the ability to repair and maintain their own equipment. Congress should listen to them. Tonight’s vote is an important step forward, and I look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Harrigan and our colleagues in the Senate, Senator Warren and Senator Sheehy, to get this measure across the finish line.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nCongresswoman Maggie Goodlander and Congressman Pat Harrigan co-led a bipartisan military right-to-repair amendment during today’s markup to address a longstanding military readiness challenge.\n\nToday, qualified servicemembers are often prevented from repairing mission-critical weapons systems and equipment because contractor-imposed restrictions require repairs to be performed by the original manufacturer. These limitations can delay maintenance, undermine readiness, and increase costs for taxpayers.\n\nThe amendment will strengthen the Department of Defense’s ability to obtain the technical data and information needed to repair and maintain military equipment while establishing clearer requirements for contractors seeking more restrictive rights.\n\nExpanding military right to repair will improve readiness, increase competition within the defense industrial base, and save taxpayer dollars by reducing reliance on sole-source maintenance arrangements and costly contractor repair services.\n\nSenior Leaders across the Army, Navy and Air Force have all expressed support for strengthening the military’s ability to repair and maintain its own equipment, including in response to repeated oversight questions from Congresswoman Goodlander.\n\nLast year, Goodlander and Harrigan worked together to advance right-to-repair provisions during House Armed Services Committee consideration of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The Senate Armed Services Committee also included significant right-to-repair language, but those provisions were ultimately not included in the final FY26 NDAA. The final law did include an important first step requiring the Department of Defense to develop and implement a digital system to track, manage, and assess technical data related to covered systems and verify contractor compliance with technical data requirements. The FY27 amendment builds on that progress by helping ensure the Department can obtain the information and rights necessary to sustain and maintain the equipment it purchases.\n\nMilitary leaders across the services have repeatedly warned that repair restrictions can increase costs, delay maintenance, and harm military readiness. In the Senate, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tim Sheehy are leading a bipartisan effort to advance similar right-to-repair provisions, reflecting growing bipartisan and bicameral support for reform.\n\nGoodlander, a former Navy Reserve intelligence officer and member of the House Armed Services Committee, has consistently pressed senior defense leaders on the need to strengthen military readiness, increase competition, reduce waste, and ensure servicemembers have the tools they need to maintain and repair the equipment they rely on to accomplish their missions.\n\nThe amendment was adopted by the House Armed Services Committee during consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, marking a significant step forward in the effort to strengthen military right-to-repair protections.\n\nWatch the full House Armed Services Committee debate on Congresswoman Goodlander’s bipartisan military right-to-repair amendment HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-introduces-amendments-to-address-harmful-snap-state-cost-shift-driving-arizonans-off-food-assistance", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Introduces Amendments to Address Harmful SNAP State Cost-Shift Driving Arizonans Off Food Assistance", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "473,793 Arizonans, including 205,223 children, have lost SNAP benefits\n\nWashington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva introduced two amendments to the FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill to address harmful impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Arizonans losing access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.\n\nThe OBBBA imposed new financial penalties on states that administer SNAP if they exceed a 6 percent payment error rate. The State of Arizona estimates those penalties could cost the state between $100 million and $300 million annually.\n\nImportantly, the SNAP payment error rate does not measure fraud, abuse, or misuse of the program. Instead, it measures whether households received the exact benefit amount for which they were eligible under SNAP's complex eligibility rules. The error rate includes both overpayments and underpayments. Compounding the problem, USDA has not publicly released internal methodology it uses to calculate these error rates, making it difficult for states to object to their calculations.\n\nSince the passage of the OBBBA last July, 473,793 Arizonans, including 205,223 children, have lost SNAP benefits—the largest decline in SNAP participation of any state and roughly a 50 percent reduction in enrollment. In April, Rep. Grijalva first raised the alarm of the significant decline in SNAP enrollment in Arizona.\n\n\"To help pay for reckless wars overseas and tax breaks for the wealthy, this administration is taking food off the tables of working families trying to feed their children,” said Rep. Grijalva. “We know that eligible Arizonans – including children – have been kicked off SNAP because of this policy. This provision was never about preventing fraud. It is a backdoor attempt to slash food assistance by pushing astronomical costs onto states, which is exactly what’s happening. I will continue to adamantly oppose any unnecessary cost-shifting by USDA to the states.\"\n\nRep. Grijalva's first amendment would require USDA to calculate SNAP payment error rates in accordance with existing federal regulations, which specifically excludes administrative deficiencies such as a missing application or overdue recertification, from the payment error rate. Her second amendment would require USDA to publicly disclose the methodology it uses to calculate those error rates, providing states with the transparency needed to address inconsistencies from USDA. Unfortunately, the amendments were not accepted in the final version of the bill passed by House Republicans on Thursday evening.\n\nThe following organizations joined Rep. Grijalva in highlighting the need to abandon this harmful provision of the OBBBA:\n\n\"The House Agriculture Appropriations bill fails to provide the transparency states will need as they prepare to implement the harmful SNAP cost-share requirements in H.R. 1,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “Without amendments that would have mandated USDA to share information about how it calculates SNAP Quality Control and Payment Error Rates, states will be left without critical information that reveals how potential penalties may be assessed. This creates insurmountable uncertainty as they prepare for new financial obligations, while still administering a program that millions of people rely on to put food on the table.\"\n\n“Arizona is in a hunger and food affordability crisis,” said Drew Schaffer, Executive Director of the William E. Morris Institute for Justice. “Families and kids are going without food because of H.R. 1, including its penalties that hurt state budgets. We need government leaders to step up and make sure food assistance reaches Arizonans. That should be everyone’s highest priority right now. Getting food assistance to people is the core purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. H.R. 1’s poorly designed use of the federal payment error rate to shift SNAP costs and burdens to states is harmful.”\n\n\"Arizona has become the clearest warning sign of what happens when federal policymakers shift costs and complexity onto states instead of protecting families’ access to food,” said Joseph Palomino, Director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. “Nearly half a million Arizonans — including more than 205,000 children — have already lost SNAP, not because they stopped needing help, but because a harmful policy is making it harder for eligible families to stay connected to the assistance they need. Payment error rates are not a measure of fraud, and they should not be used as a pretext to punish states, drive people off food assistance, or take food off the tables of Arizona families.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=549856AB-09BD-41B2-B66A-BCAA282D75A9", "title": "Congressman Rogers Applauds House Passage of Federal Funding Bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Includes Nearly $3.4 Million for Morgan County Emergency Services Facility\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers voted for the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.\n\nThe comprehensive federal funding bill supports America’s farmers, invests in rural development programs, bolsters food and drug safety, and protects nutrition programs for those who need it the most.\n\nCongressman Rogers announced that his Community Project Funding request for nearly $3.4 million for a Regional Emergency Services and Training Facility in Morgan County was also approved in the bill.\n\n“The health and safety of the American people are at the heart of this funding bill, by supporting our farmers, protecting our supply chains and strengthening nutrition programs. SNAP and WIC benefits are a lifeline for many families in Eastern Kentucky, and this bill reflects our work with the Trump Administration to ensure food aid will always be available to American citizens who qualify for them, by cutting the waste, fraud and abuse that threatens the programs’ sustainability. We also boosted Child Nutrition programs and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors in this bill to strengthen the safety net,” said Congressman Rogers, Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee. “This bill also makes critical investments in rural development programs, rural broadband, the electric loan program and homeownership loan program. Making our rural communities stronger, makes America stronger – that’s why I was proud to secure nearly $3.4 million in this bill to support Morgan County’s first responders and emergency operations.”\n\nThe legislation maintains House Republicans’ commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers and consumers. It also invests in critical research programs to address emerging pests and diseases, prevents taxpayer dollars from funding climate hubs, discrimination against Americans based on traditional marriage beliefs, and wasteful Biden-era spending.\n\nThe federal funding bill now moves on to the Senate for consideration.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EE421D0A-A1D9-4C5F-8AF2-B5DCBA32452F", "title": "Rogers, Barr Applaud Trump's Investment in Kentucky Coal to Create Jobs, Lower Costs", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SOMERSET, KY — U.S. Congressmen Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Andy Barr (KY-06) applaud President Trump's historic investment in Clean, Beautiful Coal. President Trump infused nearly $1 billion in federal funds into coal projects across the nation, including $124 million in Kentucky.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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,” said EKPC President and CEO, Don Mosier.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=886", "title": "Congressman Hamadeh’s NDAA Amendments Aimed at Improving Quality of Life for Service Members and Arizona’s Superior Status on National Defense Pass", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/", "domain": "hamadeh.house.gov", "scraper": "hamadeh", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001098", "name": "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. - On Tuesday, Congressman Abraham Hamadeh proudly supported the advancement of numerous amendments that will improve the quality of life for our nation’s warfighters and secure Arizona's status as a premiere hub for National defense industries in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\nAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Hamadeh offered amendments to be considered during the NDAA markup process today that will have a positive impact on our Service Members’ quality of life, preserve our nation’s history, improve ballot security for military members, and boost Arizona’s economy.\n\nCombat Pay Protection Act\n\nNo American Left Behind Act\n\nNo Equipment Left Behind Act\n\nMilitary and Veterans Fuel Discount Act (co-led by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-CA)\n\nCritical Minerals Mining Workforce Development Act\n\nAZ Hermosa Mine Domestic Antimony for Defense Production Capability Pilot Program\n\nMaverick Act\n\nVeterans and Servicemembers Treatment-Resistant PTSD Emerging Treatment Review Act\n\nMake American Guns Again (MAGA) Act, by Rep. David Taylor, R-OH\n\nKeeping Returning Servicemembers and Pets Together\n\nEnding Endless Witch Hunts on Warriors, with Rep. Eli Crane, R-AZ\n\nSecuring American Firms & Expertise in Services (SAFE Services) Act, co-led with Rep. Cory Mills, R-FL\n\nBrandon Act Implementation, led by Rep. Gil Cisneros, D-CA, and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-VA\n\nReview of Secure and Timely Voting under UOCAVA for Deployed Servicemembers and Dependents\n\nAccelerating Luke Air Force Base / Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield Turnaround\n\nAddressing Locality Pay Disparities in Yuma County\n\nPromoting Basing Retention for Phoenix Goldwater Air National Guard Base KC-135 Refueling Tankers\n\nPlanning for Safe and Secure Joint-Use AZ Airfields at Fort Huachuca and MCAS Yuma\n\nEnsuring MCAS Yuma Fighter Pilot Range Modernization\n\nRe-Securing Goldwater Range Radio Funding for Safety\n\nDavis-Monthan Compass Call Aircraft Mission Expansion\n\nFinally Planning to Fill Yuma Proving Ground’s Pole Line Road Potholes\n\nNational Guard Counter-Drug Schools Funding Increase\n\nPentagon Plans to Stop Cartel Fuel Smuggling\n\nRequiring Cost-Benefit Analysis Before Moving A-10 Training Mission from Davis-Monthan; Establishing Framework for A-10 Training, Testing, Sustainment, and Transition (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)\n\nA-10 Mission Autonomous and Non-Traditional Capability Experimentation (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)\n\nTucson AMARG Boneyard: Recoverable Storage Aircraft Regeneration Plans\n\nA-10 Demonstration Team Reconstitution Authorization (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)\n\nA-10 Foreign Partner Transfer and Recoverable Status Report (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)\n\nA-10 Combat Employment, Relevance, and Modernization Report (co-led by Rep. Don Davis, D-NC and Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-WI)\n\nMaking Small Business Discoverable for Defense Production\n\nDeer Valley-Made Jam-Resistant Group 3 Drone Research\n\nGlendale-Engineered F-35 Power and Thermal Modernization\n\nModernizing Mesa-Built AH-64E Apaches\n\nNorthern Arizona University-US Army Autonomous System Resilience Development\n\nPhoenix-Made Swarming Ground Drone Acquisition Strategy\n\nMesa Next Generation Artillery Munitions Factory Acquisition Strategy\n\nUtilizing University of Arizona Cislunar Domain Awareness Leadership\n\nChandler / Deer Valley-Made Attritable Jet-Powered Aircraft\n\nInvestment in Peoria-Made Next Generation Ballistic Plates for Soldiers\n\nSecuring AZ-Made Batteries for Military Base Security\n\nScottsdale-Developed Open Suite Standards for Military Vehicles\n\nTucson Tech Park Drone-Killing Lasers\n\nChandler / Deer Valley Mobile UAS Launch Capabilities\n\nFlagstaff Automated Characterization and Classification of Space Objects\n\nArizona-Made Hypersonics Strategy\n\nReserve Component Low-Dollar Sustainment Procurement Reform\n\nAZ Reserve and Guard Travel Reimbursement Fairness\n\nAZ National Guard Dump Truck Modernization\n\nPuerto Rico Power Projection and Training Opportunities\n\nEvaluation of Side Folding Intermodal Shipping Container Systems\n\nExpanding the U.S.-Israel Counter-Tunnel Partnership\n\nScaling Production of Collaborative Combat Aircraft\n\nScaling Production of Low-Cost Munitions\n\nMaximizing Space-Based Computing for Satellites\n\nHuman Domain Awareness for Special Operations and Civil Affairs", "collected_at": "2026-06-07T06:35:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-07T06:36:30Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10110", "title": "RELEASE: HILL PUSHES TO PRESERVE LITTLE ROCK LANDMARK", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) yesterday introduced H.R. 9148, the Scipio Jones House Assessment Act. If passed, this bill would require the Department of the Interior (DOI) to do a special resource study of the Scipio Jones House with a report to Congress three years after enactment. The study would lay the groundwork for preserving the house and potentially bringing it into the National Park System.\n\nRep. Hill said, “Scipio Jones is one of the most important figures in American civil rights history, and a proud Arkansas native. He saved 12 men from death row, took their case all the way to the Supreme Court, won, and changed constitutional law for every American who has ever stood accused. While I’m grateful to the City of Little Rock for helping to save this landmark, I’m concerned that the Scipio Jones property continues to be vacant and to deteriorate, and I’m proud to lead the effort to restore it in a way that honors this great Arkansan's legacy.”\n\nBackground\n\nSpecifically, this bill would evaluate:\n\nThe national significance of the study area,\n\nThe suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit of the National Historic Landmark and affiliated area of the National Park System.\n\nThe feasibility of making the home an extension of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.\n\nAlternatives for preservation and protection of the study area\n\nCost estimates for any Federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with the alternatives.\n\nIn 2020, Rep. Hill's bill to permit a portrait of Scipio Jones to be displayed at the Little Rock post office that bears his name was signed into law. The portrait, painted by Arkansas artist Wade Hampton, was unveiled at the post office in February 2022.\n\nAbout Scipio Jones:\n\nScipio Africanus Jones, who was born to an enslaved person in 1863, attended Walden Seminary (now Philander Smith University) and then attended Bethel Institute (now Shorter College), earning his bachelor’s degree in 1885. In 1889, Jones passed the bar and was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Arkansas in 1900 and by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1905.\n\nAfter the horrific massacre of Black Americans in Elaine, Arkansas, in 1919, Scipio Jones defended 12 wrongly accused Black men who had been charged with murder and condemned by all-white juries.\n\nDespite the Elaine Massacre being described as a \"race riot,\" most of the victims were Black and most of the aggressors were white. With his clients already facing execution, Jones fought their convictions in both state and federal courts. An appeal was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the accused had been denied due process of law. After reviewing the case, the Supreme Court agreed and overturned the convictions. Moore v. Dempsey changed the nature of the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause. The landmark ruling allows federal courts to hear and examine evidence in state criminal cases to ensure that the defendants’ constitutional due process rights are protected.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-val-hoyle-to-host-telephone-town-hall-focused-on-oregons-wildfire-season", "title": "U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle to host telephone town hall focused on Oregon’s wildfire season", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Meeting to feature Oregon State Fire Marshal Marianna Ruiz-Temple who will talk about what to expect and how to prepare\n\nEUGENE, OR — Congresswoman Val Hoyle will hold a Wildfire Telephone Town Hall on June 8, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT, featuring Oregon State Fire Marshal Marianna Ruiz-Temple.\n\nThe event, which is open to constituents who register in advance, will focus on the current wildfire outlook as Oregon heads into what experts are calling a “severe and difficult” wildfire season. Congresswoman Hoyle will provide an update on actions she is taking in Congress to address wildfire-related challenges, while Fire Marshal Ruiz-Temple will share updates from the state and offer tips on wildfire preparedness and response.\n\nConstituents will have the opportunity to ask questions of both Congresswoman Hoyle and Fire Marshal Ruiz-Temple during the event.\n\nAll constituents of Oregon’s 4th Congressional District are encouraged to sign up ahead of time using the information below. Participants must sign up by Monday June 8th to guarantee participation in this event:", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-dexter-expose-usda-officials-conflicts-of-interest-as-gop-chairman-shuts-down-ethics-question", "title": "Huffman, Dexter Expose USDA Official’s Conflicts of Interest as GOP Chairman Shuts Down Ethics Question", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The scandal lands as Trump's cuts leave the Forest Service gutted heading into a dangerous fire season\n\nWashington, D.C. – At a Federal Lands Subcommittee oversight hearing yesterday, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) pressed Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz on Under Secretary Michael Boren's conflicts of interest and the advisors with personal ties to Boren now embedded in agency leadership.\n\nWhen Democrats laid out evidence that one of those advisors may have misled federal ethics officials, Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) intervened to stop the chief from answering.\n\nBoren, the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, oversees the Forest Service. His ethics agreement requires him to stay away from matters involving the Sawtooth Conservation and Recreation Alliance, a private property rights group of wealthy landowners that he helped found and that has clashed repeatedly with the agency over his Sawtooth National Forest properties. The point of that rule is simple: a public official should not make decisions that put themselves before the American people.\n\nIn his opening statement, Huffman said the administration is following the President's playbook of corruption. He said Boren “appears to have planted his own yes men in the agency to give him a clear path to influencing decisions that impact his own properties in the Sawtooth National Forest,” and that “despite ethics guidance, he has used his wealth to silence his detractors by relaunching a dormant SLAPP suit against two seniors for having the audacity to speak out” against a controversial airstrip he built within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. against his unpermitted airstrip in a national forest years ago.”\n\nUnder questioning, Huffman asked Schultz directly whether he and Boren had ever discussed the Sawtooth National Forest. Schultz conceded they had, telling the subcommittee, “It's possible that we have. I can't say for certain that we haven't... we definitely talked about Sawtooth before he came into this job.”\n\nDexter pressed the chief on the advisors now shaping the agency from the inside, noting that the Forest Service has forced out experienced scientists while installing political appointees with personal connections to Boren, including a senior advisor who is Boren's neighbor and a member of the same organization Boren is barred from working with. Schultz confirmed that three of his advisors have personal connections to Boren, though he maintained they report to him rather than to the Undersecretary.\n\nDexter then moved to enter four documents into the record: Boren's ethics recusal, two ethics documents for fellow SCRA leader Ken Verheyen, and an annual report filed with the Idaho Secretary of State on May 8, 2026. Together, the documents show that Verheyen told USDA ethics officials that his SCRA leadership ended in September 2025, which left his ethics guidance silent on the group, while the Idaho filing eight months later still listed him as a director. Both cannot be true. Democrats asked Schultz to commit to determining which one and reporting back within a week. Lying to a federal ethics official violates federal law and can carry criminal penalties.\n\nBefore the chief could answer, Chairman Tiffany cut in, declared the question out of order, and told Schultz he did not have to respond. The documents were entered into the record, and the chairman moved to close the hearing.\n\nBackground\n\nOver the past year, the Trump administration has moved on several fronts that weaken the Forest Service and put the lands it protects at risk. President Trump is rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, opening nearly 59 million acres of national forest to logging and new road construction, a giveaway his Agriculture Secretary announced last June. His administration moved to hand the Superior National Forest watershed next to the Boundary Waters to a foreign mining company, tearing up protections that took years of science and public input to build, and Congressional Republicans cleared the way by ramming a resolution through the House and Senate. And the administration is forcing through a reorganization that shutters research facilities and relocates the agency's headquarters to Salt Lake City.\n\nThe damage falls hardest on the communities that depend on these forests. Under Trump, the agency has shed roughly a quarter of its workforce since the start of 2025. It treated about 35% fewer acres for hazardous fuels in 2025 than the year before, the brush-clearing work that keeps fires away from homes, even as forecasters warn 2026 could be one of the worst fire years on record. Republicans spent the hearing praising these moves while families across fire country are left with a weaker agency heading into a dangerous summer.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-huffman-and-senator-markey-statement-on-arctic-refuge-lease-sale", "title": "Ranking Member Huffman and Senator Markey Statement on Arctic Refuge Lease Sale", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today issued a statement on the Trump administration’s lease sale for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which offered nearly 700,000 acres of sacred and sensitive lands within the Refuge for sale to oil and gas companies. The auction raised only $3.74 million, with two entities winning bids—one of which is the state development agency for Alaska. No oil majors placed any bids.\n\n“This fact that this auction even took place is both an insult and an injury, but its result should definitively prove that drilling in the Arctic should be taken off the table forever. Even though this auction was an embarrassment for the Trump administration and anyone arguing that this will raise money for the American public, this is still an injury to the Gwich’in people, who hold the Arctic Refuge sacred, and to the Alaska Native people and wildlife who depend upon the health and integrity of the Refuge for their survival. And it’s an insult to our entire country, by sacrificing and selling off America’s public lands for pennies on the dollar—a pointless use of the incredible Arctic as a piggy bank for polluters. The Arctic Refuge lease sale is a raw deal for the American public, and any development in the Refuge would be a devastating loss for the Gwich’in and the Arctic ecosystem.”\n\nThe first sale in 2021 generated less than one percent of projected revenue, while the second in 2025 received zero bids. Republicans have repeatedly tried to use Arctic drilling to help offset tax breaks for the wealthy. Trump’s first billionaire giveaway — the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — mandated lease sales in the Arctic Refuge that the Congressional Budget Office estimated would generate $1.8 billion. Those projections proved wildly inaccurate. The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill repeated the same scheme, requiring more lease sales to pay for tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy, with the same failed result.\n\nOn March 3, 2026, Ranking Member Huffman and Senator Markey, along with Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), led 60 members in the House and Senate in condemning the Trump administration’s plans to auction off sacred and sensitive lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas companies.\n\nIn April 2025, Ranking Member Huffman and Senator Markey reintroduced the Arctic Refuge Protection Act, legislation that would restore critical protections to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by designating the Coastal Plain ecosystem as wilderness under the National Wilderness Preservation System. This legislation would permanently halt any new oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, and drilling on the Coastal Plain, and would safeguard the subsistence rights of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples who depend upon the Arctic Refuge.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-fights-back-to-protect-families-pets-from-cyanide-bombs", "title": "Rep. Huffman Fights Back to Protect Families, Pets from Cyanide Bombs", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Republicans Repeatedly Block Legislation After Trump Reopens Door to Poisonous M-44 Devices on Public Lands\n\nWashington, D.C. — This week, House Republicans blocked Representative Jared Huffman’s (CA-02) latest attempt to end the use of M-44 cyanide ejectors, commonly known as cyanide bombs, on public lands.\n\nAfter years of pressure from lawmakers and advocates, the Bureau of Land Management prohibited the use of M-44s on BLM lands in 2023. But just last month, the Trump administration reversed that policy despite widespread public outcry.\n\nHuffman submitted an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Act that would restore the ban. However, the Majority refused to allow the amendment to receive a vote.\n\n\"I've spent years fighting to get cyanide bombs off public lands because they are extremely dangerous and ineffective tools that have no business being anywhere near families, pets, or wildlife,\" said Rep. Huffman. \"We made real change that can save lives. But this administration has a bad habit of undoing common-sense protections and calling it progress, and that’s exactly what they did here. Reversing course and bringing cyanide bombs back is reckless, unnecessary, and unacceptable. I'm disappointed Republicans keep stonewalling me, but I’m not deterred. I will keep fighting until these devices are permanently banned.\"\n\nHuffman additionally submitted an amendment to ban the use of M-44 cyanide ejectors on all public lands to the Farm Bill earlier this year. Republicans also refused to allow the amendment to receive a vote.\n\nBackground\n\nM-44 ejectors are spring-loaded devices containing sodium cyanide that are used to kill predators such as coyotes and foxes. When triggered, they release a toxic cloud that can kill within minutes.\n\nRep. Huffman introduced Canyon's Law, a piece of legislation to permanently ban M-44 cyanide ejectors on public lands. The bill is named after Canyon Mansfield, an Idaho teenager who was exposed to cyanide in 2017 after his dog triggered an M-44 near their home. The incident killed his dog and sent Canyon to the hospital, drawing national attention to the dangers posed by the devices.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2561", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Secures Major Wins for TX-13 During FY27 NDAA Markup", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) secured key defense priorities for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District and America’s warfighters during the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation advanced out of committee with strong support, 44-12, and is expected to be considered by the full House in the coming weeks.\n\n“America faces rapidly evolving threats that demand a modern, lethal, and resilient military,” said Rep. Jackson. “This year’s NDAA will strengthen and modernize our national defense, revitalize our Defense Industrial Base, support our warfighters, and invest in the technologies and capabilities needed to deter our adversaries and win on the future battlefield. I’m proud to have championed policies that support Sheppard Air Force Base, Bell Helicopter, and the Pantex Plant in my district, bolster our Special Operations Forces, and provide our military with the resources needed to deter our adversaries and safeguard American citizens.”\n\n“Chairman Jackson is driving critical efforts to ensure America’s national defense community remains the most capable and effective in the world,” said HASC Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03). “Through his leadership of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, he is advancing investments in the FY27 NDAA that accelerate emerging technologies, strengthen our strategic advantages, and provide our warfighters with the capabilities they need to succeed in increasingly complex threat environments. Chairman Jackson understands that preserving America’s technological and operational edge is essential to deterring our adversaries and safeguarding our national security.”\n\nWins for Amarillo:\n\nBell\n\nAdvances full development of the Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), authorizing $2.141 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation, along with $127.2 million for advance procurement of operational test aircraft.\n\nSupports the incorporation of the Nacelle Improvement Program on 24 United States Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft.\n\nDirects a V-22 Readiness and Modernization Report across the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to outline investment plans, readiness improvements, mid-life upgrades, and accelerated nacelle modernization efforts for all V-22 variants.\n\nFully facilitates the Navy’s H-1 Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program to enhance the performance, survivability, and effectiveness of H-1 aircraft.\n\nPantex Plant\n\nSection 3115 – Accelerates the timeline for completion of the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility at the Pantex Plant, moving the start of operations from 2034 to 2032.\n\nDirects a briefing on options to enhance the security and operational flexibility of National Nuclear Security Administration activities at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, including potential relocation opportunities within the airport complex.\n\nAuthorizes an additional $20 million to accelerate development of the Material Staging Capability project at the Pantex Plant.\n\nOrganizes a briefing on the progress of the Pantex Material Staging Capability project, including its finalized conceptual design and initial cost estimates.\n\nTexas Tech University's Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Amarillo\n\nAuthorizes $10 million to establish a Joint Neuroscience Demonstration Program focused on developing treatments for the long-term effects of brain injuries in servicemembers.\n\nWins for Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base:\n\nSection 1107 – Grants the Secretary of War direct hiring authority and competitive pay flexibility to recruit and retain instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors, helping address critical training workforce shortages at Sheppard AFB.\n\nSupports expedited procurement of the Air Force’s T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot trainer aircraft to pilot training installations.\n\nSupports Air Force Technical Training Modernization through development of a comprehensive strategy to modernize training for aircraft maintenance, logistics readiness, and munitions and missile maintenance career fields.\n\nDirects an assessment from the Secretary of the Air Force on the benefits of incorporating large rotational student populations at installations like Sheppard Air Force Base into manpower authorizations to improve essential support services and force readiness.\n\nWins for Special Operational Forces:\n\nAuthorizes an additional $1.3 billion for U.S. Special Operations Command to address critical modernization priorities and future battlefield requirements, including funding for 10 additional OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft.\n\nSection 1072 – Directs the Department of War to establish leadership and a long-term strategy for countering ubiquitous technical surveillance, including a plan for a program of record, to strengthen secure communications and develop digital protection capabilities across the force.\n\nPlaces the Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory under the strategic oversight of the Irregular Warfare Center to ensure alignment of Department-wide irregular warfare objectives.\n\nExamines the feasibility of providing anonymous telehealth-based counseling services for special operations personnel to increase access to mental health and wellness support.\n\nDirects a briefing on the operations, activities, and long-term strategic direction of the Irregular Warfare Center.\n\nWins for Revitalizing the U.S. Industrial Base:\n\nSection 1809 – Directs the Department of War to account for projected foreign military sales demand in defense industrial base planning, helping to advance President Trump's Executive Order 14383, \"Establishing an America First Arms Transfer Strategy,\" by ensuring foreign military sales are leveraged to strengthen American manufacturing, grow the defense industrial base, create high-quality jobs, and reinforce the nation's long-term military readiness and technological advantage.\n\nSection 152 – Authorizes a multi-year procurement contract for F-35 aircraft, contingent on certification that each aircraft includes the necessary spare parts and mission equipment to support readiness.\n\nDirects a briefing on the Department’s strategy for acquiring affordable, modular air-to-air munitions designed for use by Collaborative Combat Aircraft.\n\nModernizes depot maintenance workload calculations by using a rolling average of past, current, and projected revenue to improve planning and resource allocation.\n\nWins for Countering Extremist Threats in the Middle East and Africa:\n\nSection 224 – Strengthens the U.S.–Israel alliance and establishes a United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of collaborative, next-generation defense technologies to America's servicemembers, consistent with Rep. Jackson’s U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act.\n\nProvides an additional $45 million for contractor-owned, contractor-operated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support to U.S. Africa Command.\n\nExamines efforts to strengthen defense partnerships in Africa, support counterterrorism initiatives, and counter the malign influence of strategic competitors like China and Russia.\n\nAdvances the Department’s efforts to develop and sustain regional unmanned aircraft systems training centers for partner forces across Africa.\n\nEvaluates counterterrorism requirements in West Africa, including an analysis of extremist threats, territorial control, attack trends, and intelligence gaps affecting situational awareness and operational response capabilities.\n\nWins for Advancing Unmanned Systems and Emerging Technology:\n\nSection 218 – Establishes designated national airspace corridors for testing and training small unmanned aircraft systems to help advance the Department of War’s Drone Dominance Program.\n\nAssesses the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group’s (DAWG) speed of autonomous system adaptation to advance procurement of emerging drone technologies to America’s warfighters.\n\nProvides a $64 million increase to support ground launch demonstrations of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program.\n\nIncludes $2.5 million for secure hypersonic prototype manufacturing and $5 million for hypersonic modeling and simulation capabilities research at academic institutions like Texas A&M.\n\nDirects a briefing on Group 3 unmanned aerial systems with potential to perform Group 4 mission sets.\n\nAuthorizes a pilot program to evaluate commercially available technologies that strengthen human identity verification for high-consequence cyber and physical security actions.\n\nAccelerates procurement and fleet integration of commercially available small unmanned surface vessels in the U.S. Navy.\n\nEvaluates efforts to assess and adopt AI-enabled assistive technologies for air crew personnel.\n\nDirects the Department to provide a plan to accelerate adoption and deployment of extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles using existing production contracts.\n\nExamines efforts to establish a National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute as authorized by Rep. Jackson in the FY26 NDAA.\n\nDirects a briefing on systems for managing seabed data collected from unmanned underwater operations.\n\nAdvances efforts to certify, procure, and scale production of electronic safe-and-arm optical proximity fuze systems for counter-UAS applications.\n\nAccelerates the Army’s autonomous cargo handling capabilities in contested logistics environments.\n\nAssesses capabilities developed by the Army’s Contested Logistics Cross-Functional Team to sustain and supply forces on future, highly volatile battlefields.\n\nWins for the Defense Intelligence Enterprise:\n\nSection 1615 – Directs the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security to issue a biennial assessment and strategy for the Department’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in order to meet intelligence collection requirements.\n\nSupports object-based generative AI for OSINT capabilities for the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.\n\nIntegrates OSINT training and tradecraft into all-source intelligence analysis training.\n\nIdentifies barriers preventing Service Intelligence Centers from transitioning and scaling validated intelligence capabilities that enhance analytic performance, operational awareness, and mission support for Defense Intelligence Enterprise-wide use.\n\nWins for United States Military Readiness:\n\nRenames the “Department of Defense” as the “Department of War,” restoring the Department’s historic warfighting ethos.\n\nSection 143 – Examines alternatives for developing the next generation of military airlift aircraft.\n\nSection 1603 – Extends the cap on reimbursable indirect space launch fees through FY2031, helping ensure predictable and competitive access to national security launch facilities.\n\nSection 817 – Authorizes federal agencies to acquire critical national security services through usage-based contracts and extends a pilot program testing consumption-based solutions, while requiring recommendations on whether to make the authority permanent.\n\nProvides an additional $11 million for the Advanced Vital Intervention Airborne Training for Emergencies (AVIATE) to expand military-civilian medical training and preparedness, strengthening readiness and response capabilities for large-scale combat operations and major domestic disasters.\n\nDirects the Air Force to assess the operational, cost, infrastructure, and readiness impacts of the decision to retrofit unsuited rotary-wing aircraft for the continuity of government missions and the transport of U.S. officials and security personnel in the National Capital Region.\n\nExamines the Department’s efforts to establish and conduct recurring evaluations of military and civilian medical surge capacity and interoperability, while supporting digital tools that improve medical planning and decision-making in contested environments.\n\nAuthorizes the Air Force to partner with commercial providers to strengthen the readiness and reliability of airlift operations, including support for outsized cargo transport capabilities.\n\nEvaluates the Department’s efforts to improve interagency coordination, operational effectiveness, and allied cooperation to counter adversarial gray zone activities.\n\nAnalyzes medical sustainment, casualty evacuation, and force health support requirements in future contested environments with significant unmanned systems activity.\n\nReviews efforts to expand and modernize the Navy's SHARKCAGE cybersecurity program through a unified information technology and operational technology defense architecture across surface and submarine fleets.\n\nExtends a pilot program to improve aerial refueling and fuel management efficiency through AI technologies.\n\nWins for the Well-being of Servicemembers and their Families:\n\nRemoves the 60-day limit on the accumulation of leave for members of the Armed Forces.\n\nExamines the impact of Military-Connected Academic and Support Program (MCASP) grants and related quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers and their families.\n\nExplores efforts to expand the use of veteran-led nonprofit organizations in POW/MIA recovery missions.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/06/05/smith-alford-and-schmitt-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-enhance-efforts-to-locate-missing-adults-with-disabilities/", "title": "Smith, Alford, and Schmitt Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Enhance Efforts to Locate Missing Adults with Disabilities", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "jasonsmith.house.gov", "scraper": "jasonsmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001195", "name": "Jason Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), and Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026. This legislation will enhance the existing national missing-person alert systems and direct states to provide specialized first-responder training and education for cases of missing individuals with disabilities.\n\n“There are real gaps in our national missing-person alert framework that do not account for individuals with developmental, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities, leaving communities without timely notifications and law enforcement without the training or tools to respond,” said Congressman Smith. “Missouri has already taken action with RJ’s Law, and it’s time the federal government follows suit. This legislation will strengthen our nation’s missing-person alert systems to give first responders access to the training they need to act fast and save lives.”\n\n“Families in Missouri and across America should never have to wonder if our alert systems will find their missing loved ones with a developmental or cognitive disability,” said Congressman Alford. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act closes dangerous gaps in our national missing person framework, while ensuring first responders have the training and tools they need to bring vulnerable individuals home safely. Missouri led the way with RJ’s law, and now were bringing those efforts to the federal level. This is commonsense, life-saving legislation that I’m proud to lead.”\n\n“Strengthening our federal alert systems to better protect individuals with intellectual disabilities is commonsense,” said Senator Schmitt. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act will improve existing protocols for disability-specific emergencies and will equip our law enforcement with the tools they need to respond appropriately and save lives.”\n\nBackground:\n\nKristen’s Act, signed into law in 2000 and named after Kristen Modafferi, an 18-year-old who disappeared in 1997, authorized the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support grant programs to help law enforcement locate missing adults. In 2018, in response to the death of Ashanti Billie, a missing 19-year-old, Congress passed the Ashanti Alert Act as an amendment to Kristen’s Act to fill a gap in the national missing person’s alert system. AMBER Alerts and Silver Alerts only cover those aged under 18 and seniors, respectively. The Ashanti Alert is meant to cover those in-between. Through the program, the DOJ provides resources and training to connect state and local missing adult alert programs, to enable cross jurisdictional cooperation.\n\nThis year, the Missouri legislature unanimously passed “RJ’s Law,” named after a child with autism that went missing and drowned, to create a statewide “Purple Alert” that would specifically cover individuals with developmental disabilities.\n\nThis delegation-wide effort reflects the Missouri legislature’s work on the Federal level. The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026 would amend the Ashanti Alert Act to require these alerts to include whether the individual has a developmental disability, Alzheimer’s, or dementia. It would also require the DOJ to make available to local law enforcement training and educational programs specifically pertaining to dealing with individuals with these disabilities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/06/05/jayapal-voting-positions-week-of-june-1-2026/", "title": "Jayapal Voting Positions — Week of June 1, 2026", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The week of June 1, 2026, I was in India, attending to a serious medical emergency involving my mother. During that time, I unfortunately missed the votes listed below on the House Floor. Please find information on how I would have voted for each of these pieces of legislation, and I look forward to returning to Washington, D.C. next week.\n\nH.R. 2860 – the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025: YES\n\nH.R. 7726* – the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026: NO\n\nH.Con.Res 86 — a War Powers Resolution to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran: YES (see my full statement)\n\nDemocratic Motion to Discharge H.Res. 518 — a procedural vote to bring H.R. 2913 (below) to the House Floor for a vote: YES\n\nH.Con.Res 84 — a War Powers Resolution to remove the United States Armed Forces from Lebanon: YES\n\nH.Res. 1336 — a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules: NO\n\nH.R. 8646 – the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027: NO\n\nH.R. 2913 — passage of the Ukraine Support Act: YES", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/05/leader-jeffries-announces-additional-committee-assignment-for-congressman-tom-suozzi/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT FOR CONGRESSMAN TOM SUOZZI", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Know Your Immigration Rights\n\nIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.\n\nAsk for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.\n\nYour right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.\n\nAlways consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.\n\nThe New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/05/leader-jeffries-on-cnn-why-does-donald-trump-always-have-to-ruin-a-good-thing/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: “WHY DOES DONALD TRUMP ALWAYS HAVE TO RUIN A GOOD THING?”", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "JOHN BERMAN: Joining me now is the top Democrat in the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for being with us this morning. You now have this $70 billion bill in front of you that funds ICE fully for the next few years. What recourse do you have?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: House Democrats are going to strongly oppose this effort to spend $70 billion in taxpayer funds on continuing to provide support for an ICE agency that the American people know is out of control. At the end of the day, right, taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, particularly in an environment where the cost of living is far too high. Instead, what Republicans want to do is use $70 billion to continue to unleash masked and untrained ICE agents on American citizens, in some cases brutalizing or killing them, as was the case in Minnesota, or target violently law-abiding immigrant families. It’s unacceptable and we’re going to fight it to the very end.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: As for the $1.8 billion compensation fund, some people call it a retribution fund, the President calls it anti-weaponization. There’s been a lot of talk among even some Republicans about trying to legislate it out of even the possibility of existence. In the end, they didn’t. What’s your view there of why they were not able to get that done, and what will you do about that now?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: It was a close fight in the Senate. Unfortunately, the effort to permanently ban the $1.8 billion corrupt slush fund that Donald Trump is trying to visit upon the American people in such an out-of-control fashion, it fell just short. But in the House, we’re going to work incredibly hard to permanently ban it legislatively because this administration, this President, this Acting Attorney General, can’t be trusted to do the right thing on behalf of the American people. The notion that anyone who violently beat police officers on January 6 should get a dime of taxpayer dollars is so abhorrent to the American people, we’re going to fight it tooth and nail in the House of Representatives. We’ll introduce amendments to permanently ban it. It may be on life support, according to some. We’ve got to permanently pull the plug.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: Leader Jeffries, I know this is the other chamber, but Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner—there’s a new story in the New York Times where there are allegations of physically threatening behavior by him against at least one former girlfriend. I want to play you his response to that story. Let’s listen.\n\nRECORDING OF GRAHAM PLATNER: There are some allegations in this piece that I just want to be kind of unequivocal about are simply not true. Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who is politically motivated.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: Now, Congressman Ro Khanna, who is part of your conference, is going to campaign with him tonight. He says that Platner—the alleged behavior is wrong and toxic, but still going to campaign with him. What would be your advice to House Democrats about whether or not they should support Graham Platner?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, let me say more generally, violence against women in any way, shape or form is completely and totally unacceptable. And that should be clear to everyone, and everyone needs to draw that bright line in the sand. In terms of the allegations that have been waged with respect to this particular candidate for the Senate, I haven’t followed it closely. I will continue to defer to Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand in terms of the best path forward in Maine. I haven’t had a conversation with Ro Khanna about this. Listen, John, we’re focused on trying to take back control of the House of Representatives so we can actually serve as a check-and-balance on an out-of-control administration and focus on the things that matter to the American people, like driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up corruption here in Washington, DC.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: He denies the behavior—we played that sound—but you also just said that any violence of women is unacceptable. Does that mean if it is in any way proven to be true, it should be disqualified?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: Congressman, I want to play some sound. Kate Bolduan, my co-anchor, esteemed co-anchor, had an interview with Congressman Seth Moulton from Massachusetts yesterday. He’s running for Senate in Massachusetts, but he also has some comments about the Democratic establishment in general. I want you to listen to what he said.\n\nRECORDING OF REP. MOULTON: I think there comes a time to pass the torch to the next generation, and what better time than when the Democratic establishment is just not getting it done? I mean, if you honestly are a Democrat today who says Democrats are knocking it out of the park, we’re winning all across the board, we shouldn’t change a thing, then vote for the establishment, vote for Chuck Schumer, vote for the status quo.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: What do you say to the suggestion that the Democratic establishment—you are the House Leader of Democrats—the Democrat establishment is not getting it done?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re continuing to work hard in the House of Representatives to do what’s necessary to both push back against the extremism that Donald Trump is unleashing against the American people and to chart a path forward that actually is designed to make life better for working-class Americans, middle-class Americans and hardworking American taxpayers. Just this week, House Democrats were successful in passing a War Powers Resolution to end Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice that hasn’t made the American people safer. Iran is in a stronger position now than what they were prior to the start of this war, and of course, this war is increasing gas prices and putting economic pressure on the American people. We’re continuing to do what we need to do aggressively to push back against Donald Trump. We’ve been winning races for the last 16 months, but we have a task ahead of us that we have to accomplish. And ultimately, I think we’ll be judged by whether we take back control of the House in November. That’s what we intend to do.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: Other big items. Game two of the NBA finals tonight in San Antonio. Game three will be next week in New York City. President Trump says he plans to attend. What do you think the reception will be?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES:I’m not sure it’s going to be a good reception for him, but why does Donald Trump always have to ruin a good thing? Like, literally, the Knicks haven’t been in the NBA finals for 27 years. The city is trying to celebrate this. We’ve embraced this team, and this guy has to inject himself. I mean, come on, seriously, give us a break. Why doesn’t this guy just focus on trying to improve the quality of life of the American people because the Trump economy has been a disaster?\n\nJOHN BERMAN: Are you going when they’re in New York?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: No, next week we’re in session. We’ll be here in Washington, D.C., but I hope to gather with a group of friends and colleagues and watch the Knicks be successful in both game three and game four in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: Leader Jeffries, we just got an alert, if someone could tell me where it’s from, that Janet Mills, the Governor of Maine, has been encouraged to reenter the Senate race. She suspended her campaign. She never went through. Could someone tell me, encouraged by whom? Hang on. A source close to her. According to sources, she is being encouraged, I imagine by maybe Democrats, I’m not sure, to reenter the race or unsuspend her campaign. What do you think of that, just days before the actual primary?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, we’re just three seats short of taking back control of the House of Representatives. We need to do that because House Republicans have been functioning like a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, and they haven’t done a damn thing to make life better for the American people. I’m going to stay in that lane and focus on doing what we have to do, which is reclaiming the gavels in the Congress.\n\nJOHN BERMAN: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, I appreciate you rolling with the breaking news. I appreciate the Knicks discussion. Sorry you won’t be at the games next week. Tickets are tough to afford anyway.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://joyce.house.gov/posts/joyce-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner", "title": "Joyce Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://joyce.house.gov/press", "domain": "joyce.house.gov", "scraper": "joyce", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000295", "name": "David P. Joyce", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced Evan Gliesman as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. Evan, a junior at Mentor High School, won with his submission, Trying Too Hard. His artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year.\n\nThe competition’s honorable mentions include:\n\n2nd Place: Elizabeth Doerger, Chardon High School. Her submission, Clean Up Duty, will be displayed in the Congressman’s Washington, D.C. office for a year.\n\n3rd Place: Taylor Friedlander, NDCL. Her submission, Fountain of Youth, will be on display in the Congressman’s Mentor office for a year.\n\n4th Place: Charley Herrmann, Mentor High School. Her submission, Puppetry of the Past, will be displayed in the Congressman’s Warren office for a year.\n\n5th Place: Emily Lianopoulos, Mentor High School. Her submission, The Answer, will be displayed in the Congressman’s Ravenna office for a year.\n\n“The Congressional Art Competition is an amazing opportunity for students across the country to highlight their artistic talents,” said Congressman Joyce. “I am always impressed by the skill and creativity shown by the students of Ohio’s Fourteenth Congressional District, and this year was no different. Thank you to everyone who participated this year, and congratulations to Evan, Elizabeth, Taylor, Charley, and Emily for their work. I look forward to seeing these incredible pieces of art displayed in the U.S. Capitol, my Washington office, and my district offices.”\n\nIn keeping with a tradition he started in 2016, Joyce hosted a ‘People’s Choice Award’ where constituents voted for their favorite artwork. Brady Vencil, who is a junior at Edgewood High School, received the most votes this year and will have his artwork, America the Brave and Beautiful, on display in Joyce’s Mentor District Office for one year.\n\nThe Congressional Art Competition, which began in 1982, is an annual contest run by the U.S. House of Representatives where high school students from across the country are invited to showcase their artistic abilities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406799", "title": "Latta Pays Tribute to Ohio Fallen Hero Edward D. Brown at Normandy American Cemetery", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://latta.house.gov/news", "domain": "latta.house.gov", "scraper": "latta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000566", "name": "Robert E. Latta", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In recognition of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) honored Ohio fallen hero First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown, who was laid to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery in France.\n\nLast month, Congressman Latta led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to France to evaluate the country's spent nuclear fuel recycling industry and broader nuclear energy capabilities. While in France, the delegation also traveled to Normandy to pay tribute to the brave Americans who fought to liberate Europe during World War II. At the Normandy American Cemetery, members participated in a flag-lowering ceremony and honored the sacrifice of First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown of Ohio, and the other 9,000+ American military personnel buried there.\n\nFirst Lieutenant Edward D. Brown was born on July 18, 1916, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He joined the National Guard on March 5, 1941, and in 1942 was assigned to the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. The Squadron sailed for France on June 29, 1944, shortly after the Allied landings in Normandy. The unit entered combat on July 2, 1944, supporting operations to eliminate German forces isolated during the Allied advance across the Normandy Peninsula.\n\nThe Squadron later conducted offensive screening operations through Normandy and into Brittany. On July 5, 1944, Lieutenant Brown was wounded when an enemy shell made a direct hit on an armored car near which he was standing with a superior officer. He succumbed to his wounds on July 7, 1944, near La Haye-du-Puits, France. First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown rests today at the Normandy American Cemetery, where his sacrifice—and the sacrifices of thousands of other American service members—continue to be remembered and honored.\n\n\"As we mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, we remember the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who fought to defend freedom. It was a privilege to honor First Lieutenant Edward D. Brown, an Ohioan who gave his life in service to our country. We must never forget the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation and those who rest at Normandy,” said Latta.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://lucas.house.gov/posts/rep-lucas-supports-usdas-response-efforts-to-combat-new-world-screwworm", "title": "Rep. Lucas Supports USDA’s Response Efforts to Combat New World Screwworm", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lucas.house.gov/press", "domain": "lucas.house.gov", "scraper": "lucas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000491", "name": "Frank D. Lucas", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "A confirmed case of new world screwworm arrived in South Texas this week\n\nWashington, DC – Yesterday, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) at a hearing supported Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and her efforts to combat new world screwworm.\n\nLucas emphasized the importance of resource allocation to fund new facilities and increase production in current facilities.\n\nPartial Transcript:\n\n“Secretary, I’d like to discuss also the new world screwworm for a moment, Lucas said. “And first, I want to thank you, Secretary Rollins, for your being extremely transparent and quick in response to the situation in Texas yesterday.”\n\n“You, obviously, and the department are taking this very, very seriously, correct?” Lucas asked.\n\n“That’s correct,” said Secretary Rollins.\n\n“You’re working very hard, creating more facilities, increasing the production at existing facilities,” Lucas said.\n\n“This will never go completely away. We just have to be vigilant and prepared,” Lucas concluded.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcgarvey-and-garbarino-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-education-resources-for-deafblind-children", "title": "Reps. McGarvey and Garbarino Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Education Resources for Deafblind Children", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcgarvey.house.gov", "scraper": "mcgarvey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001220", "name": "Morgan McGarvey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 05, 2026) – Today, Congressmen Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) introduced the Helen Keller Education Act, a bill to improve educational resources for children and youth who are blind and low vision or deafblind.\n\n“Any kid without the right resources in a classroom is going to struggle to reach their full potential, and it’s no different for deafblind students,” said Congressman McGarvey. “The Helen Keller Education Act makes sure these students are getting specialized instruction with trained teachers in an environment that brings out their best. I appreciate Rep. Garbarino’s partnership and advocacy on this legislation as we keep fighting to get every student the education they deserve.”\n\n“Every student deserves access to the tools and support they need to succeed in the classroom,” said Congressman Garbarino. “For children who are deafblind, that often requires specialized services and trained professionals who understand their unique needs. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure students have access to the resources necessary to receive a quality education. I’m proud to work with Congressman McGarvey to support these children.”\n\nThe Helen Keller Education Act aims to ensure deafblind youth receive the same education as their peers by:\n\nRequiring states to identify deafblind children even if they are classified and receiving supports under a different disability category;\n\nIncluding intervener services to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act related services;\n\nRequiring states to file a deafblind services addendum within 2 years of enactment;\n\nStrengthening evaluations and Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements for deafblind students;\n\nImproving early intervention; and\n\nExpanding personnel preparation for teachers, interveners, and early intervention specialists.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###\n\nCongressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcgarvey-and-rutherford-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-help-children-with-hearing-and-vision-disabilities", "title": "Reps. McGarvey and Rutherford Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Help Children with Hearing and Vision Disabilities", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcgarvey.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mcgarvey.house.gov", "scraper": "mcgarvey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001220", "name": "Morgan McGarvey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 05, 2026) – Today, Congressmen Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and John H. Rutherford (FL-05) introduced the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act (Cogswell-Macy Act), a bill to improve educational resources for children and youth who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, deafblind, or deafdisabled.\n\nSenators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), are leading companion legislation in the Senate.\n\n“No disability should get in the way of a student’s education, but right now too many students aren’t getting the specialized support they need to get the same education as their peers,” said Congressman McGarvey. “The Cogswell-Macy Act closes that gap for students who are deaf, blind, or deafblind so they don’t miss out on critical information in the classroom and makes sure every child is set up for success.”\n\n“As the representative for the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Deaf Caucus, I have advocated for Deaf and hard of hearing Americans throughout my career in Congress,” said Representative Rutherford. “My experience with Deaf and hard of hearing students across my district has taught me how valuable equitable access to education can be for individuals with disabilities. I am proud to join Representative McGarvey and our colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act, which would improve education and services for children and youth who are blind, visually impaired, Deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. Every student deserves to learn in an environment that suits their needs.”\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals, Addis Ababa University, Department of Special Needs and Inclusive Education, American Council of the Blind, American Council of the Blind of New York, American Council of the Blind of Ohio, American Council of the Blind of Western New York, Inc., Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired South Carolina, Carroll Center for the Blind, CATT Program at AIDB, Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, Center of Vision Enhancement, Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD), Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, Cultivating Inclusion, DeafBlind Community of Texas, DeafBlind Community United, DGCKids, Golden Triangle Council of the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Haramaya University College of Education Behavioral Science, Department of Special Needs & Inclusive Education, Hawaii Association of the Blind, Hunter College CUNY, Programs in Blindness/Visual Impairment, Illinois Council of the Blind, Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., Lighthouse Louisiana, Lighthouse of Central Florida, Louisiana Association for the Blind, National Intervener & Advocate Association, Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on Independent Living, National DeafBlind Coalition, National Family Association for DeafBlind, New Mexico School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, New York Institute for Special Education, Pennsylvania Council of the Blind, Pennsylvania Partnership for the DeafBlind, St. Joseph's School for the Blind, Statewide Independent Living Center of Hawaii, Success Beyond Sight, Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, Tempe Elementary School District 3, Texas School for the Deaf, The Alliance of and for Visually Impaired Texans (AVIT), The Gibney Family Foundation, Vermont Association to the Blind and Visually Impaired, VIA Visually Impaired Advancement, VisAbility, Vision Interventions and Parental Supports (VIPS), Wayfinder Family Services, Westchester Council of the Blind of New York, and Xavier Society for the Blind.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###\n\nCongressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=315", "title": "Messmer Celebrates House Armed Services Committee Passage of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "messmer.house.gov", "scraper": "messmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001233", "name": "Mark B. Messmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Hypersonics Caucus, applauded committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) during this year’s markup process.\n\n“My Republican colleagues and I are working together with President Trump to fortify our country’s national security, and this National Defense Authorization Act delivers on our shared goals,” said Rep. Messmer. “In order to keep Americans safe from harm, our defense industrial base must receive the support it requires to meet the threats facing our nation. The FY27 NDAA will strengthen critical supply chains, expand munitions and shipbuilding capacity, and accelerate the next generation of military technology. By making these crucial investments, this bill ensures that America’s military remains the strongest and most lethal force in the world.”\n\n“Years of underfunding our national defense has left us with a hollowed-out industrial base, and an inability to produce for our warfighters at speed and scale,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL). “Congressman Messmer understands the need to make a generational investment in our national security, and he’s provided valuable contributions to the FY27 NDAA. As the representative for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, he’s been a strong advocate for advancing our hypersonic capabilities and other strategic systems, which are needed both for our homeland defense and as a deterrent to our adversaries. With his continued leadership, we’ll rebuild the Arsenal of Freedom and strengthen American deterrence.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe FY27 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions to revitalize the defense industrial base, restore critical weapons stockpiles, raise servicemember pay, strengthen missile and nuclear deterrence, accelerate the deployment of emerging technologies like hypersonics and autonomous systems, and improve accountability within the Department of War.\n\nThe legislation also expands domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthens supply chain security, supports workforce development initiatives, and reduces barriers for small businesses and innovative defense contractors.\n\nThe NDAA also contains several wins for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, including:\n\nCritical funding for defense programs that will be researched, tested, and developed at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, such as $175 million for the Nuclear Sea-Launched Cruise Missile;\n\nSupports increased funding up to $1 billion for the MACH-TB program at Crane;\n\nAdvanced funding for Low-Cost Hypersonic Weapons;\n\nA dedicated fund for the Golden Dome for America program, which will provide a foundation for a layered missile defense system; and\n\nAccelerated production for more munitions and solid rocket motors.\n\nTo learn more about how Rep. Messmer is supporting America’s warfighters in the House of Representatives, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4126", "title": "Rep. Rogers Praises Committee Passage of the FY27 NDAA", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikerogers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mikerogers.house.gov", "scraper": "mikerogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000575", "name": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) released the following statement praising House Armed Services Committee passage of the Chairman’s Mark of H.R. 8800, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (FY27 NDAA), advancing legislation that revitalizes the defense industrial base, strengthens American deterrence, and gives servicemembers the support they need to defend our nation.\n\n“The world is becoming more dangerous and it has never been more important to have a strong, ready, and capable fighting force to defend our nation,” said Rep. Rogers. “The FY27 NDAA strengthens our ability to defend ourselves and deter our adversaries by revitalizing our defense industrial base, investing in innovative technologies, and restocking the Arsenal of Freedom. With this authorization of $1.15 trillion in discretionary funds, we’re delivering on President Trump’s commitment to bring defense spending up to 4.5% of our GDP, and to reach a topline investment of $1.5 trillion in FY27.”\n\n“The FY27 NDAA reflects months of oversight, hearings, member engagement, and collaboration to ensure the U.S. military remains the most capable and lethal fighting force in the world,” Rogers continued. “I appreciate the bipartisan effort that went into this bill, and I look forward to advancing this legislation so we can give our warfighters the resources they need to strengthen our deterrence and defend our country.”\n\nThe bill was favorably reported to the House by a vote of 44-12.\n\nRead more about the FY27 NDAA here:\n\nFY27 NDAA Committee Markup\n\nFY27 NDAA Factsheet - Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom\n\nFY27 NDAA Chairman's Mark One Pager\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2768", "title": "Congressman Moran Announces Texas First Congressional Service Award", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) announced the 2026 recipients of the third annual Texas First Congressional Service Award. The award exemplifies the spirit of community, leadership, and dedication to service that defines the students of East Texas.\n\n“It is an incredible honor to recognize the next generation of East Texas leaders through the Texas First Congressional Award,” said Rep. Moran. “Each of these students embodies the values that make our communities strong—hard work, integrity, and a heart for service. I applaud each of them for going above and beyond to serve their schools, communities, and our great state of Texas.”\n\nThe Texas First Congressional Service Award is not a scholarship, but rather a service award to recognize deserving students in the First Congressional District of Texas. Nominees should be one male and one female from each school, preferably at the junior or senior level.\n\nFor more information or to make nominations, please email MoranStudentServices@mail.house.gov.\n\nRecipients of the 2026 Texas First Congressional Service Award:\n\nBishop Gorman High School\n\nSamuel Vogler — 11th Grade\n\nMolly McCabe — 11th Grade\n\nBrook Hill High School\n\nDanger Troy — 11th Grade\n\nJirah Park — 11th Grade\n\nCarlisle High School\n\nYesenia Alvarez —12th Grade\n\nCole West — 12th Grade\n\nChapel Hill High School\n\nSebastian Sepulveda — 12th Grade\n\nChristian Heritage Classical School\n\nMichael Cherry — 12th Grade\n\nColeigh Buckland — 12th Grade\n\nDeKalb High School\n\nDiego Andres — 12th Grade\n\nAmari Shaw — 12th Grade\n\nGladewater High School\n\nSamantha Brown — 12th Grade\n\nJohn Dru Watson — 12th Grade\n\nHallsville High School\n\nPayton Rice — 12th Grade\n\nRianna de Paula Jund — 12th Grade\n\nLaneville High School\n\nHallie Williams — 11th Grade\n\nLongview High School\n\nKennedi Simmons — 12th Grade\n\nMarshall High School\n\nRennick Taylor — 12th Grade\n\nTeresa Lopez — 12th Grade\n\nMcLeod High School\n\nPatrick Dickerson — 12th Grade\n\nMolly Terry — 12th Grade\n\nMount Enterprise High School\n\nBrody Black — 12th Grade\n\nKaydense Sprayberry — 12th Grade\n\nMount Vernon High School\n\nCaden Johnson — 12th Grade\n\nLorena Castillo — 12th Grade\n\nNew Boston High School\n\nHope Hudson — 12th Grade\n\nCorbyn Smithson — 12th Grade\n\nPanola Early College High School\n\nDavid Cawthon — 12th Grade\n\nPine Tree High School\n\nCeleste Baker — 12th Grade\n\nDylan Medrano — 12th Grade\n\nTexas High School\n\nYaneira Mendoza — 12th Grade\n\nIyanna Foreman — 12th Grade\n\nTrinity School of Texas\n\nEmilio Mendez — 12th Grade\n\nBrianna Medina — 12th Grade\n\nTyler High School\n\nTristen Taylor — 12th Grade\n\nFrancesca Austin — 12th Grade\n\nTyler Early College High School\n\nIrving Degollado — 12th Grade\n\nMolly Johnson — 12th Grade\n\nTyler Legacy High School\n\nSydney Cook — 12th Grade\n\nJordan Harris — 12th Grade\n\nWest Rusk High School\n\nKylee Blackmon — 11th Grade\n\nMason Gibbs — 11th Grade\n\nWhitehouse High School\n\nValen Preusse — 11th Grade\n\nEmma Simpson — 11th Grade\n\nNot Pictured:\n\nCenter High School\n\nPriw Say — 12th Grade\n\nNathan Newton — 12th Grade\n\nChapel Hill High School\n\nShiloh Smith — 12th Grade\n\nLindale High School\n\nKylon Kincaid — 12th Grade\n\nMollee-Kate DeWolfe — 12th Grade\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405722", "title": "Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 6.5.26", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rural community representation is important for Virginia and the United States.\n\nOur communities have unique needs and special interests. This applies in agriculture, health care and many other fields.\n\nVirginia’s Ninth District is overwhelmingly rural.\n\nThis contrasts with other urban and suburban parts of the Commonwealth, like Northern Virginia.\n\nI usually hear people express their concerns that politicians in Richmond and D.C. promote the interests of Northern Virginia at the expense of the rest of the state, primarily our rural communities.\n\nThese concerns simmered during the recent Democratic Party’s redistricting push in Virginia. Richmond Democrats sought to reduce Republican representation in the U.S. House from 5 seats to 1 seat.\n\nTo do so, the proposed districts would force many rural communities into districts dominated by Fairfax County.\n\nNorthern Virginia’s political power would grow even more!\n\nFights over representation extend across the Potomac River where Democrats want to make D.C. the 51st state.\n\nIn 2021, I voted against Democrats’ H.R. 1 which endorsed D.C. statehood.\n\nI also voted against Democrats’ H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which granted D.C. statehood under the name “Washington, Douglass Commonwealth.”\n\nI will continue to oppose partisan efforts that create two new seats in the U.S. Senate for the Democratic Party.\n\nHowever, one proposal in Congress would impact D.C. representation and its influence on the Commonwealth.\n\nThe Make DC Square Again Act sets in motion the process for Arlington County and the City of Alexandria to retrocede to Washington, D.C.\n\nSome argue that this move is the constitutional return of two jurisdictions back to is its rightful place.\n\nIn 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act.\n\nThis established a District of Columbia to serve as the capital seat of the national government starting in 1800.\n\nThis act had to comply with Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution, which in part stipulates that Congress has the power to:\n\n“exercise exclusive Legislation…over such District (not exceeding ten Miles Square) as may…become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State…”\n\nIn order to establish this capital in D.C., Virginia and Maryland each consented to cede land.\n\nThe 1789 Virginia General Assembly, which composed of members like Patrick Henry, signed an act that ceded area south of the Potomac River.\n\nAs President Washington outlined in his proclamation defining the boundaries of the District of Columbia, the 10-square mile boundary would be the permanent seat for the U.S. government.\n\nThese boundary lines remained in place for many years until the 1840s, when slavery was among the matters complicating Congress.\n\nThat decade, Congress voted to abandon the 10-square mile arrangement and give the area south of the Potomac to Virginia.\n\nWhile Virginia accepted the retrocession, I believe legal issues on this matter may remain.\n\nRevival of the D.C. square concept debate today creates conflicts within Democratic circles. National Democrats continue to advocate for D.C. statehood.\n\nI believe renewal of the D.C. square bolsters those who want D.C. statehood.\n\nI think that is wrong and constitutionally questionable because the District of Columbia was set up to be a federal district, not a state, by the framers of the Constitution!\n\nThey specifically wanted a seat of government which owed allegiance to no state.\n\nThus, I think the proper solution is to retrocede the rest of the D.C. square to Maryland, reserving a small federal District of Columbia where the small number of voters would be allowed to vote in Maryland.\n\nI have a bill that will give representation to D.C. residents without accommodating Democrats’ partisan demands to create a 51st state.\n\nMy Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act retrocedes D.C. proper to Maryland. Every D.C. resident would become a Maryland resident and have Maryland representation.\n\nAccordingly, these residents would access voting members in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.\n\nMeanwhile, a new, condensed D.C. would consist of federal properties such as the White House, U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court.\n\nMy bill would unlock for Maryland a very similar process that Congress and Virginia exercised in the 1840s.\n\nAs a result, the D.C. square would be effectively buried in history.\n\nThis may turn the page on D.C. representation, but it will not change my resolve to fairly represent and protect the interests of rural communities in Virginia.\n\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-and-donalds-release-bipartisan-hurricane-preparedness-psa-for-florida-families", "title": "Moskowitz and Donalds Release Bipartisan Hurricane Preparedness PSA for Florida Families", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "domain": "moskowitz.house.gov", "scraper": "moskowitz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001217", "name": "Jared Moskowitz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) and Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) released a bipartisan public service announcement urging Floridians to prepare now as hurricane season gets underway. The PSA covers critical preparedness steps every Floridian should take before a storm strikes, including assembling a disaster supply kit, understanding evacuation zones, and knowing the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.\n\n“Hurricanes don’t care whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican; they hit everyone,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “That’s why I’m proud to join Byron Donalds to deliver this message together. Floridians should not wait until a storm is on the radar to start preparing. Get your kit ready, have seven days of supplies, know your evacuation zone, and download the FEMA app today.”\n\n“Protecting Florida communities is a shared duty that transcends any political divide. The safety and security of all Floridians is paramount, especially as we enter this hurricane season. I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Moskowitz, in urging all Floridians to take proactive steps today. Don’t wait for a storm. Prepare today: get seven days of supplies, know your evacuation route, and stay ready,” said Congressman Donalds.The PSA urges Floridians to take the following steps before a storm arrives:\n\nAssemble a disaster supply kit that can last you seven days, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.\n\nKnow your evacuation zone and follow instructions from local emergency management officials.\n\nUnderstand the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours; a warning means they are expected within 36 hours.\n\nHave a plan for pets. Know where you can take them, pack food and supplies, and make them part of your evacuation plan. Not all shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have planned where you’ll bring your pets ahead of time. Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred kennels and facilities and make a plan to ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.\n\nDownload the FEMA app for real-time weather alerts and nearby shelter locations.\n\nBusinesses should plan ahead to protect employees, maintain communications, and secure property before a storm hits.\n\nFloridians are encouraged to stay informed through their local emergency management office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.\n\nAs the only former Director of Emergency Management in Congress, Moskowitz served as Florida’s Director of Emergency Management from 2019-2021, where he oversaw the state’s response to major disasters, including Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has continued that work in Congress, focusing on strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring communities have the resources they need when disaster strikes.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397511", "title": "Nadler, Goldman Statement on H.Con.Res.84 Vote", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "domain": "nadler.house.gov", "scraper": "nadler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000002", "name": "Jerrold Nadler", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) Dan Goldman (NY-10) released the following statement following their vote against H.Con.Res.84:\n\nToday we voted no on H.Con.Res.84, a war powers resolution dealing with the current conflict in Lebanon. We opposed this resolution because it would establish a dangerous precedent in the interpretation of the War Powers Resolution, but let us be clear: Our vote today should not be taken as an approval of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s prosecution of Israel’s military action in Lebanon.\n\nRegardless of the intentions of this resolution, it is predicated upon a premise that is both flawed in its theory and dangerous in its application. The key legal trigger for war powers resolutions is demonstrating that the United States is engaging in “hostilities” in the context of a particular conflict. However, this resolution failed to include even that most basic standard in its drafting. To the extent that American armed forces are present in Lebanon, it is to support the current Lebanese government, which deserves our assistance.\n\nThe assertion that general intelligence sharing alone constitutes engaging in “hostilities” is without merit. Critically, implementing such a standard would create a dangerous precedent around the world — implicating the United States in every conflict that includes any party with whom the United States shares intelligence. Such a proposition is as naïve as it is dangerous to American national security and global stability.\n\nOur vote today was not to absolve Netanyahu of responsibility, nor was it to approve of the prosecution of the war in Lebanon. Indeed, when H.Con.Res. 108 – a war powers resolution that targets substantiated “hostilities” that may arise in Lebanon – comes to the floor, we intend to vote in favor.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=77C26E90-85A7-4158-B00E-B2DC651D6464", "title": "Norcross’ workforce protections, investments in defense manufacturing pass House Armed Services Committee", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "norcross.house.gov", "scraper": "norcross", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000188", "name": "Donald Norcross", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee and Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, today voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\n“America's self-defense is wholly reliant on the servicemembers and civilian workforce who dedicate their lives to keeping our country safe. At a time when seemingly everything else in Washington is broken, I’m proud of our committee’s bipartisan commitment to serving those irreplaceable workers and men and women in uniform,” Norcross said. “From essential workplace rights protections to investments in the critical manufacturing happening right in South Jersey, the provisions in this bill will make a meaningful difference in the security of our country and the rest of the world.”\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) NDAA improves military readiness and strengthens American industry by cutting red tape, fixing outdated systems, and supporting defense innovation. The FY27 NDAA also includes a 3.6% pay raise for all servicemembers and boosts access to housing and education for themselves and their families.\n\nNorcross also authored a successful amendment to protect Department of Defense employees by restoring collective bargaining rights that President Trump illegally stripped in an executive order last year. His remarks to the committee in support of his amendment can be found here.\n\nOther FY27 NDAA priorities secured by Norcross include:\n\nOver $591 million for seven additional CH-47 helicopters, which will be manufactured by South Jersey workers in nearby Ridley Park across the Delaware River;\n\nOver $3.8 million for four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters that South Jersey workers will help build in Philadelphia;\n\nOver $3.47 billion for the KC-46 refueler aircraft, which flies out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst;\n\n$5 million to Rowan University for the development of hypersonic technologies;\n\nRequired a DoD study on the state of the skilled trade workforce essential to Navy shipbuilding to strengthen the training and workforce pipeline and increase our Maritime Industrial Base shipbuilding capacity;\n\nPreserved critical airborne warning and control capabilities by protecting an $800 million investment in the E-7 Wedgetail program from cancellation;\n\nEnsured shipbuilding jobs are kept in the U.S. by blocking the Navy from outsourcing warship construction to foreign countries.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://riley.house.gov/2026/06/05/riley-secures-commitment-from-ag-secretary-to-help-protect-upstate-farmland-threatened-by-solar-development-2/", "title": "RILEY SECURES COMMITMENT FROM AG SECRETARY TO HELP PROTECT UPSTATE FARMLAND THREATENED BY SOLAR DEVELOPMENT", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "riley.house.gov", "scraper": "riley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000622", "name": "Josh Riley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "At a House Agriculture Committee hearing, Riley and Secretary Rollins agreed to work together to oppose the Shepherd’s Run project in Copake, keep farmland in the hands of Upstate farmers.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — At a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture yesterday, Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins found bipartisan common ground on protecting Upstate New York farmland. The two agreed to work together at the federal level to defend the town of Copake, NY, where Albany bureaucrats have greenlit a proposed large-scale solar project against local opposition.\n\n“The whole community pulled together–residents, farmers, small business owners, community leaders, Democrats, Republicans–everyone is trying to stop this thing,” said Riley. “But a bunch of unelected bureaucrats in Albany are letting the project plow ahead. They’re overruling our neighbors and handing beautiful Upstate farmland to an out-of-state corporate developer so they can pave it over and install Chinese solar panels.”\n\nProposed by Chicago-based Hecate Energy, the Shepherd’s Run project would convert roughly 215 acres of productive farmland in Copake into a 42-megawatt industrial solar facility. New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) issued draft permit conditions in November 2025, allowing the project to move ahead despite 17 local zoning violations and overwhelming opposition from the Town of Copake, the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, and local residents.\n\nAt the hearing, Riley pressed Secretary Rollins to work together at the federal level to protect farmland and towns like Copake. “I’m not sure that there’s a more righteous battle than the battle to save this farmland,” Rollins said. “I would welcome that.”\n\nRiley’s advocacy is part of his broader work to protect Upstate agriculture. His legislation to stop foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party from buying up American farmland, and more than a dozen measures to support Upstate agriculture and rural communities, were included in the bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed the House in May.\n\nYou can watch Rep. Riley’s remarks HERE, and see a transcript below:\n\nREP. RILEY: I want to tell you about Copake. This is a beautiful rural town in Columbia County, a really tight-knit community of a few thousand people. They actually have this great car show that I like to take the kids to at Waubeeka Family Campground every summer. But today, Copake is being targeted by a billion-dollar out-of-state corporate developer called Hecate Energy that wants to cover our land with their solar panels. And it’s not just any solar panels — these are solar panels made by a Chinese company with ties to slave labor.\n\nThese developers should be using American supply chains, not Chinese supply chains. And if they’re building anywhere, build on parking lots and brownfields or the rooftops of cities, not in beautiful farmland in Upstate New York. But they’re targeting places like Copake because it’s a small town and they think they can steamroll us to make a buck for themselves.\n\nCopake is small, but they fight. The entire community — residents, farmers, small business owners, Democrats, Republicans, independents — everyone got together to fight back against this thing, and passed 17 zoning laws to stop this project from coming in. But there’s this group called ORES. It’s a bunch of unelected bureaucrats in Albany, and they are overriding the residents of Copake and letting Hecate plow ahead. They’re literally overruling our neighbors and handing this beautiful Upstate New York farmland to corporate developers using Chinese supply chains.\n\nIf they succeed, this is going to be such a tragedy — not just for towns like Copake that deserve better. In 2024 and 2025 alone, we lost 500 farms and 100,000 acres of farmland in Upstate New York. And if we don’t change course, we’re going to lose it all.\n\nOne of the reasons I supported the Farm Bill is because it included my legislation to stop China from buying American farmland. This is basically the same thing we’re dealing with here.\n\nI saw your tweet last week raising the alarm about this, including in Upstate New York. As you know, I’m always looking for ways to find common ground and shared values, and I think this might be one of them. So my question, with the time remaining, is: what can you and I do together at the federal level to protect our farmland and save towns like Copake?\n\nSECRETARY ROLLINS: I’m not sure there’s a more righteous battle than the battle to save this farmland.\n\nREP. RILEY: I look at it as like we have to take action federally to return control to local people. The power should be with the people in Copake, not a bunch of unelected bureaucrats. And if you and I need to work together federally to return that power to them, let’s do that.\n\nSECRETARY ROLLINS: I would welcome that. We’re already on it, so let’s loop you into that work.\n\nREP. RILEY: Thanks, Secretary. Appreciate it.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://riley.house.gov/2026/06/05/riley-secures-commitment-from-ag-secretary-to-help-protect-upstate-farmland-threatened-by-solar-development/", "title": "RILEY SECURES COMMITMENT FROM AG SECRETARY TO HELP PROTECT UPSTATE FARMLAND THREATENED BY SOLAR DEVELOPMENT", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "riley.house.gov", "scraper": "riley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000622", "name": "Josh Riley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "At a House Agriculture Committee hearing, Riley and Secretary Rollins agreed to work together to oppose the Shepherd’s Run project in Copake, keep farmland in the hands of Upstate farmers.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — At a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture yesterday, Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins found bipartisan common ground on protecting Upstate New York farmland. The two agreed to work together at the federal level to defend the town of Copake, NY, where Albany bureaucrats have greenlit a proposed large-scale solar project against local opposition.\n\n“The whole community pulled together–residents, farmers, small business owners, community leaders, Democrats, Republicans–everyone is trying to stop this thing,” said Riley. “But a bunch of unelected bureaucrats in Albany are letting the project plow ahead. They’re overruling our neighbors and handing beautiful Upstate farmland to an out-of-state corporate developer so they can pave it over and install Chinese solar panels.”\n\nProposed by Chicago-based Hecate Energy, the Shepherd’s Run project would convert roughly 215 acres of productive farmland in Copake into a 42-megawatt industrial solar facility. New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) issued draft permit conditions in November 2025, allowing the project to move ahead despite 17 local zoning violations and overwhelming opposition from the Town of Copake, the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, and local residents.\n\nAt the hearing, Riley pressed Secretary Rollins to work together at the federal level to protect farmland and towns like Copake. “I’m not sure that there’s a more righteous battle than the battle to save this farmland,” Rollins said. “I would welcome that.”\n\nRiley’s advocacy is part of his broader work to protect Upstate agriculture. His legislation to stop foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party from buying up American farmland, and more than a dozen measures to support Upstate agriculture and rural communities, were included in the bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed the House in May.\n\nYou can watch Rep. Riley’s remarks HERE, and see a transcript below:\n\nREP. RILEY: I want to tell you about Copake. This is a beautiful rural town in Columbia County, a really tight-knit community of a few thousand people. They actually have this great car show that I like to take the kids to at Waubeeka Family Campground every summer. But today, Copake is being targeted by a billion-dollar out-of-state corporate developer called Hecate Energy that wants to cover our land with their solar panels. And it’s not just any solar panels — these are solar panels made by a Chinese company with ties to slave labor.\n\nThese developers should be using American supply chains, not Chinese supply chains. And if they’re building anywhere, build on parking lots and brownfields or the rooftops of cities, not in beautiful farmland in Upstate New York. But they’re targeting places like Copake because it’s a small town and they think they can steamroll us to make a buck for themselves.\n\nCopake is small, but they fight. The entire community — residents, farmers, small business owners, Democrats, Republicans, independents — everyone got together to fight back against this thing, and passed 17 zoning laws to stop this project from coming in. But there’s this group called ORES. It’s a bunch of unelected bureaucrats in Albany, and they are overriding the residents of Copake and letting Hecate plow ahead. They’re literally overruling our neighbors and handing this beautiful Upstate New York farmland to corporate developers using Chinese supply chains.\n\nIf they succeed, this is going to be such a tragedy — not just for towns like Copake that deserve better. In 2024 and 2025 alone, we lost 500 farms and 100,000 acres of farmland in Upstate New York. And if we don’t change course, we’re going to lose it all.\n\nOne of the reasons I supported the Farm Bill is because it included my legislation to stop China from buying American farmland. This is basically the same thing we’re dealing with here.\n\nI saw your tweet last week raising the alarm about this, including in Upstate New York. As you know, I’m always looking for ways to find common ground and shared values, and I think this might be one of them. So my question, with the time remaining, is: what can you and I do together at the federal level to protect our farmland and save towns like Copake?\n\nSECRETARY ROLLINS: I’m not sure there’s a more righteous battle than the battle to save this farmland.\n\nREP. RILEY: I look at it as like we have to take action federally to return control to local people. The power should be with the people in Copake, not a bunch of unelected bureaucrats. And if you and I need to work together federally to return that power to them, let’s do that.\n\nSECRETARY ROLLINS: I would welcome that. We’re already on it, so let’s loop you into that work.\n\nREP. RILEY: Thanks, Secretary. Appreciate it.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3007", "title": "Rouzer, Bipartisan Primary Care Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce P...", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rouzer.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "rouzer.house.gov", "scraper": "rouzer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000603", "name": "David Rouzer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07), along with the bipartisan co-chairs of the Congressional Primary Care Caucus, Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Ami Bera (D-CA-06), introduced H.R. 8765, the Prioritizing Primary Care Act of 2026 to better understand how federal healthcare spending can guide policies to expand primary care access and improve patient outcomes nationwide.\n\nResearch consistently shows use of primary care systems are associated with better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and improved access to care. Despite these benefits, the United States currently dedicates just five percent of total healthcare spending to primary care. H.R. 8765 requires the federal government to submit reports on primary care spending under federal healthcare programs and establishes a working group on primary care.\n\n“Families across the country, particularly in rural areas like Southeastern North Carolina, continue to face a shortage of primary care providers,” said Congressman Rouzer. “That shortage makes it harder to access the consistent, preventive care needed to improve health outcomes and save lives. This legislation will help us better understand how federal healthcare dollars are being spent and how those investments can more effectively support primary care, improve patient outcomes, and thereby lower healthcare costs for patients and taxpayers.”\n\n\"We know that investing in primary care results in better health outcomes for patients and savings on other services. By measuring federal spending on primary care services across federal agencies that provide health care coverage to Americans and standardizing accounting for those services, we can give ourselves the basis of knowledge we need to increase investment in primary care,” said Congressman Joe Courtney.\n\n“Primary care plays a critical role in reducing long-term healthcare costs, preventing chronic illness, and limiting overcrowding in emergency rooms,\" said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans. \"As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how access to quality primary care can improve outcomes and strengthen communities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Prioritizing Primary Care Act to ensure federal healthcare dollars are being invested effectively and to improve access to quality care for families across the nation!”\n\n“As a doctor, I know that primary care is the foundation of a healthier, more affordable health care system,” said Congressman Bera. “Investing in primary care helps prevent disease, improve patient outcomes, and lower costs over the long term. This bipartisan bill will help us better understand how federal health care dollars are being spent and identify ways to expand access to care, especially in rural and underserved communities.\"\n\nThe Prioritizing Primary Care Act of 2026:\n\nRequires federal agencies to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the specific percentage of healthcare spending allocated to primary care.\n\nEstablishes a federal working group to develop targeted recommendations for expanding the primary care workforce, with a dedicated focus on rural and medically underserved communities.\n\nYou can find the full text of the Prioritizing Primary Care Act 2026 here.\n\nThe Congressional Primary Care Caucus, originally established in 2015 by Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) and Joe Courtney (CT-02), works to educate Congress on the importance of a comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, and patient-centered primary care system for communities across the country.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-sara-jacobs-votes-against-ndaa-due-to-lack-of-constraints-on-weaponization-and-politicization-of-military", "title": "Rep. Sara Jacobs Votes Against NDAA Due to Lack of Constraints on Weaponization and Politicization of Military", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "sarajacobs.house.gov", "scraper": "sarajacobs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000305", "name": "Sara Jacobs", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Following the egregious topline of $1.15 trillion and a lack of meaningful constraints on the Trump Administration’s illegal and reckless use and threats of the military, Rep. Sara Jacobs voted against the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House Armed Services Committee.\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs said: “Millions of Americans can’t afford gas and groceries to get through the week, and yet my colleagues green-lit a $1.15 trillion military budget anyway. True security and strength won’t be created by endlessly building ships and planes that pad defense contractors’ bottom lines and embolden a military-first approach. It will come from investing in our best asset – the American people – which we’ve largely failed to do.\n\n“President Trump has treated the military as his own personal enforcer to do his dirty work – whether that’s illegal deployments to American cities, strikes in Iran and off the coast of Venezuela, or conducting domestic law enforcement. He’s even threatened to send troops to polling locations and invade Greenland and Cuba. And yet, this bill fails to enact guardrails on this obvious politicization and weaponization of our military.\n\n“While I’m proud of the provisions I secured to expand access to IVF, guarantee transparency on the Minab strike, deliver right to repair, and ensure transparency and accountability of the Pentagon’s use of AI, I can’t in good conscience support a bill that fails to protect the use of our military in such unprecedented times.”\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs secured the following provisions in the FY27 NDAA:\n\nImproving Military Quality of Life\n\nExpands TRICARE coverage of comprehensive infertility diagnoses and treatments – including in vitro fertilization (IVF) for active-duty service members and their dependents – through Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Bipartisan for Military Families Act\n\nIncreases the cost-of-living adjustment by lowering the threshold of what’s deemed a high-cost area, so more locations qualify and more service members receive greater, meaningful support\n\nUrges the Secretary of Defense to create a military child care pilot program to increase the number of community infant and toddler care providers near select installations in areas with high child care costs or a significant lack of accessible child care\n\nModifies the child care nanny reimbursement process by allowing the Pentagon to pay families directly\n\nExcludes the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) when calculating a service member’s eligibility to receive the Basic Needs Allowance, allowing more service members and their families access to necessary support\n\nCodifies policy for TRICARE to allow Active Duty servicemembers, and their beneficiaries, to receive up to a full year’s supply of contraception.\n\nPermanently allows the Secretary of Defense to authorize mid-year temporary adjustments to BAH to address sudden cost-of-living spikes and lowers the threshold from 20% to 15%, allowing for larger adjustments to service members\n\nStrengthens oversight of military housing by mandating the reporting of window falls\n\nProhibits private military housing companies from asking military families to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)\n\nRequires a chaperone to be present at any sensitive examination performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist at a military medical treatment facility\n\nProhibits military appellate courts from overturning verdicts based on factual sufficiency\n\nRequires the Department of Defense to establish a policy banning the display of hate symbols by servicemembers and civilian employees, with guidance, training, and implementation oversight across the military\n\nRequires a briefing on how the Department of Defense is implementing the recommendations outlined in the IG report about neglect and mistreatment of military working dogs.\n\nRequires a report on the status of the statutorily required Military Justice Review Panel\n\nRequires a briefing on how the Department of Defense is implementing the GAO recommendations on military suicide prevention training effectiveness\n\nDirects GAO to review how the military services have implemented involuntary separations for non-disciplinary reasons from 2021–2026, with a focus on consistency, transparency, costs, and impacts on service members and force readiness.\n\nUpholding Human Rights, Enforcing Domestic and International Laws, and Preventing Conflict\n\nRequires the Pentagon to share its investigation with Congress into the strike on the girls’ elementary school in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed more than 175 students and teachers, and make an unclassified version of the report available to the public\n\nRequires a report listing all the DoD authorities subject to the Foreign Assistance Review\n\nAuthorizes full funding, consistent with FY2026 levels, for institutional capacity building of partner militaries through the Institute for Security Governance (ISG) account and humanitarian support and demining through Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA), and the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS)\n\nRequires a report on the Combatant Commanders’ implementation of their civilian harm mitigation response responsibilities, including personnel\n\nRequires a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to conduct a 20-year assessment of U.S. counterterrorism strategy and policy in Somalia\n\nRequires a report on the Pentagon’s strategy to address armed violence in Nigeria\n\nRequires a report on the status of Global Fragility Act implementation\n\nEnsuring AI Transparency and Accountability\n\nPreserves human accountability and responsibility for the use of force involving autonomous and AI-enabled systems by requiring policies to identify the human commanders or operators responsible for authorizing, supervising, and terminating such use of force.\n\nCreates a Department-wide AI incident and vulnerability reporting program to report, track, analyze, and remediate AI incidents and vulnerabilities across the development, testing, procurement, fielding, and operation of DoD AI systems, including risks arising from human-machine teaming.\n\nPromotes effective use of AI-enabled systems by requiring training to help operators appropriately rely on, question, or override AI outputs.\n\nRequires common definitions or categories for AI systems deployed on Department enterprise AI platforms, including systems with agentic capabilities, to support acquisition clarity, testing, authorization, and operational adoption.\n\nRequires DoD, in updating policies and guidance for autonomous and AI-enabled systems associated with the use of force, to adhere to existing law requiring human involvement in the nuclear launch process\n\nAdvancing Improved and Accountable Procurement at DoD\n\nDelivers “Right to?Repair” for major weapons systems. Contractors must hand over the parts, tools, and technical data service members need to fix their own gear.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402002", "title": "Rep. Simpson Advances World Center for Birds of Prey Funding", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $8,500,000 in funding for the Global Conservation Education and Condor Recovery Center Project in Boise, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n“The Peregrine Fund and Boise State University's collaborative efforts in raptor conservation, science, and species recovery will position Idaho as a continued leader in this field,” said Rep. Simpson. “As a longtime supporter of Boise State University, The Peregrine Fund, and the critical work that they both do, I am proud to advance funding for the proposed recovery center. The late Dirk Kempthorne, one of Idaho's most effective public servants and a dear friend of mine, championed species recovery efforts and strongly supported this project.”\n\n“We are grateful to Congressman Simpson for securing this vital funding, which will help protect and preserve Idaho's birds of prey — magnificent animals that are deeply woven into our state's cultural identity and essential to the health of our ecosystems. This investment will advance critical scientific research and bring meaningful educational outreach to communities across Idaho, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the irreplaceable role these birds play in our natural world,” said Boise State University Vice President of Research and Economic Development Dr. Nancy Glenn.\n\n“Congressman Simpson has long recognized that The Peregrine Fund's approach — rigorous science, durable partnerships, and measurable results — is exactly how endangered species get recovered. This investment doesn't just support the condor; it establishes Idaho as a global center for collaborative conservation excellence and ensures the next generation of scientists carries that model to ecosystems around the world,”said Chris Parish, President & CEO, The Peregrine Fund.\n\nThis funding will be used to enhance the partnership of Boise State University and the Peregrine Fund organization by constructing and renovating certain facilities and infrastructure at the World Center for Birds of Prey outside of Boise, Idaho.\n\nDespite claims that CPF projects are \"wasteful earmarks,\" Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.\n\nAs Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.\n\nThe Global Conservation Education and Condor Recovery Center Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/6/stefanik-advances-historic-wins-for-fort-drum-rome-labs-upstate-new-york-the-north-country-and-america-in-the-fy27-national-defense-bill", "title": "Stefanik Advances Historic Wins for Fort Drum, Rome Labs, Upstate New York, the North Country, and America in the FY27 National Defense Bill", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stefanik.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stefanik.house.gov", "scraper": "stefanik", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001196", "name": "Elise M. Stefanik", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 out of Committee.\n\n“Today, as a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was proud to help lead and shape this year’s national defense bill to strengthen our military in the face of rapidly evolving threats. This legislation restores peace through strength by rebuilding our defense industrial base, modernizing our military acquisition system, accelerating emerging technologies, and increasing the readiness and lethality of America’s fighting force,” said Chairwoman Stefanik.\n\n“As the leading advocate for Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, Rome Labs, and Upstate New York, I am proud to announce that I secured critical provisions and funding priorities that will strengthen our national security, support military families, expand cutting-edge defense innovation, and reinforce New York’s 21st Congressional District as a cornerstone of America’s defense and technological superiority. These provisions directly support President Trump’s America First national security agenda and ensure the United States remains the strongest military power in the world.”\n\nThe FY27 NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion in investment in national defense modernization, emerging technologies, military readiness, missile defense, and servicemember quality of life - areas that I have led on throughout my tenure in Congress.\n\nThe House version of the NDAA will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.\n\nChairwoman Stefanik secured numerous provisions to support Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, Rome Labs, Upstate New York, military families, America’s defense industrial base, and our strategic allies, including the following:\n\nStrengthening Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division\n\nDirects the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services regarding next-generation weapons systems and Army modernization efforts.\n\nSupports continued multi-domain operational modernization and experimentation activities benefiting Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division.\n\nRequires the Secretary of the Army to establish a plan to diversify counter-unmanned aircraft systems to better protect American forces from evolving drone threats.\n\nSupports operational experimentation and advanced lethality modernization initiatives benefiting close combat formations.\n\nSupports continued investments in multi-domain operational readiness and contested environment modernization.\n\nDelivering Major Wins for Rome Labs, Upstate New York, and the North Country\n\nSecured more than $38 million in committee-approved funding and authorizations supporting quantum computing, quantum networking, defense innovation, operational experimentation, and next-generation military technologies.\n\nSecured $10 million to support quantum entanglement distribution research, advancing next-generation secure military communications and resilient networking capabilities.\n\nSecured $10 million to demonstrate a Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Quantum System, strengthening America's ability to operate in contested environments where GPS may be degraded or denied.\n\nSecured $5 million for Ion-Trap Quantum Computer research supporting next-generation Air Force applications and operational capabilities.\n\nSecured $3 million to expand Defense Innovation Unit ONRAMP activities that accelerate the transition of innovative technologies from startups and nontraditional defense contractors to warfighters.\n\nAuthorizes $2.5 million for the Future Flag Operational Experimentation Testbed supporting Air Force Research Laboratory Rome and operational experimentation activities conducted in Lewis, New York.\n\nAuthorizes $2.5 million for Photonic Quantum Computing research and operational transition activities associated with Air Force Research Laboratory Rome.\n\nAuthorizes $2.5 million for Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed and Quantum Cloud Computing Environment activities supporting secure military communications and operational resilience.\n\nAuthorizes $2.5 million for Autonomous Battle Management Across the Full Spectrum of Conflict (ABaMASC) supporting next-generation operational command and control capabilities.\n\nSupports continued Air Force Research Laboratory quantum modernization initiatives and operational experimentation efforts.\n\nSupports advanced LiDAR-enabled Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technologies to improve force protection against emerging drone threats.\n\nDirects the Department of Defense to provide a report on the use of rare earth magnets and recognizes the importance of establishing a secure domestic supply chain for critical materials and permanent magnets.\n\nDirects the Department of Defense to provide a report regarding domestic production capabilities for aluminum-lithium alloys manufactured in Massena, New York.\n\nSupports strengthening the Northeast defense innovation ecosystem and opportunities for nontraditional defense contractors.\n\nSupports expansion of quantum networking, artificial intelligence, operational experimentation, and defense innovation partnerships across New York’s 21st District.\n\nSupporting Military Families and Servicemembers\n\nSupports the largest pay raise and compensation improvements for servicemembers and their families, strengthening recruitment, retention, and military readiness.\n\nIncludes provisions to reduce challenges military families encounter when relocating across state lines, particularly regarding school enrollment, credit transfers, academic continuity, and access to special education services.\n\nSupports Department of Defense Impact Aid programs that help school districts serving Fort Drum military families meet the unique needs of military-connected students.\n\nRequests a pilot program focused on improving childcare workforce compensation and expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare for military families.\n\nRequires a report evaluating Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) policies regarding student cell phone usage and screen time impacts to support student achievement and well-being.\n\nStrengthens military housing oversight and quality-of-life initiatives to improve living conditions for servicemembers and their families.\n\nExpands support for spouse employment, educational opportunities, and family readiness programs that help military families thrive while serving our nation.\n\nSupporting America’s Ally Israel\n\nRequests a report on the current status, condition, and adequacy of the War Reserves Stockpile for Allies–Israel (WRSA-I) to ensure critical readiness and deterrence capabilities.\n\nModifies and extends the United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Program through 2028 to strengthen joint efforts against terrorist tunnel networks.\n\nModifies and extends United States-Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UAS) cooperation authorities to improve defenses against evolving drone threats.\n\nAuthorizes robust funding for United States-Israel cooperative missile defense and security programs, reinforcing America's commitment to Israel's security.\n\nEstablishes expanded emerging technology cooperation initiatives with Israel focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum technologies, automation, and other critical defense capabilities.\n\nStrengthens bilateral defense research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts to accelerate innovation and maintain our shared technological edge.\n\nReinforces the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel in the face of growing threats from Iran and its terrorist proxies.\n\nConfronting Communist China and Foreign Adversaries\n\nProhibits defense companies from contracting with the Department of Defense if they work with Chinese military companies or their subsidiaries.\n\nSecured inclusion of the Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act, requiring motor carriers transporting Department of Defense freight to certify that they are not owned, controlled by, or maintaining significant business relationships with Chinese military companies identified under the Department of Defense's Section 1260H list.\n\nEstablishes a Secure Defense Freight Carrier Registry to strengthen national security vetting of motor carriers handling Department of Defense freight and help prevent adversary-linked entities from accessing sensitive military supply chains.\n\nEstablishes additional safeguards involving Department of Defense research and post-employment restrictions.\n\nClarifies that projects removing Communist Chinese port crane hardware and software remain eligible for federal grant funding.\n\nSupports efforts to strengthen domestic critical mineral, semiconductor, microelectronics, and rare earth supply chains.\n\nSupports strengthening America’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific and confronting Chinese military aggression.\n\nKeeping Pace with Emerging Technologies in the 21st Century\n\nSupports accelerated modernization of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, and advanced operational experimentation.\n\nEncourages expanded use of secure communications technologies supporting Special Operations Forces and contested environment operations.\n\nSupports continued modernization of defense software acquisition and emerging technology procurement.\n\nAuthorizes the Department of Defense to expand Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) activities to strengthen innovation partnerships and accelerate operational technology transition.\n\nSupports operational experimentation involving advanced autonomous systems, AI-enabled battle management, and secure quantum communications.\n\nStrengthening America’s National Defense\n\nSupports acquisition reform initiatives to reduce bureaucracy, accelerate modernization, and improve efficiency for taxpayers.\n\nSupports continued investments in missile defense modernization and next-generation air and missile defense architecture.\n\nAuthorizes robust investments supporting force readiness, operational modernization, and advanced military technologies.\n\nSupports efforts to strengthen America’s defense industrial base and secure critical supply chains.\n\nAdvances policies designed to ensure the United States maintains military superiority against adversarial threats.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/6/stefanik-leads-intelligence-committee-review-of-post-9-11-intelligence-reforms", "title": "Stefanik Leads Intelligence Committee Review of Post 9/11 Intelligence Reforms", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stefanik.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stefanik.house.gov", "scraper": "stefanik", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001196", "name": "Elise M. Stefanik", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik led an Intelligence Committee hearing to discuss the progress made on intelligence-related recommendations made in the 9/11 Commission Report and identify possible gaps and areas for improvement. This hearing is part of a year-long bipartisan review of the 9/11 Commission Report recommendations ahead of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks later this year.\n\nRead a full transcript of her opening statement as prepared for delivery:\n\nElise Stefanik: Thank you to Chairman Crawford, Ranking Member Himes, and my Co-Chair Congressman Gottheimer for working with me to convene today’s vitally important hearing. This is our FIFTH hearing or briefing as part of this commission.\n\nTwenty-five years ago, our Nation endured the September 11th terrorist attacks that were beyond comprehension and forever changed the course of American history.\n\nIn the aftermath of 9/11, it became clear that our national security and intelligence architecture needed to evolve to meet a rapidly changing threat landscape. The reforms that followed strengthened coordination, intelligence sharing, and our ability to detect and disrupt threats on our homeland.\n\nToday’s hearing is an opportunity to examine those reforms, assess what has worked, identify areas that require modernization, and ensure we continue adapting to emerging threats of today and the future.\n\nThe purpose of this commission is to review the effectiveness of the reforms that emerged from the 9/11 Commission Report and to evaluate whether our intelligence and national security institutions are fully equipped to address today’s challenges and tomorrow’s threats.\n\nWhile the world has changed dramatically over the past twenty-five years, one reality remains constant: America continues to face determined adversaries who seek to exploit vulnerabilities and undermine our national security.\n\nWe are now confronting a rapidly evolving threat environment that includes advanced drone technologies, foreign malign influence operations, cyberattacks, biothreats, and artificial intelligence developments with profound national security implications.\n\nCongress has a responsibility to confront these issues directly. We must ensure that our national security and intelligence institutions remain agile, forward-looking, and prepared to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape before our adversaries can exploit gaps.\n\nToday we are joined by a panel of witnesses who played significant roles in strengthening our intelligence community and national security framework in the years following 9/11.\n\nThank you all for being here today. I look forward to your testimony and to a thoughtful discussion on how we continue protecting the American people in an increasingly complex threat environment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-and-sen-cotton-introduce-no-safe-haven-for-terrorist-families-act/", "title": "Rep. Steube and Sen. Cotton Introduce No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube and Sen. Cotton Introduce No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) have introduced the No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act, legislation to revoke visas from close family members of terrorists and close loopholes to prevent them from obtaining visas in the future.\n\n“Terrorists and their families should not be allowed to take advantage of our immigration system and live comfortably in the United States,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “If you are related to someone who has committed acts of terrorism against Americans, you should not be welcomed into our country. The No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act puts Americans’ safety first and closes this dangerous loophole.”\n\n“Relatives of terrorists have no business being in our country. My bill would revoke visas from family members of terrorists to keep Americans safer,” said Senator Tom Cotton.\n\n“America must never be a safe haven for the families of terrorists who seek to exploit our immigration system while promoting anti-American and antisemitic extremism. I am proud to support the No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act which closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed relatives of designated terrorists to legally reside in the United States such as those tied to the Islamic Regime of Iran and Hamas,” said Chairwoman Elise Stefanik.\n\nIn addition to Sen. Cotton and Chairwoman Stefanik, this legislation is also co-sponsored by Reps. Byron Donalds, Wesley Hunt, and Barry Moore.\n\nThe No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would revoke existing visas from terrorists’ close family members and prohibit them from obtaining future visas. This legislation would create a permanent ground of inadmissibility preventing spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of designated terrorists from receiving visas or immigrating to the United States.\n\nThe legislation also requires the Secretary of State to revoke any existing visa held by a covered family member within 30 days after determining that the family member is inadmissible. By closing this loophole, the No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act ensures terrorists’ close family members cannot use America’s immigration system to gain entry into or remain in the United States.\n\nBackground: Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani’s niece and grandniece, known for spreading anti-American and pro-terror propaganda, were allowed to legally reside in the United States on visas for years.\n\nCurrent U.S. immigration law does not automatically prohibit close family members of designated terrorists from obtaining tourist, student, or work visas. Therefore, relatives of individuals responsible for terrorism against the United States and its allies have been able to enter and remain in the country.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://strickland.house.gov/2026/06/05/strickland-secures-quality-of-life-improvements-for-servicemember-and-their-families/", "title": "Strickland Secures Quality of Life Improvements for Servicemember and their Families", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "strickland.house.gov", "scraper": "strickland", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001159", "name": "Marilyn Strickland", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee passed H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA).\n\n“Improving the lives of our servicemembers, their families, and the thousands of others serving JBLM continues to be my top priority in the annual defense policy bill,” said Strickland. “This bill is set to build on the quality of life for servicemembers and their families, housing, access to healthcare, childcare support, nutrition, and continued support for JBLM, and so much more. The legislation is a bipartisan commitment to showing up for those who serve our country.”\n\nUnder Strickland’s leadership and advocacy, the bill includes key provisions to boost the quality of life for servicemembers and their families:\n\nConfederate Base Names\n\nRenames bases to follow the recommendations from the Congressionally established Confederate Naming Commission for military bases that honored Confederate leaders.\n\nHousing\n\nRemoving the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the calculation of gross household income to determine a servicemember’s eligibility for a basic needs allowance.\n\nCreate an assessment to evaluate whether faster, more cost-effective replacement authorities are improving living conditions and accelerating modernization.\n\nGive permanent authority for Temporary BAH Increases- making it easier for the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide temporary BAH increases in places with housing market spikes or major disruptions.\n\nChildcare + Healthcare\n\nProviding no-cost dental coverage under TRICARE for some junior enlisted members of the Selected Reserve.\n\nMilitary healthcare provisions that will improve the Defense Health Agency’s accountability, military treatment facility administration, TRICARE beneficiary protections, maternal health, autism care, suicide prevention, and more.\n\nAn assessment to look into the DoD’s pilot program to expand childcare capacity through partnerships with commercial providers and identify opportunities for expansion.\n\n$50 million for Impact Aid and $20 million for students with disabilities, and supporting military-connected children with severe disabilities – including additional targeted support for local educational agencies.\n\nHealth + Nutrition\n\nRequiring the DoD to provide information regarding food access and childcare to servicemembers receiving permanent change of station orders.\n\nAn amendment pushing DoD to publicly display inspection ratings and improve accountability for food service quality.\n\nCreate a process for DoD claims related to service-connected asbestos exposure and remove time limitations associated with long-latency diseases.\n\nJoint Base Lewis McChord\n\n$89 million for an Airfield Fire and Rescue Station at JBLM.\n\n$35 million for a SOF Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility at JBLM.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5900", "title": "Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Public Lands", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://titus.house.gov/news/", "domain": "titus.house.gov", "scraper": "titus", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000468", "name": "Dina Titus", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R.9167, with Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01) to prevent future efforts to sell off public lands through the Congressional reconciliation process.\n\n“Our precious public lands should never be used as revenue raisers for partisan issues,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Last year, I spearheaded the effort to stop the proposed sale of 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada without our consent. Now I am joining Representatives Vasquez, Ciscomani, Neguse, and Zinke to introduce legislation that would prevent similar proposals from advancing in the future.”\n\nUnder the Congressional Budget Act, Congress can pass legislation affecting revenue and spending through both chambers with a simple majority vote. The Public Lands Integrity Act would designate any reconciliation provision to sell or dispose of public lands as “extraneous” under this process, preventing land grabs from advancing in the U.S. Senate under the so-called “Byrd rule.” This will help ensure that land sales in Nevada are not conducted outside of the SNPLMA process, and that proceeds are not diverted back to Washington to pay for initiatives that do not directly benefit the residents of the Silver State.\n\n\"Public lands belong to the American people, not the highest bidder,\" said Congressman Vasquez. \"Last year, we saw serious attempts to sell off millions of acres of public land through a fast-tracked process that limited public input and debate. This bipartisan bill makes sure future Congresses cannot use reconciliation as a backdoor to sell lands that belong to hunters, anglers, ranchers, Tribes, outdoor businesses, and families across the country.”\n\n“Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations. Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act. Southern Arizona is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful and treasured public lands, including Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and Sabino Canyon. The Public Lands Integrity Act ensures decisions about our public lands are made openly, through regular order, and with full public input. This legislation protects these treasured spaces and helps ensure future generations can experience and enjoy the same natural beauty that makes Arizona and our country so special.”\n\n“Our nation's public lands belong to the people and are held in trust for future generations. They don’t belong to political appointees or special interests, and I'm proud to partner with my colleagues to ensure that remains true,” said Congressman Neguse. “Last summer we fought off efforts to sell-off millions of acres across the Rocky Mountain West—and we must continue to fight to ensure the reconciliation process cannot be used as a vehicle to force the sale of these treasured spaces. Republican or Democrat—representing red, purple, or blue districts—one sentiment continues to ring true: our public lands are not for sale.”\n\nSenators Bennet, Wyden, and Heinrich have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nBackground:\n\nCongresswoman Titus is a founding member of the Public Lands Caucus and a staunch defender of Southern Nevada’s public lands.\n\nIn September 2025, Congresswoman Titus introduced the first ever Congressional resolution recognizing National Public Lands Day.\n\nLast year, after House Republicans added provisions to the reconciliation bill to sell off 65,000 acres of land in Southern Nevada to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, Congresswoman Titus successfully removed those provisions through an amendment.\n\nCongresswoman Titus has championed efforts to establish National Monuments throughout Nevada, including Avi Kwa Ame in 2023, Gold Butte in 2016, and Basin and Range in 2015.\n\nOn January 7, 2026, Congresswoman Titus sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee urging them to oppose Stevan Pearce’s nomination to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management over concerns about his record on public lands and National Monuments.\n\nOn February 14, 2025, Congresswoman Titus led Nevada’s Congressional Democratic Delegation in a letter to Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum urging him not to roll back designations of national monuments.\n\nCongresswoman Titus leads an annual appropriations letter calling for robust funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s National Conservation Lands account.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-fights-to-protect-hawaii-lands-secures-key-priorities-in-annual-defense-policy-bill", "title": "Rep. Tokuda Fights to Protect Hawaiʻi Lands, Secures Key Priorities in Annual Defense Policy Bill", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "domain": "tokuda.house.gov", "scraper": "tokuda", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000487", "name": "Jill N. Tokuda", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, helped advance H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. During the day-long committee markup, Rep. Tokuda successfully blocked a provision to authorize unilateral condemnation by the Army of military training lands in Hawaiʻi. The congresswoman also secured key priorities brought forward by constituents during state-wide listening veterans' sessions, such as expanding emergency disaster response and increasing funding for barracks maintenance. The measure passed the House Armed Services Committee by a 44-12 vote, with Rep. Tokuda voting in favor of its passage.\n\n“The annual defense bill is a critical vehicle for ensuring national security, but my top priority will always be making sure those goals respect the people, land, and culture of Hawaiʻi,” said Rep. Tokuda. “My goal in these negotiations was to keep land condemnation entirely out of this defense bill. Working with the leadership of our committee, we are ensuring federal overreach is stopped at the starting line and that any future for our training lands must be built on good-faith negotiation with our local community.”\n\n“While we successfully locked in critical constituent-driven wins, from expanding immediate local disaster response to patient chaperones at military clinics and recognizing atomic civilian employees, our work is far from over,” continued Rep. Tokuda.\n\nThe Committee voted to include several provisions authored by Rep. Tokuda, many of which were proposed by her constituents, including:\n\nIncreasing the military's ability to respond swiftly to community needs after natural disasters—such as the recent Kona Low Storms—by extending the immediate response window from the current 72 hours to one week.\n\nAdding new and expanded requirements to invest in barracks maintenance and renovation, which will enable more service members to live in quality on-base housing and reduce the burden on the community’s limited housing supply.\n\nRequiring the Defense Department to expand procurement of fresh local food for commissaries and dining facilities for service members in the Indo-Pacific region, helping to grow local agricultural industries.\n\nEstablishing a DoD commemorative service medal for U.S. Government civilian and contractor employees who participated in the cleanup of radioactive material in the Pacific Islands and elsewhere.\n\nResponding to hundreds of instances of abuse of patients at Tripler Medical Center and Fort Hood, a requirement that patients be provided trained chaperones during sensitive examinations and procedures performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist at a military clinic or hospital.\n\nProhibiting awarding defense contracts to contractors that employ individuals convicted of sex trafficking.\n\nRequiring the military to notify law enforcement no later than three hours, and next of kin no later than 8 hours, after commanders learn that a service member is missing.\n\nExpanding the health care workforce by establishing new behavioral health programs at Uniformed Services University and authorizing residency programs for civilian medical providers working in the Military Health System.\n\nStrengthening the military justice system by limiting the ability of military courts of appeals to overturn verdicts based on disagreements with factual findings of the trial panel, beginning the process to establish a standalone offense of hazing under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and requiring that investigations of alleged sexual harassment by Marines and sailors be conducted by professional investigators at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.\n\nIncreasing pay for JROTC instructors in Hawaiʻi and other locations outside of the continental United States to reflect the higher cost of living.\n\nEstablishing a new, $1,000 funeral and burial benefit for military retirees who elect the survivor benefit plan and are predeceased by a beneficiary spouse.\n\nRequiring the Defense Department to publish an annual report on vulnerabilities to military installations resulting from extreme weather.\n\nA summary of the FY 2027 NDAA can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3836", "title": "Valadao, Bonamici, Bacon Lead Effort to Provide Greater Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02) 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.\n\nCongressman Valadao was an original co-sponsor of this legislation in the 118th Congress.\n\n“In the Central Valley, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic,” said Congressman 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.”\n\n“People shouldn’t be held back from getting the care they need because they do not have a way to get there,” said Congresswoman 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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nThe CHIERS Act would:\n\nCreate a grant program with funding that could be used to train staff, purchase vehicles, and contract with ridesharing services to cover transportation.\n\nDirect 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.\n\nBackground:\n\nCommunities across Kings, Kern, and Tulare Counties continue to face significant barriers to accessing treatment for opioid use disorder, particularly in rural and low-income areas where treatment centers are limited and transportation options are scarce. 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.\n\nRead the full bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-armed-services-committee-advances-rep-van-epps-gold-star-families-act-in-fy27-ndaa", "title": "House Armed Services Committee Advances Rep. Van Epps’ Gold Star Families Act in FY27 NDAA", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Rep. Van Epps released the following statement after core components of the HONOR Gold Star Families Act were included in the House Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Now that the NDAA has advanced out of the House Armed Services Committee, the full House is expected to vote on the bill.\n\nThe amendment, introduced by Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and supported by Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), increases the death gratuity for survivors from $100,000 to $165,000 and includes a cost-of-living adjustment to ensure future payments keep pace with inflation. This is the first major update to the death gratuity since 2006.\n\nRep. Van Epps said, “Whether it's being left to raise children on your own or spending the rest of your birthdays without your mother or father present, Gold Star families endure immense pain and grief. The least a grateful nation can do is to ensure that these brave Gold Star families are taken care of financially. That’s why I promised that the first bill I introduced was going to be for Gold Star families.”\n\nHe continued, “I’m pleased that a version of my legislation made it into the FY27 NDAA. I am grateful to Rep. Kiggans for introducing this bill and for the House Armed Services Committee for advancing it. Though we can’t ease the grief these military spouses, children, and loved ones feel, we can ease the financial burden. I am glad that my legislation is one step closer to becoming law.”\n\nMore about my HONOR Gold Star Families Act:", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-condemns-the-biden-epa-s-overreach-during-an-environment-subcommittee-hearing", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Condemns the Biden EPA’s Overreach During  an Environment Subcommittee Hearing", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, Rep. Van Epps participated in a Space, Science and Technology Environment Subcommittee hearing titled, “Advancing Environmental Protection Through Science and Technology.” The purpose of this hearing was to discuss and review the science and technology activities at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES), and how it relates to the Agency’s long-term research and development efforts and the use of science in the Agency’s regulatory decision-making processes.\n\nWatch Rep. Van Epps' statement here.\n\nRead Rep. Van Epps’ opening remarks here:\n\nRep. Van Epps stated, “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Dr. Gwinn, for being here today. For years, the EPA has rightly received criticism from the public for operating without congressional authority and lacking transparency. More alarming is that the agency has been captured by the left for political ends, resulting in major mission drift from its intended purpose: to protect public health and the environment in cooperation with the states.\n\nBoth the Obama and Biden administrations diverted the EPA’s mission by assaulting the American energy sector and stifling growth in the industrial sector, contracting our economy and killing jobs, while doing little to protect the environment and the public.\n\nThankfully, the Trump administration and Administrator Zeldin have taken decisive action to direct the EPA back to its core mission, driven by clear mandates, streamlined processes, state leadership, and rigorous science.”\n\nRead Rep. Van Epps’ questions here:\n\nRep. Van Epps said, “Notably, last year, Administrator Zeldin announced EPA would shift staff from the Office of Research and Development into EPA program offices while establishing the new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions to align the EPA’s scientific functions with the agency’s rulemaking authority. This is meaningful reform after the Office of Research and Development has acted without accountability for decades, shrugging Congressional and public input to pursue political ends.\n\nOne of the major criticisms of the Office of Research and Development was that the office conducted scientific activities without Congressional authorization. At the same time, these activities were driving regulation and enforcement.\n\nDr. Gwinn, how have the reorganization efforts ensured that scientific activities are transparent and aligned with EPA’s regulatory authority, and can you assure this committee that the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions is only conducting scientific activities that Congress has authorized?”\n\nDeputy Associate Administrator for the EPA’s OASES, Dr. Maureen Gwinn, replied, “...Thank you for that question. One of the things, just going back again to the reorganization, I know you had described some of that, and some of the shifts from ORD. The reorganization has moved science activities directly to the program offices, where those regulatory decisions are made, in part to strengthen the relationships and collaboration there, and the understanding of the science for decisions and the decisions that inform the science that we do. With OASES, we're also doing applied research that is in coordination with those program offices. So, I think that gets to the heart of your question, in terms of ensuring that it is research that has been authorized by Congress. The research that OASES is doing is being done largely in collaboration through development of projects and problems, problem formulation, together with the program offices to make sure that the work is indeed responsive to the needs of the programs and the agency and will help inform the statutory requirements and the mission to protect human health and the environment.”\n\nRep. Van Epps stated, “With over 60,000 chemicals and refining-related jobs supporting 520 businesses, Tennessee is helping to lead American innovation in advanced chemical manufacturing. In my district, Clarksville, Tennessee, is home to a growing manufacturing hub with companies conducting advanced chemical manufacturing activities, many of them in the early stages of launching new projects. The primary environmental statute that impacts these new manufacturing projects is the Toxic Substances Control Act, New Chemicals Program.\n\nDr. Gwinn, the New Chemicals Program has long had a backlog in reviewing new chemicals for manufacturing. There are tools like computational toxicology that may help the Agency chip away at that. Can you tell me what work is going on in areas like computational toxicology to advance scientific approaches that can help speed-up new chemical reviews, especially considering your expertise in toxicology?”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/06/05/vindman-condemns-republican-move-to-block-lower-prescription-drug-costs-for-military-families/", "title": "Vindman Condemns Republican Move to Block Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Military Families", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after Republicans who serve with him on the House Armed Services Committee used a procedural maneuver to block lowering prescription drug costs for military families.\n\n“At a time when service members, veterans, and military families are paying more for everything from groceries to gas to healthcare, I am appalled that my Republican colleagues chose to hide behind a procedural maneuver rather than help lower prescription drug costs for those who served our nation,” said Vindman. “The last thing anyone who has worn the uniform should have to worry about is whether they can afford the medications they need. These brave men and women deserve leadership that matches their sacrifice. Today, they didn’t get it.”\n\nBuilding on the success of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug price negotiation program, the MISSION Rx Act would require TRICARE and the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay either the CMS-negotiated price or the program’s original price for prescription drugs, whichever is lower.\n\nBy paying the lowest available government-negotiated price, TRICARE and the VA would reduce spending on prescription drugs for servicemembers and their families while saving taxpayers billions. CMS estimates this policy could save up to $6 billion annually.\n\nAs CMS expands its drug price negotiations, the bill is designed to grow alongside the program, applying to any additional drugs subject to negotiated pricing in the future.\n\nThe MISSION Rx Act is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, the Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, and Commissioned Officers Association Public Health Service.\n\nYou can read full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/06/05/vindman-secures-key-ndaa-wins-for-virginia-service-members-military-families/", "title": "Vindman Secures Key NDAA Wins for Virginia Service Members & Military Families", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), a U.S. Army veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after voting to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of Committee.\n\n“I was proud to secure bipartisan wins for Virginia’s service members and military families in this year’s NDAA. I backed a pay raise for our troops, led an effort to crack down on transnational criminal organizations that scam Americans, and championed a provision to reduce gas prices for warfighters and their families,” said Vindman. “As a 25-year Army veteran representing 36,000 service members, I know firsthand what our troops need to succeed. I was proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this bipartisan package out of committee.”\n\nThe Committee’s 14-hour markup produced a bipartisan bill that strengthens U.S. military readiness, supports service members and their families, and reinforces American leadership in today’s complex global security environment.\n\nVindman introduced and secured passage of 19 amendments, cosponsored 47 amendments that passed to stand up for military families and best support our readiness.\n\nVindman passed one bill as part of the NDAA:\n\nThe Honor and Trust in Service Act to require the Secretary of Defense ban service members and civilian Department of Defense (DoD) personnel from using prediction markets to bet on national security-related events.\n\nVindman led and secured the following priorities in the NDAA to bolster military readiness, ensure lethality, and ensure the military services can innovate and field capabilities faster:\n\nSecured $15 million for the first-ever procurement and research and development of fiber-optic drones\n\nEstablished experimental, battalion-sized formations that integrate unmanned aircraft systems to carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and precision strike operations at-scale\n\nEstablished a common operating system for UAS platforms, helping ensure the military can integrate new technologies faster and operate more effectively across services\n\nEstablished pilot program that uses AI-powered digital twins — virtual replicas of critical infrastructure systems — to strengthen military base operations and improve resilience against cyberattacks from adversaries like China\n\nSecured an additional $30 million in funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program (REPI)\n\nLed effort to counter transnational criminal organizations using cyberspace to conduct fraud, theft, and compromise private data\n\nLed provision to require oversight before the Secretary of Defense can make major changes to the structure, organization, or responsibilities of the military’s Judge Advocate General Corps.\n\nRequired DoD to provide a briefing on the integration of AI enabled advanced manufacturing into the defense industrial base to increase munitions stockpiles\n\nSecured $32 million for Gliding Offensive Lightweight Unmanned Munition (GOLUM) to reduce cost and lead time to produce various munitions\n\nPreserved the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, ensuring service members continue to have access to trusted, independent reporting free from political interference\n\nSecured a provision to reduce gas prices for warfighters and their families\n\nVindman secured multiple NDAA provisions that came directly from conversations with constituents in Virginia’s Seventh District, including:\n\nA provision addressing disparities in the quality of death investigations involving active-duty service members, helping ensure families receive thorough and consistent answers following a tragedy\n\nFollowing a visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico,a provision establishing standardized munitions for one-way attack operations conducted by covered unmanned aircraft systems\n\nA report examining how DoD can better support military families navigating major life changes\n\nOverall, Vindman’s yes vote supported critical priorities for the warfighter, their families, and the nation including:\n\n3.6% pay raise for all service members, a 7% raise for noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted service members, 6% for service members who rank E-6 to O-3, and 5% for O-4s and above\n\n$125 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCUs)\n\nOver $2 billion for new construction of quality-of-life infrastructure including barracks, dormitories, and government-owned family housing\n\n$422 million for environmental cleanup at Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) sites, including a $50 million addition for Navy BRAC\n\n$694 million for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program\n\n$50 million for local educational agencies with military dependent students and $20 million for those that receive payment for children with severe disabilities\n\n$1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and $210 million for European security cooperation, with $175 million for the Baltic Security Initiative\n\nMore than $25 billion in military construction projects, more than $60 billion in shipbuilding funding, and more than $19 billion for tactical air and land forces procurements\n\nThese provisions reflect Vindman’s commitment to holding the Department of Defense accountable, safeguarding our national security, and guaranteeing our servicemembers have the resources and support they need to succeed.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCongressman Vindman is a U.S. Army veteran. He served as an infantry officer and paratrooper including assignments in the 82D Airborne Division and as a company commander leading troops. Soon after, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. As a JAG, Vindman served as an international law advisor in Iraq; as the senior prosecutor in the busiest jurisdiction in the Army; and as a White House National Security Council (NSC) deputy legal advisor. In Congress, he sits on the House Armed Services Committee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=606", "title": "Walkinshaw, Hoyer, Van Hollen Release Statement on Trump Administration Reclassification of Thousands of Federal Workers", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Steny Hoyer (MD-05) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), co-chairs of the Federal Workforce Caucus, released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s executive order reclassifying about 8,000 federal workers into the Schedule Policy/Career category, effectively tripling the number of at-will federal employees and opening the door for the Administration to carry out more politically-motivated firings without recourse for the employees to appeal.\n\n“Americans across our country rely on the critical services that the nonpartisan, highly skilled federal workforce provides. Instead of supporting these workers, Donald Trump continues to attack them. The merit-based federal workforce is a cornerstone of our government, and this corrupt policy only undermines the quality of services delivered to the American people in favor of political cronyism. We will continue fighting back in support of our civil servants and the crucial work they do on behalf of the American people.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=607", "title": "Walkinshaw & Blumenthal Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect & Expand National Scenic Trails", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation to preserve and expand America’s national trail system. The Complete America’s Great Trails Act gives a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily make land contributions towards the completion of National Scenic Trails, expanding the trail system and protecting the land from development.\n\n“Here in Fairfax, trails are part of everyday life. With more than 22,000 acres of parkland and over 334 miles of trails in our county park system, they connect homes, schools, businesses, parks, and communities while giving families access to the outdoors. But across the country, too many National Scenic Trails remain unfinished or vulnerable to development. In honor of National Trails Day, I’m proud to introduce the Complete America’s Great Trails Act with Senator Blumenthal to create a new tax credit that helps landowners voluntarily conserve land along these trails. This bill will help complete America’s National Scenic Trails, protect open space, expand outdoor access, and preserve these natural treasures for future generations,” said Walkinshaw.\n\n“This measure will enhance our nation’s scenic trails and protect public access to these treasured spaces,” said Blumenthal. “By encouraging landowners to support our trail system, our Complete America’s Great Trails Act will improve connectivity for hikers and families and preserve our country’s unique natural beauty for generations to come.”\n\nConnecticut is home to two of the 11 National Scenic Trails—the Appalachian Trail, which extends 52 miles across the state from Salisbury in the north to Sherman in the south, and the New England Trail, which extends 117 miles across the state from Suffield in the north to Guilford in the south.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\n“For almost a decade now, I’ve gotten to experience the beauty of Connecticut’s great outdoors on my yearly Walk Across Connecticut,” said Murphy. “Between the Appalachian and New England trails, Connecticut has nearly 200 miles worth of National Scenic Trail space and I’m really proud to support legislation that will make it easier for Connecticut families to enjoy the transformative experience of being in nature.”\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association (CFPA), and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.\n\n“The Complete America’s Great Trails Act is a practical, voluntary conservation tool that helps close critical trail gaps, expand public access, and conserve important landscapes. For trails that the Appalachian Mountain Club helps steward and enjoy, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the New England Trail, this legislation can help create more complete and connected trail experiences for future generations. AMC is pleased to support this commonsense effort,” said Mandy Warner, Senior Director of Policy for AMC.\n\n“Trails do more than connect destinations. They connect people to nature, history, and one another. We thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership on the Complete America’s Great Trails Act, which will help conserve critical trail corridors and strengthen the long-term future of America’s great trail systems, including those here in Connecticut,” said Joey Listro, Executive Director of CFPA.\n\n“The Appalachian Trail depends on partnerships that span public and private lands. By providing a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily donate conservation easements along National Scenic Trails, the Complete America’s Great Trails Act creates a practical incentive to protect trail corridors, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and conserve the landscapes that make these trails possible. We applaud Congressman Walkinshaw and Senator Blumenthal for introducing this legislation and for recognizing the important role private landowners play in sustaining America’s National Scenic Trails for future generations,” said Dan Ryan, Vice President of Conservation and Government Relations, Appalachian Trail Conservancy.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here. A one-pager is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3505", "title": "Wasserman Schultz, Miller, Cleaver, Bacon Introduce Legislation to Accelerate Cures for Polycystic Kidney Disease", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Carol Miller (WV-1), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), and Don Bacon (NE-2) announced the introduction of the PKD Cures Act to expand polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research at the National Institutes of Health and develop a comprehensive roadmap to identify research gaps and priorities, enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, and develop a plan for integrating innovative technologies such as precision medicine and artificial intelligence into PKD research and care.\n\nOver 500,000 Americans live with PKD, a condition that often leads to end-stage renal disease and kidney failure, necessitating dialysis and transplantation for many patients. It is estimated that cystic kidney diseases, including PKD, cost Medicare approximately $3 billion annually. The PKD Cures Act ensures NIH is dedicating the resources necessary to develop the next generation of cures for individuals living with PKD.\n\n“PKD impacts more than half a million Americans, but doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We must pass this legislation to invest in research, improve treatment, and work towards a cure,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support Americans with polycystic kidney disease and their families.”\n\n“Kidney disease remains one of the most underrepresented and underfunded chronic diseases in our nation, despite the profound impact it has on hundreds of thousands of families. Polycystic kidney disease demands greater attention and sustained research efforts. This legislation is a critical step toward expanding research and delivering real hope to the more than half a million Americans living with PKD. By advancing this work, we are ensuring these patients are not overlooked and that they have a clearer path toward effective treatments, and ultimately a cure,” said Miller.\n\n“Despite more than 600,000 Americans living with Polycystic Kidney Disease across the country, it is a condition that too often gets overlooked, both in terms of public awareness and medical research,” said Cleaver. “There are steps Congress can take to bolster research efforts that will lead to better outcomes and desperately needed relief for Americans facing this chronic disease. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PKD Cures Act with Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Bacon, and Miller to begin that process immediately, providing the pathway to an eventual cure.”\n\n“Polycystic kidney disease affects thousands of families and currently has no cure,” said Bacon. “The PKD Cures Act will expand federal research into the areas experts have identified as the highest priorities and direct NIH to develop a comprehensive roadmap for PKD research and innovation. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan effort to accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”\n\n“The introduction of the PKD Cures Act is a landmark moment for the PKD community. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases and can impact multiple generations within a single family. Yet until now, Congress has never introduced PKD-specific legislation,\" said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the PKD Foundation. “This bill directs the NIH to invest additional energy and resources into the avenues of research that the country's leading PKD scientists have identified as most promising and establishes a working group to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the future of PKD research and innovation. We are deeply grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz and her bipartisan colleagues for their leadership and their commitment to the more than 500,000 Americans living with this disease. The PKD Cures Act brings us meaningfully closer to the better treatments, and the cure, that our community has long fought for.”\n\n“The majority of those diagnosed with PKD will face kidney failure — not because we lack the scientific tools to fight back, but because we have never had the coordinated federal investment to apply them,” said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Kidney Foundation. “The PKD Cures Act gives the research community what it has needed for decades: a mandate, a structure, and accountability for results. NKF is proud to stand alongside our friends at PKD Foundation and ask Congress to pass this bill.”\n\n“The American Kidney Fund is proud to support the PKD Cures Act. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common genetic disorders and creates very significant challenges for individuals and families; it affects about 500,000 people in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. \"Expanding NIH research and developing a comprehensive roadmap will accelerate much-needed breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.”\n\n\"The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) applauds the introduction of the PKD Cures Act and commends Representative Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Representative Miller (R-WV), Representative Cleaver (D-MO), and Representative Bacon (R-NE) for their bipartisan leadership to improve the nation's kidney health. This legislation has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies and ultimately improve the lives of the 600,000 Americans living with PKD,\" said ASN President Samir M. Parikh, MD, FASN. \"It strongly aligns with priorities identified in the kidney community's recent Transforming Kidney Health Research report, and ASN looks forward to working with Congress, the NIH, people living with PKD, and other stakeholders to advance this important legislation and bring us closer to a future free from the burden of PKD.”\n\nThe PKD Cures Act is endorsed by the PKD Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, and the American Society of Nephrology.\n\nThe bill text can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/06/05/rep-whitesides-secures-investments-for-local-workforce-and-defense-industry-pushes-government-oversight-in-defense-authorization-bill/", "title": "Rep. Whitesides Secures Investments for Local Workforce and Defense Industry, Pushes Government Oversight in Defense Authorization Bill", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Congressman brings millions back to his district’s aerospace and defense companies, securing thousands of local jobs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27) secured several key wins for California’s 27th District in the bipartisan FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed out of the House Armed Services Committee. The legislation advances critical priorities for the district, including large investments for thousands of high quality jobs across Northern Los Angeles County, expanded wildfire detection technology to protect our communities, and support for next-generation aerospace manufacturing at Plant 42. The Congressman also successfully advocated for a series of checks on government corruption – taking on insider trading on prediction and energy markets linked to military operations, and investigating political officials living in military housing.\n\n“I’m proud to have secured critical funding for our community in this year’s defense bill, including investing in next-generation aircraft built right here in the Antelope Valley, expanding our ability to detect and fight wildfires before they become catastrophes, and delivering real investments in the pay, housing, and health care that our servicemembers and their families deserve,” said Rep. Whitesides. “I also fought hard against the overreach we’ve seen out of this administration and the Secretary of Defense. I’ll keep pushing to get corruption out of our government by banning insider trading, standing against the politicization of our military, and defending the free press from unconstitutional restrictions.”\n\nEvery year, the House Armed Services Committee establishes national defense priorities and directs military spending via the NDAA. Rep. Whitesides’ amendments reflect his commitment to lowering the cost of living, creating jobs in his district, supporting workforce development programs, improving our safety and security, and combating the wildfire crisis.\n\nRep. Whitesides successfully secured the following provisions in the NDAA, including:\n\nProtecting the FireGuard program, which provides real-time wildfire data to firefighting teams on the ground;\n\nEnabling FireGuard to procure non-profit and commercial data for the first time, expanding the program’s early detection capabilities;\n\nPiloting the use of unmanned aircraft to detect and fight wildfires at military installations, giving California new high-tech tools to combat catastrophic fires;\n\nPushing for the expansion of the B-21 Raider fleet size to bolster local aerospace manufacturing;\n\nLimiting the use of artificial intelligence in nuclear command and sensitive communications;\n\nInvestigating documented insider trading in prediction and energy markets by Defense Department officials during Operation Epic Fury;\n\nStreamlining the defense acquisition process to reduce bureaucratic barriers and accelerate the deployment of innovative technology across the military;\n\nOpening opportunities for Mojave’s National Test Pilot School through new training pathways;\n\nInvestigating politically-appointed officials living in housing designated for military members to ensure they are paying fair market rates;\n\nEnhancing U.S. Air Force threat monitoring through additional research and cooperation with private partners;\n\nIncreasing readiness for countering enemy unmanned underwater vehicles;\n\nRequiring the Pentagon to report annually on any incidents where AI systems caused death or injury to U.S. servicemembers;\n\nProtecting American companies from a retaliatory “supply chain risk” designation while operating legally and under contract terms; and\n\nIdentifying at-risk areas for toxic exposure through burn pits for American servicemembers around the world.\n\nRep. Whitesides helped secure more than $19 billion in federal funding for next-generation aircraft, which support nearly 10,000 jobs across the Antelope Valley and Northern Los Angeles county:\n\nOver $6.1 billion for the B-21 Raider, Northrop Grumman’s next-generation stealth bomber for the U.S. Air Force, which is built at Plant 42 in Palmdale;\n\nOver $8.5 billion for the Lockheed Martin F-35, whose center fuselage is built by Northrop at Plant 42;\n\nOver $3.6 billion for the F-15 Eagle, aspects of which have been upgraded at Plant 42;\n\nOver $915 million for Northrop Grumman’s B-2 Spirit, the current strategic stealth bomber in the United States Air Force, which was built in Palmdale and is now upgraded and tested at Plant 42; and\n\nOver $10 million for continued support for the U-2 at Plant 42.\n\nRep. Whitesides also supported the following important elements of the NDAA:\n\nA 3.6% pay raise for all servicemembers;\n\nExpanded childcare options for military families;\n\nA Student Internship Program for military childcare providers;\n\nComprehensive reporting requirements by the Defense Health Agency as it relates to access to care, military and civilian staffing, and provider readiness;\n\nAid to local educational agencies with military-dependent students;\n\nImproved medical coverage under TRICARE for members of the Reserve Component; and\n\nImplementation of a roadmap to modernize classified networks.\n\nWith the passage of the bill at the full committee level, the NDAA will now proceed to a vote on the House floor later this year.\n\n###\n\nThe 27th district is home to more than 700,000 people across the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and San Fernando Valley. It includes northern Los Angeles County communities like Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Acton, Agua Dulce, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, and Sun Village. I am honored to serve the people from these communities. Learn More", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6954", "title": "Wittman Supports Advancement of Legislation to Strengthen Our National Defense and Revitalize the Defense Industrial Base", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), vice chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services and chairman of the subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL), voted in favor of the committee’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27).\n\n“This year’s NDAA strengthens our national defense by revitalizing our defense industrial base, restoring the lethality of our military, improving servicemembers’ quality of life, and strengthening our ability to deter our adversaries. At a time when adversaries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia continue to accelerate the production of advanced technologies and threaten the ideals that define America, we must ensure our military has the resources and capabilities they need to remain the most prepared and technologically advanced fighting force in the world.\n\n“Over the last thirty years, the defense industrial base has atrophied severely due to declining investment and bureaucratic red tape. For Virginia, where the defense sector generates tens of billions of dollars in economic activity annually and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, these challenges have real consequences for our communities and national security. Shipbuilders, manufacturers, research institutions, and military installations across the Commonwealth play a critical role in equipping our servicemembers with the resources they need to do their jobs safely while maintaining a competitive edge against our adversaries. This NDAA delivers important wins for Virginia by investing in shipbuilding and military construction projects, advancing nuclear technology development, and strengthening workforce recruitment and retention – ensuring Virginia remains at the forefront of defense innovation.\n\n“I am pleased to see that many of my priorities were included in this year’s NDDA, and I look forward to supporting its passage on the House Floor.” - Rep. Rob Wittman\n\n“Chairman Wittman is well aware that our national security is built on a solid industrial base, and the people who power it, like the men and women in Virginia who are producing the ammunition, vehicles, and ships our military needs. His work on the NDAA is critical to revitalizing defense manufacturing, expanding our skilled workforce, and expediting cutting-edge capabilities to our warfighters. With his leadership, we’ll rebuild the Arsenal of Freedom and strengthen American deterrence.” - Chairman Rogers\n\nThis legislation includes dozens of Congressman Wittman’s priorities:\n\nShipbuilding\n\nFully funds Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine production.\n\nSpecifically for two Virginia-class submarines and one Columbia-class submarine.\n\nAuthorizes incremental funding for long-lead time components for Virginia-class submarines.\n\nFully funds Ford-class aircraft carrier production.\n\nAuthorizes funding for two amphibious warships and authorizes the Navy to buy multiple amphibious ships at a time, save taxpayers millions of dollars\n\nRequires the Navy to enter into multi-year, multi-ship maintenance and repair contracts to provide additional certainty to the ship repair industrial base.\n\nQuality of Life and Military Workforce\n\nGives service members a 5%–7% pay raise\n\nEstablishes demonstration projects to increase recruitment and retention at public naval shipyards, regional maintenance centers, and Trident refit facilities.\n\nEstablishes a project to ensure that ICBM operational wings and sustainment facilities maintain the workforce necessary to continue ongoing modernization efforts.\n\nRequires a briefing on how the credit for prior learning policies can be aligned to promote the translation of military experience into academic credit.\n\nDefense Innovation and Acquisition Reform\n\nEstablishes a new transfer authority allowing military acquisition executives to rapidly move successful prototype technologies from research and development into procurement, accelerating the delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter.\n\nStrengthens the Defense Innovation Unit's ability to transition emerging commercial technologies into military programs by codifying coordination between DIU and the military service acquisition organizations.\n\nExpands Modular Open Systems Architecture requirements across Department of Defense acquisition programs to improve interoperability, increase competition, reduce vendor lock-in, and accelerate technology modernization.\n\nRequires the Department to prioritize rules that will expedite and streamline the acquisition of commercial products and services.\n\nUnmanned Systems and Tactical Aircraft\n\nRequires the Department of Defense to establish a common operating system framework for unmanned aircraft systems to enable interoperability across platforms, accelerate software integration, and rapidly deploy new capabilities.\n\nRequires the Navy to incorporate denied, degraded, intermittent, and limited communications operations into the development and acquisition of unmanned surface vessels, improving their effectiveness in contested environments.\n\nDirects the Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive strategy for sustaining and maintaining F-35 Joint Strike Fighters in contested logistics environments, including supply chain resilience, spare parts availability, and allied coordination.\n\nEstablishes an Autonomy Integration Account to accelerate the resourcing and integration of autonomous capabilities, including navigation, targeting, communications, and battle management.\n\nExtends the prohibition on retiring E-3 Sentry aircraft and requires the Air Force to provide Congress with an acquisition plan and budget needs for the E-7 Wedgetail program.\n\nAdvanced Nuclear Development\n\nFully funds advanced nuclear capabilities development, including TRISO fuel for Project Pele.\n\nRestores funding for the Navy Energy Program, which supports the small modular reactor (SMR) pilot program established in the FY26 NDAA.\n\nRequires a report detailing progress and milestones towards implementation of the SMR pilot program.\n\nCongressman Wittman also secured wins for Virginia:\n\nFunds a hybrid robotic demonstration program in Virginia to support increased submarine production capacity.", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6955", "title": "Wittman, Ryan Deliver Key Defense Modernization Caucus Wins in FY27 NDAA", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY), founding co-chairs of the House Defense Modernization Caucus, announced several key wins they secured to bolster the defense innovation ecosystem in the House Armed Services Committee’s draft of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. Early this year, Wittman and Ryan released a form to solicit policy proposals and focus areas from industry and academia in an effort to help inform their submissions and give a voice to the defense innovation community.\n\n“As our adversaries continue to rapidly evolve their military technologies, it is imperative that we provide our service members with the tools they need to accomplish their missions safely and effectively, while ensuring they can keep pace with emerging threats,” said Rep. Wittman. “Too often, bureaucratic red tape and outdated acquisition practices create barriers that slow the adoption of new technologies and discourage innovation across the defense industrial base. The provisions included in this year’s NDAA will remove these barriers to innovation, strengthen competition, and ensure that the Department can more quickly identify and acquire emerging technologies. I am proud to work alongside Congressman Ryan and our House Defense Modernization Caucus members to advance reforms that will help ensure America continues to be a global leader in defense innovation.”\n\n“This year’s NDAA builds on the strides we made last year – to break down bureaucratic barriers, overhaul cumbersome acquisition processes, and ensure the Department can rapidly adopt the technologies that will define the future fight. From fast tracking prototype to production timelines, opening flexible funding for the PAEs, and strengthening collaboration between DIU and the Services, this bill pushes the Department to innovate, iterate, and scale. It will drive the cultural and institutional change necessary to ensure America remains the most innovative and capable military force in the world,” said Rep. Ryan. “I’m grateful to Congressman Wittman for his continued partnership and to our HDMC members for their vision and support – the work continues.”\n\nCo-chairs Wittman and Ryan successfully fought for initiatives that will:\n\nTransfer Authority for Rapid Transition of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Prototypes\n\nAllows PAEs to transfer research and development funds to procurement to scale the production and adoption of new defense technologies\n\nModifications to the Responsibilities of the Defense Innovation Unit\n\nCodifies coordination between DIU and PAEs to identify and transfer new platforms, capabilities, and solutions that fill capability gaps\n\nModernization of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Requirements\n\nExpands adoption of MOSA during the design and development of defense capabilities to increase interoperability and enable more iterative updates to systems\n\nSCIF Accreditation and Pilot Program Delays\n\nRequires reports on delayed accreditation for SCIFs and an update on the shared SCIF pilot program\n\nMilitary Doctrine for Autonomous Systems\n\nRequires the DAWG to develop US military doctrine for the use of unmanned autonomous systems and autonomous formations.\n\nLow-Cost Munitions\n\nRequires DoD to consider alternative, lower-cost munitions designs when meeting requirements for major weapons programs that could complement existing munitions.\n\nQuantum Acquisition Strategy\n\nRequires the DOD to use DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to inform the development and acquisition of quantum computing systems.\n\nSoftware Accountability for Sustainment\n\nIncorporates software sustainment frameworks into the responsibilities of product support managers and incentivizes PAEs to incentivize the use of software-enabled solutions for sustainment.\n\nPrioritizing Commercial Acquisition Regulations\n\nRequires the Department to prioritize the issuance of acquisition guidance from the FY26 NDAA related to commercial products and services.\n\nPAE Contract Management Authorities\n\nGrants PAEs additional authorities to address underperforming contractors and requires the DOD to establish contractor performance metrics.\n\nPre-Award Guidance\n\nRequires the Department to establish pre-award guidance for small businesses and non-traditional defense companies to facilitate better communication and prevent the disclosure of sensitive and classified information.\n\nReps. Wittman and Ryan founded the House Defense Modernization Caucus to accelerate innovation across the Department of Defense and deliver capabilities to the warfighter at speed and at scale. Wittman’s deep ties to Virginia’s shipbuilding ecosystem and leadership on the Tactical Air and Land Subcommittee, along with Ryan’s experience as a military intelligence officer and tenure in the startup world, bring two uniquely valuable perspectives, each keenly aware of the importance of modernization and apt to collaborate on the HDMC goals:\n\nSoftware-Centric Pentagon\n\nLeveraging Private Capital to Accelerate Technology Adoption\n\nStrengthening DoD’s Role as a Commercial Buyer and Industry Partner\n\nReforming Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) & Acquisition Processes\n\nOther members of the House Defense Modernization Caucus who serve on HASC and helped champion these and additional efforts include: Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Rep. Ed Case (D-HI), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. John McGuire (R-VA), Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX), Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Rep. George Whitesides (D-CA), Rep. John James (R-MI), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO), Rep. John Carter (R-TX), and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA).", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6956", "title": "Wittman, Virginia Republican Delegation Support Disaster Designation Request For Virginia’s Agricultural Industry", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) was joined by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Congressman John McGuire (VA-05), Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06), and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins in support of Virginia’s request for the USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation following severe freeze events in April of 2026 that caused significant crop damage across the state.\n\n“Agriculture is the backbone of Virginia, supporting jobs across the Commonwealth, providing food and commodities to the nation, and serving as a key driver of economic growth,” said Rep. Wittman. “Virginia’s farmers are resilient, but these severe freeze events resulted in millions of dollars in crop losses and placed a significant strain on farm families and rural communities. I was proud to lead this letter in support of Virginia’s request for disaster designation so that producers can access the resources and relief they need to recover.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410816", "title": "From the Front: June 5, 2026", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "From the Front Newsletters\nFrom the Front: June 5, 2026\nShare on Facebook\nShare on X\nPrint this Page\nShare by Email\nWashington,\r\n      June 5, 2026\nClick here to read this edition.\nRead more.\nJOIN MY EMAIL LIST\nSUBSCRIBE", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-votes-no-on-an-additional-70-billion-to-ice/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS VOTES NO ON AN ADDITIONAL $70 BILLION TO ICE", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "June 5, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) voted early this morning to prevent investing more than $70 billion more in taxpayer funds for ICE and Border Patrol. She released the following statement:\n\n“As gas prices spike, the cost of groceries continues to rise, and millions of Americans lose access to their health care, Republicans have just handed over an additional $70 billion to ICE without serious reforms. Republicans have made it all too clear that their loyalty to protecting this President outweighs their loyalty to the American people. Tonight’s vote proved once again that their focus remains elsewhere: the President’s $2 billion slush fund, his ballroom, his arch, and his helipad. Not on lowering Americans’ costs.”\n\nSenator Alsobrooks filed the following amendments, which represent the Democratic priorities focused on lowering costs, protecting public health, and defending our federal workers:\n\n#5730: Lowering Drug Costs\n\nThis amendment would strengthen the drug price negotiation program to deliver more savings to the American people by increasing the annual number of prescription drugs selected for price negotiation.\n\n#5731: Lowering Drug Costs\n\nThis amendment would lower costs by extending the historic drug price negotiation program to all Americans with private coverage. This includes over 164 million workers and their families who get health coverage through their jobs and more than 24 million individuals with Affordable Care Act coverage.\n\n#5732: Lowering Energy Costs\n\nThis amendment would reduce funding for ICE to fund the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981.\n\n#5733: Restoring CDC and NIH Staffing to Prevent Public Health Crises\n\nThis amendment would require OPM and HHS to restore NIH and CDC staffing to January 2025 levels in order to respond to emerging health threats, including Ebola.\n\n#5734: Protecting and Paying Federal Workers During Shutdowns\n\nThis amendment would ensure that federal workers and contractors continue to receive pay during government shutdowns. It would also prohibit agencies from proposing or implementing reductions in force or other, similar forms of mass layoffs during shutdowns.\n\n#5735: Protecting Health Care Facilities from ICE Enforcement Actions\n\nUnder U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy, hospitals and community health centers are designated as “sensitive locations.” That being said, loopholes exist that allow agents to question individuals or make arrests in parking lots or waiting rooms without a warrant, creating a chilling effect that impacts patient care, and patient willingness to seek care, even in emergent situations. This amendment would prevent funds from being used to facilitate enforcement efforts at these locations.\n\n#5736: Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program\n\nThis amendment would reduce funding for ICE to fund the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program to help low-income households afford rising water and wastewater utility costs and prevent such households from experiencing shutoffs during periods of economic hardship or extreme weather.\n\n#5737: ICE Funding to CFBP\n\nThis amendment strikes the $350 million designated to ICE to launch enforcement surges in cities without cooperation agreements with federal agencies and repurposes this funding to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to target fraud, scams, and corporate wrongdoing.\n\n#5738: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education Funding\n\nThis amendment would reduce funding for ICE to carry out the nutrition education program under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.\n\n#5752: Making Child Care Affordable\n\nThis amendment would withhold the funding allocated in the reconciliation bill until after legislation is enacted to cap child care costs for working families at seven percent of family income.\n\n#5789: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)\n\nThis amendment would reduce funding for ICE to fund the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to reduce the future costs of disasters.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-forces-vote-to-redirect-14-billion-in-excessive-ice-funding-towards-lowering-childcare-costs", "title": "Baldwin Forces Vote to Redirect $14 Billion in Excessive ICE Funding Towards Lowering Childcare Costs", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) forced the Senate to vote to redirect billions in federal funding from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to instead invest in lowering the cost of childcare for American families. Senate Republicans voted down the measure.\n\nAs the Senate debated Republicans' bill to give $75 billion to ICE and Border Patrol, Baldwin forced the Senate to vote on her amendment to redirect $14.27 billion to invest in childcare. Specifically, Senator Baldwin’s amendment would transfer that $14.27 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Program, which helps working families access quality and affordable childcare.\n\nBaldwin’s amendment comes after ICE killed two Americans and continues to terrorize communities. Two-thirds of Americans say ICE and Border Patrol have gone “too far” with their tactics. A Marquette Law School poll found 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of the job ICE is doing, while 3 in 4 Americans support making changes at ICE.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nFull recording of Senator Baldwin’s speech is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-statement-on-senate-passage-of-thesecure-america-act/", "title": "Barrasso Statement on Senate Passage of theSecure America Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today issued the following statement upon passage of the Secure America Act.\n\n“Senate Republicans know that the first duty of government is to prioritize the safety of the American people. Today, we honored that commitment by passing the Secure America Act.\n\n“Every single Senate Democrat voted against this important bill. For months they blocked funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as Border Patrol. Democrats showed the nation that they are the party of open borders, protecting illegal immigrant criminals, and defunding the police.\n\n“Republicans will always prioritize the safety and security of America.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/05/bennet-hickenlooper-celebrate-colorado-selection-for-certified-community-behavioral-health-clinic-medicaid-demonstration-program/", "title": "Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate Colorado Selection for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated Colorado being chosen as one of 10 states to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program as a result of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.\n\nCCBHCs offer comprehensive behavioral health care to anyone who requests care for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, or age. Participating in this program will improve the quality of systems and broaden patient access throughout Colorado’s behavioral health system.\n\n“This will strengthen Colorado’s behavioral health services and support Coloradans from the Front Range to the Western Slope,” said Bennet. “Colorado’s community clinics, advocates, and state partners have worked for years to build a more connected and accessible behavioral health system. By securing Colorado’s spot in this demonstration program and bringing a crucial boost in federal funding to our local clinics, we are tearing down barriers to care. We are ensuring that compassionate, 24/7 crisis treatment is stable, sustainable, and within reach for every Coloradan, regardless of their zip code or ability to pay.”\n\n“Nobody should be denied care because of their ability to pay,” said Hickenlooper. “For too long, cost has kept people from getting the mental health care they need. These community clinics, funded through our Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, will help make behavioral health and addiction treatment more accessible to more Coloradans.”\n\nIn January 2025, Bennet and Hickenlooper celebrated the announcement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that Colorado would receive $1 million to address the mental health crisis and expand community behavioral health care. This funding helped Colorado develop CCBHC certification processes, establish prospective payment systems for Medicaid-reimbursable services, and prepare an application to participate in a four-year demonstration program. Colorado was one of 14 states and Washington, D.C. selected for this funding. Additionally, In 2022, Bennet and Hickenlooper helped pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to tackle the national mental health crisis and help gun violence in the United States.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/6/blackburn-statement-on-senate-passage-of-secure-america-act", "title": "Blackburn Statement on Senate Passage of Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Secure America Act to supercharge the immigration enforcement missions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump’s second term:\n\n“By shutting down DHS for 76 days, the Democrats jeopardized our homeland security at a time when America faces countless national security threats all because they want to abolish ICE and defund law enforcement,” said Senator Blackburn. “By voting to pass the Secure America Act, Senate Republicans slammed the door on Democrats’ radical-left demands and ensured the brave men and women who are risking their lives to enforce our immigration laws have everything they need to get the job done.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Secure America Act provides funding to:\n\nHire, pay, train, and equip ICE agents and employees and to fund other necessary mission support and operations and maintenance costs for its immigration enforcement functions, including 287(g) agreements;\n\nHire, pay, train, and equip CBP personnel and to fund other mission support and operations and maintenance costs for CBP’s immigration enforcement functions; and\n\nCarry out immigration enforcement and law enforcement efforts at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through Fiscal Year 2029.\n\nRELATED\n\nVIDEO: Blackburn Flames Democrats for Trying to Abolish ICE\n\nBlackburn, Graham Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Immigration Enforcement by Incentivizing States to Work with ICE", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-britt-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-shield-youth-from-targeted-gambling-advertising", "title": "Blumenthal & Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Shield Youth from Targeted Gambling Advertising", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced landmark bipartisan legislation to combat the rapid and concerning rise in youth gambling. The Gambling Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act would prohibit social media companies and other advertising websites from targeting minors with sports betting through online advertising.\n\n“Sportsbooks and prediction markets are treating young people like a gold rush, flooding the internet with advertisements and promotions to hook them on gambling when they’re young,” said Senator Blumenthal. “High schoolers, even middle schoolers, are now gambling on their phones as never before, losing real money and creating life-altering addiction. The GAME Act would create a nationwide ban on targeted advertising of gambling to kids, backed with the force of punishing fines.”\n\n“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring,” said Senator Britt. “We know targeted advertising from gambling and prediction market websites can serve as the gateway to dangerous habits that too often become crippling addictions. Our legislation takes a critical step toward addressing this problem before it worsens. Our next generation is our greatest asset, and it’s our responsibility to take the necessary steps to protect them from online dangers whenever we can—which is exactly what this bill does.”\n\nA 2024 study found that individuals who begin gambling before the age of 18 are 50% more likely to develop a gambling problem, while 1 in 6 parents say they would not know if their child was gambling.\n\nAnother recent study found that 45% of adolescent boys who gamble see gambling-related content online. Additionally, 59% reported that gambling-related content began appearing in their algorithms without them proactively searching for it.\n\nThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for enforcing the law, which would begin one year after enactment. Failure to comply could result in civil financial penalties and injunctive relief sought through the courts.\n\nUnder the GAME Act, repeat offenders can be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which could impose financial penalties of up to $100,000 for each advertisement shown to a minor that promotes sports gambling. In cases where thousands of advertisements are shown to minors, the financial penalties could become substantial.\n\nSenator Blumenthal leads several efforts to address the growing issue of sports betting and prediction markets, including the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act, which would establish nationwide standards and safeguards for the mobile sports gambling industry, the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment and Treatment (GRIT) Act, which would dedicate a portion of federal sports betting revenue to addiction treatment, prevention, and research, and the Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act, which prevents abuse and fraud in prediction markets.\n\nYou can access text of the bill here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-walkinshaw-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-protect_expand-national-scenic-trails", "title": "Blumenthal & Walkinshaw Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect & Expand National Scenic Trails", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA) introduced legislation to preserve and expand America’s national trail system. The Complete America’s Great Trails Act gives a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily make land contributions towards the completion of National Scenic Trails, expanding the trail system and protecting the land from development.\n\n“This measure will enhance our nation’s scenic trails and protect public access to these treasured spaces,” said Blumenthal. “By encouraging landowners to support our trail system, our Complete America’s Great Trails Act will improve connectivity for hikers and families and preserve our country’s unique natural beauty for generations to come.”\n\n“Here in Fairfax, trails are part of everyday life. With more than 22,000 acres of parkland and over 334 miles of trails in our county park system, they connect homes, schools, businesses, parks, and communities while giving families access to the outdoors. But across the country, too many National Scenic Trails remain unfinished or vulnerable to development. In honor of National Trails Day, I’m proud to introduce the Complete America’s Great Trails Act with Senator Blumenthal to create a new tax credit that helps landowners voluntarily conserve land along these trails. This bill will help complete America’s National Scenic Trails, protect open space, expand outdoor access, and preserve these natural treasures for future generations,” said Walkinshaw.\n\nConnecticut is home to two of the 11 National Scenic Trails—the Appalachian Trail, which extends 52 miles across the state from Salisbury in the north to Sherman in the south, and the New England Trail, which extends 117 miles across the state from Suffield in the north to Guilford in the south.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\n“For almost a decade now, I’ve gotten to experience the beauty of Connecticut’s great outdoors on my yearly Walk Across Connecticut,” said Murphy. “Between the Appalachian and New England trails, Connecticut has nearly 200 miles worth of National Scenic Trail space and I’m really proud to support legislation that will make it easier for Connecticut families to enjoy the transformative experience of being in nature.”\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association (CFPA), and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.\n\n“The Complete America’s Great Trails Act is a practical, voluntary conservation tool that helps close critical trail gaps, expand public access, and conserve important landscapes. For trails that the Appalachian Mountain Club helps steward and enjoy, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the New England Trail, this legislation can help create more complete and connected trail experiences for future generations. AMC is pleased to support this commonsense effort,” said Mandy Warner, Senior Director of Policy for AMC.\n\n“Trails do more than connect destinations. They connect people to nature, history, and one another. We thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership on the Complete America’s Great Trails Act, which will help conserve critical trail corridors and strengthen the long-term future of America’s great trail systems, including those here in Connecticut,” said Joey Listro, Executive Director of CFPA.\n\n“The Appalachian Trail depends on partnerships that span public and private lands. By providing a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily donate conservation easements along National Scenic Trails, the Complete America’s Great Trails Act creates a practical incentive to protect trail corridors, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and conserve the landscapes that make these trails possible. We applaud Congressman Walkinshaw and Senator Blumenthal for introducing this legislation and for recognizing the important role private landowners play in sustaining America’s National Scenic Trails for future generations,” said Dan Ryan, Vice President of Conservation and Government Relations, Appalachian Trail Conservancy.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here. A one-pager is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-warren-demand-information-on-alarming-whistleblower-disclosure-detailing-trump-administration-plot-to-kill-off-27-million-people-in-social-security-database", "title": "Blumenthal & Warren Demand Information On Alarming Whistleblower Disclosure Detailing Trump Administration Plot to \"Kill Off\" 2.7 Million People in Social Security Database", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to three former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers and the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) demanding information about plans to mark 2.7 million people as dead in a Social Security database as part of the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.\n\nA former SSA career official has publicly come forward for the first time to share firsthand knowledge of actions DOGE officials took to “kill off” more than 6,000 immigrants in SSA’s records and future plans to mark as dead 2.7 million more individuals. Although the Trump Administration’s efforts to weaponize SSA to target immigrants has been previously reported, the whistleblower, Jeremiah Schofield, has shared new details of conversations a DOGE staffer had regarding the specific motivation for this plan: either “the lives of these individuals would be ruined. . . and they would be driven to ‘self-deport’” or “they would have to go to a local Social Security office, at which point SSA field office staff would send them to DHS offices” where officials would “detain them for deportation.”\n\n“As always with the Trump Administration, cruelty is the point. Thanks to this brave whistleblower’s disclosure, we have more evidence that the Trump Administration used DOGE not just to recklessly slash government programs – they were looking for ways to purposefully hurt people, especially immigrants,” Blumenthal said. “Senator Warren and I are demanding answers about how DOGE and the Trump Administration weaponized the Social Security Administration to carry out its lawless immigration enforcement agenda.”\n\n“Donald Trump has waged war on Social Security, and DOGE has been the tip of the spear, sowing chaos and corruption everywhere,” Warren said. “This looks like an illegal attempt by DOGE to weaponize Social Security to carry out Trump’s cruel immigration agenda.”\n\nWarren and Blumenthal’s letter to former DOGE official Antonio Gracias is available here. Their letter to former DOGE official Jon Koval is available here. Their letter to former DOGE official Payton Rehling is available here. Their letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano is available here.\n\nIn July, Blumenthal released a PSI Minority staff report unveiling that DOGE generated at least $21.7 billion in waste across the federal government between January and July 2025. The report, “The $21.7 Billion Blunder: Analyzing the Waste Generated by DOGE,” followed a months-long investigation into Elon Musk and DOGE and detailed a comprehensive account of how taxpayer dollars were squandered by DOGE despite its ostensible goal of eliminating government waste. That report followed an April 2025 memo completed by PSI Minority staff that estimated the legal liability Elon Musk was able to avoid through his previous efforts to gut the federal workforce and exert influence over federal agencies while he was at the helm of DOGE. PSI found that Musk and his companies were able to avoid at least $2.37 billion in potential liability due to federal investigations or other regulatory actions.\n\nWarren spearheaded the launch of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to protect Social Security and fight back against Trump administration attacks making it harder for Americans to access their benefits. The War Room has succeeded in stopping many harmful policies in their tracks through rigorous oversight. Warren has specifically sounded the alarm on DOGE’s chaos at Social Security, last year leading senators in pressing SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano on concerns that DOGE efforts to hastily upgrade Social Security tech infrastructure could cause major disruptions for beneficiaries.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-5/30/26_-6/5/2026", "title": "Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 5/30/26-6/5/2026", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Supporting Ukraine\n\n[WASHINGTON D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, returned from a weeklong visit to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and to participate in the Black Sea Security Forum (BSSF) in Odesa.\n\n“This tenth trip to Ukraine felt different than the ones before; again and again, we were hustled down dark stairwells into bunkers as Putin attacked the country with missiles and drones, escalating cruelty that signals his desperation. Ukrainian heroism is turning the tide, with undeniable indelible costs. We saw the bombed and burned-out apartments and malls, still smelling of fire,” Blumenthal said. “We met with rescue workers who rushed into the flames seeking to save helpless civilian victims. We spoke with children kidnapped and held by Russia— among the more than 20,000 taken by force and often compelled to fight for Russia. We met with President Zelenskyy and top members of his team who showed a clear-eyed strategy and unshakable resolve to prevail. We heard soldiers ready to return to the fight despite their injuries. Most impressively, amidst all the pain and grief, we saw a kindness and humanity in Ukrainians reaching out and caring for each other— offering food, shelter, clothing—a moving antithesis to Putin’s bloody aggression.”\n\nBlumenthal shared a piece about his trip to Ukraine on his Substack page.\n\nBlumenthal further called for continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion on Twitter/X.\n\n“Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov says American diplomats should leave Ukraine—to avoid their blood thirsty bombs. In Ukraine now, I’m seeing firsthand brave American diplomats who refuse to be cowed by Russian bullying. As I told Zelenskyy, we’ll make sure they’re secure—our priority—but more determined than ever. America is standing with Ukraine,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.\n\n“Here in an Odessa bunker—our third air raid of the day, this one at 3:40 am—there’s no question about the heightened intensity of Putin’s murderous bombing terror. All around Ukraine Russia’s escalating cruelty has inflicted increasing, unspeakable pain, death & destruction. Still, on this 10th visit, the Ukrainian spirit seems stronger than ever—unshakable. Bravery, caring & kindness are watchwords—getting them through long nights & demanding days.To repel this slaughtering assault of bombs, drones, missiles, Ukraine clearly needs more American air defense aid,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal released the statement below after the House of Representatives approved legislation to provide military aid to Ukraine and sanction officials and businesses that support Russia’s war machine:\n\n“Really significant, robust support for Ukraine could come at a critical moment as it turns the tide against Russia. As I saw during my visit last week, Putin’s escalating cruelty— unspeakably bloodier bombing of civilians— reflects his increasing desperation. He’s losing troops, territory and resources at an unsustainable pace. This bill’s sledgehammer combination of military support and economic sanctions would help give Ukraine the means to finish the job. It strongly serves our own national interest by stopping Putin before he spreads his murderous aggression, and pressures him to seek peace. Congratulations and thanks to leaders of this bill on their steadfast support for Ukraine. I’ve been proud to help lead support for Ukraine on the Senate side and will continue to work hard on passing legislation to make it clear America stands with Ukraine.”\n\nDemanding Answers from Trump Administration for Plot to “Kill Off” 2.7 Million People in Social Security Database\n\nBlumenthal, Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) wrote to three former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers and the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) demanding information about plans to mark 2.7 million people as dead in a Social Security database as part of the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.\n\nA former SSA career official has publicly come forward for the first time to share firsthand knowledge of actions DOGE officials took to “kill off” more than 6,000 immigrants in SSA’s records and future plans to mark as dead 2.7 million more individuals. Although the Trump Administration’s efforts to weaponize SSA to target immigrants has been previously reported, the whistleblower, Jeremiah Schofield, has shared new details of conversations a DOGE staffer had regarding the specific motivation for this plan: either “the lives of these individuals would be ruined. . . and they would be driven to ‘self-deport’” or “they would have to go to a local Social Security office, at which point SSA field office staff would send them to DHS offices” where officials would “detain them for deportation.”\n\n“As always with the Trump Administration, cruelty is the point. Thanks to this brave whistleblower’s disclosure, we have more evidence that the Trump Administration used DOGE not just to recklessly slash government programs – they were looking for ways to purposefully hurt people, especially immigrants,” Blumenthal said. “Senator Warren and I are demanding answers about how DOGE and the Trump Administration weaponized the Social Security Administration to carry out its lawless immigration enforcement agenda.”\n\nWarren and Blumenthal’s letter to former DOGE official Antonio Gracias is available here. Their letter to former DOGE official Jon Koval is available here. Their letter to former DOGE official Payton Rehling is available here. Their letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano is available here.\n\nIn July, Blumenthal released a PSI Minority staff report unveiling that DOGE generated at least $21.7 billion in waste across the federal government between January and July 2025. The report, “The $21.7 Billion Blunder: Analyzing the Waste Generated by DOGE,” followed a months-long investigation into Elon Musk and DOGE and detailed a comprehensive account of how taxpayer dollars were squandered by DOGE despite its ostensible goal of eliminating government waste. That report followed an April 2025 memo completed by PSI Minority staff that estimated the legal liability Elon Musk was able to avoid through his previous efforts to gut the federal workforce and exert influence over federal agencies while he was at the helm of DOGE. PSI found that Musk and his companies were able to avoid at least $2.37 billion in potential liability due to federal investigations or other regulatory actions.\n\nProbing Tether on its Role in Iranian Shadow Banking\n\nBlumenthal, Ranking Member of PSI, wrote to Tether Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino demanding records and information related to Tether’s apparent failure to prevent illicit use by sanctioned entities, terrorist organizations, and other money laundering schemes associated with Iran and Russia.\n\nAs Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the illicit use of cryptocurrencies by sanctioned entities, previously writing to the cryptocurrency exchange Binance to seek documents and information about money laundering and terrorist financing by its partners and customers. Blumenthal is now raising concerns about the recurring role of Tether’s stablecoin in Iranian and Russian money laundering schemes, including recently sanctioned Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges.\n\n“Through its U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, USDT, Tether has provided unparalleled access to a high-liquidity and widely accepted international payment system that is otherwise denied to Iran due to international sanctions and counterterrorism financing measures. For example, according to The Wall Street Journal and Fortune, hundreds of millions of dollars of USDT were used in two Chinese money laundering schemes that enabled illicit oil sales and financed terrorist organizations such as the Yemeni Houthis,” Blumenthal wrote.\n\nBlumenthal continued, “The Subcommittee’s review raises questions about whether and how Tether complies with American sanctions law and other counterterrorism finance measures, as well as the steps it takes when its customers and wallets transacting Tether cryptocurrencies can be credibly linked with illicit finance. Tether was originally founded in the United States and maintains a deep reliance on American financial infrastructure, including its operational and business relationship to Cantor Fitzgerald and the family of the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick.”\n\n“The use of Tether’s stablecoin in Iranian shadow banking, and uncertain compliance with American sanctions and banking law, has a significant impact on the United States’ ability to apply economic pressure on the Islamic Republic to negotiate an end to the current war and resolve matters such as its nuclear program and regional destabilization,” Blumenthal concluded.\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Ardo is available here.\n\nOn the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee\n\nBlumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to hold claims sharks and other predatory actors accountable for exploiting veterans’ and survivors’ earned benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\n\nThe lawmakers’ Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would clarify that only accredited individuals can assist veterans with VA benefit claims. And it would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While federal law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties.\n\n“Veterans need protection against claims sharks and other predatory scammers who are stealing millions in hard-earned benefits,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our legislation will close loopholes and impose strict criminal penalties— deterring as well as punishing bad actors. There should be zero tolerance for exploitive tactics robbing veterans of funds they well deserve and need to live. I hope this measure will have bipartisan backing.”\n\nAmong its many provisions, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would:\n\nReestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans;\n\nProhibit VA accreditation of any person found guilt of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims;\n\nClose loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims;\n\nProhibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information;\n\nRequire VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and\n\nIncrease warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\nBlumenthal Bulletin\n\nBlumenthal called on Bank of America to restore consumers’ legal rights and protections.\n\nBlumenthal and the Connecticut Delegation opposed a shortsighted plan to close a Hamden invasive species research facility.\n\nBlumenthal applauded a House vote moving ahead with sanctions on Russia’s war machine and Ukraine funding.\n\nBlumenthal joined MS NOW’s Morning Joe to discuss yesterday's House vote showing support for Ukraine & the need for the Senate to follow suit.\n\nBlumenthal introduced bicameral legislation to protect and expand National Scenic Trails.\n\nBlumenthal introduced bipartisan legislation to shield youth from targeted gambling advertising.\n\nBlumenthal slammed Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund.\n\nBlumenthal called out FAA’s refusal to mandate lifesaving technology.\n\nBlumenthal slammed President Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte to be Acting Director of National Intelligence.\n\nBlumenthal called for enforceable mandates to AI to cover broader national security risks after Trump signed an AI executive order with less-advanced government scrutiny.\n\nBlumenthal slams Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General.\n\nBlumenthal called out DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin for dodging questions about obeying court orders.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-ranking-member-blunt-rochester-and-chair-tuberville-lead-investigation-into-ai-and-k-12-education/", "title": "NEWS: Ranking Member Blunt Rochester and Chair Tuberville Lead Investigation into AI and K-12 Education", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) ranking member and chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions’ Subcommittee on Education and the American Family,sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting an investigation into the use of AI in K-12 education. The letter directs GAO to investigate AI’s influence on student achievement, teacher professional development, and use in special education.\n\nIn addition to Ranking Member Blunt Rochester and Chair Tuberville, this letter was signed by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.).\n\n“We write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 education, with a focus on its impact on student achievement, teacher professional development and preparedness, and its use in special education,” the Senators wrote. “While the growth of AI tools in education has promised benefits for both educators and students, early observations raise important concerns as well. As AI adoption in schools grows, it is critical that we better understand how these tools are adopted and their effects to make prudent policy decisions in the future.”\n\n“Students are using an array of different AI tools, including generative AI, tutoring chatbots, writing assistants, and other feedback tools that provide explanations, hints, or guidance on assignments,” the Senators continued. “A proposed benefit of these AI tools is the personalized and real-time feedback that they can provide for students as they complete scholastic assignments, such as writing or math. Early studies on how these AI tools impact student learning indicate mixed results: while students may experience short-term gains when AI tools help them complete assignments more efficiently, it is unclear whether these gains translate into deeper learning or long-term retention.”\n\n“It is clear that AI tools are most effective when they augment, rather than replace, human instruction. Effective personalization in K-12 education depends not only on assessing what a student knows, but also on understanding the relational and affective dimensions of learning,” the Senators concluded. “To help us understand the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 education, we ask GAO to conduct investigations assessing the following questions.”\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here, and below.\n\nDear Acting Comptroller General Brown:\n\nWe write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 education, with a focus on its impact on student achievement, teacher professional development and preparedness, and its use in special education. While the growth of AI tools in education has promised benefits for both educators and students, early observations raise important concerns as well. As AI adoption in schools grows, it is critical that we better understand how these tools are adopted and their effects to make prudent policy decisions in the future.\n\nStudents are using an array of different AI tools, including generative AI, tutoring chatbots, writing assistants, and other feedback tools that provide explanations, hints, or guidance on assignments. A proposed benefit of these AI tools is the personalized and real-time feedback that they can provide for students as they complete scholastic assignments, such as writing or math. Early studies on how these AI tools impact student learning indicate mixed results: while students may experience short-term gains when AI tools help them complete assignments more efficiently, it is unclear whether these gains translate into deeper learning or long-term retention. For instance, take a student using an AI tutoring chatbot to help them with math homework. This tool may help them have an overall more personalized and positive experience while reducing their cognitive load during the learning process. However, the reduced level of reasoning that can occur through the use of these AI tools has been shown to lead to weaker recall of learned information. This raises important questions about the long-term educational effects of using AI tools.\n\nIt is clear that AI tools are most effective when they augment, rather than replace, human instruction. Effective personalization in K-12 education depends not only on assessing what a student knows, but also on understanding the relational and affective dimensions of learning. Human teachers can respond to students’ emotions, motivation, and social context in ways that current AI tools cannot fully replicate. While AI tools could play a beneficial role in providing detailed individualized feedback and support to students, this reality makes teacher preparation central to whether AI tools can be used effectively to support student learning. Proper supervision of student use of AI tools, and appropriate safeguards, are important.\n\nAI also has the potential to greatly impact educators. Teachers can use AI tools like lesson plan generators, chatbots, and student learning platforms. A survey where participants could select multiple categories, conducted across 303 teachers in the U.S. and India, highlighted that 37% of those teachers described themselves as “beginning to explore” AI, 3% indicated “regularly integrating” AI into their practice, 24% reported creating specific AI activities, 17% described training in AI, and 3% reported non-use of AI. There is early evidence to suggest enthusiasm from teachers about the potential of AI tools to streamline workloads at a time when classroom demands and educator burnout continue to grow. Yet, survey data also reflects fear and apprehension from teachers. A Pew Research Center study found that a quarter of surveyed U.S. teachers feel AI tools are doing more harm than good in K-12. As teachers adopt this technology, and as potential pressure to understand and teach students how to use AI tools grows, it is important that teachers have the supports and training they need to be prepared. Basic AI literacy, continued support and training about how to select AI tools, what purposes AI tools are suited to and not suited to, and how to supervise students using AI are essential to helping teachers leverage these tools in a safe and effective manner that benefits both the educator and their students.\n\nThe use of AI tools by and for students with disabilities represents another area that needs continued research and investigation. Such AI tools may include conversational chatbots for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), AI-driven annotated text for students with dyslexia, and speech synthesizers for students with speech and language impairments. The adaptive capabilities of these tools may offer new educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Still, with the use of these tools comes notable concern about the privacy and use of student data. Parents and educators are also concerned about whether teachers are adequately prepared to use AI tools and understand the risks associated with them. In particular, there is increasing use of AI, and increasing concern from advocates, in the drafting of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).\n\nTo help us understand the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 education, we ask GAO to conduct investigations assessing the following questions.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-senator-blunt-rochester-opposes-multi-billion-dollar-slush-fund-for-ice-cbp/", "title": "STATEMENT: Senator Blunt Rochester Opposes Multi-Billion Dollar Slush Fund for ICE, CBP", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) released the following statement on her opposition to the Republican budget bill.\n\n“It’s Groundhog Day for Senate Republicans. Their repeated attempts to provide ICE—a roving secret police force that has killed at least two American citizens— with billions of dollars in additional taxpayer funding, on top of the slush fund they pushed through last year, illustrate what their priorities really are.\n\n“Instead of working with us to reform this broken agency or address the kitchen-table issues American families care about most, Senate Republicans gave ICE another $38 billion with no strings attached. They even rejected an effort by a member of their own party to redirect Trump’s so-called “anti-weaponization” fund for protecting January 6th insurrectionists to the Capitol police and the surviving families. This is yet another example of the GOP folding under the pressures of the president and turning its back on the needs of the American people.\n\n“ICE now has an additional $38 billion that we could have used to bring down the cost of health care by funding Medicaid, invest in affordable clean energy to curb skyrocketing prices at the pump, or maintain food and nutrition programs to keep our communities fed. Democrats want to spend our time and federal dollars addressing the affordability crisis that is making it nearly impossible for Americans to make ends meet. Senate Republicans clearly do not. I could not, in good conscience, support this bill.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-amendment-to-restore-immigration-detention-oversight-and-hold-private-contractors-accountable", "title": "Booker Introduces Amendment to Restore Immigration Detention Oversight and Hold Private Contractors Accountable", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced an amendment to reestablish the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) and strengthen accountability measures for private immigration detention contractors, as Newark officials and the New Jersey Attorney General pursue legal action to shut down Delaney Hall following reports of unsafe conditions and blocked state inspections.\n\n“Delaney Hall is a moral stain on our community, and the treatment of those held there offends our fundamental American values,” Booker said. “During my last oversight visit I met a woman who had suffered a miscarriage at the facility and was denied medical care and then told by the staff she had made it up. I met another woman nursing her American born infant who still could not get the basic support she needed for her child. When a facility refuses congressional inspections and people are driven to hunger strikes just to be heard, oversight is not optional, it is urgent. This facility must be closed. And stronger accountability measures like those in this proposal must be implemented immediately because what I witnessed is not an isolated failure. It is what impunity looks like.”\n\nBooker’s amendment ensures that taxpayer dollars aren’t used to fund facilities and enrich corporations that endanger the lives of the people in their custody. The amendment would reestablish OIDO and require DHS to withhold payments to contractors, subcontractors, or cooperating entities when OIDO finds potential misconduct, excessive force, or violations of detention standards, until corrective actions are implemented.\n\nCongress created OIDO in 2019 to investigate detainee deaths, medical neglect, and employee misconduct. But in May 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it was shutting the office down at the same time that conditions across facilities have been deteriorating. At least 18 people have died in ICE custody this year.\n\nDelaney Hall, operated by the GEO Group, is currently the subject of lawsuits from Newark officials and the New Jersey Attorney General following reports of inadequate medical care, unsanitary conditions, and the facility’s refusal to allow state health inspections. Advocates have also documented contaminated food, retaliation against hunger strikers, and unsafe conditions for pregnant women. A separate lawsuit filed on behalf of individuals detained at the facility alleges violations of federal detention standards.\n\nBooker has long fought for stronger oversight of ICE detention facilities and has introduced legislation–including the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act–to end the use of private, for-profit detention centers.\n\n“Restoring the Ombudsman’s office is the bare minimum,” Booker said. “We cannot allow DHS to dismantle oversight while people are dying.”\n\nBooker’s amendment did not advance, falling short in the voterama series with a vote of 46-53.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kaine-request-update-regarding-united-nations-gang-suppression-forced-in-haiti", "title": "Booker, Kaine Request Update Regarding United Nations Gang Suppression Forced in Haiti", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), led a letter to U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio regarding the Administration’s current policy toward Haiti. In the letter, the senators request information from the Administration about the United Nations Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used effectively and in alignment with international human rights law. They also urge the Administration to ensure GSF is part of a larger strategy that addresses the collapse of institutions and significant security, humanitarian, and economic challenges in Haiti.\n\n“Since 2020, Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince has been plunged into crises at the hands of gangs, who now control 90 percent of the capital and perpetrate ruthless violence, including pervasive sexual violence, with abandon, driving the country into protracted humanitarian and public health crises,” wrote the senators. “The Administration’s focus on maximum lethality while transitioning U.S. resources away from a U.S. backed Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti (MSS) and absent a broader strategy to address converging development and humanitarian challenges which fuel gangs’ reach and legitimacy, risks plunging Haiti into a fresh cycle of horrific violence and further collapse.”\n\n“We urge the Administration to consider developing an integrated, holistic strategy to address these interrelated priorities. Haitian-led solutions guided by the people of Haiti are vital to the country’s future. U.S. diplomatic and programmatic support—including by forging partnerships with the international community, Haitian civil society, Haitian Diaspora and the private sector—is essential to addressing Haiti's myriad needs,” the senators continued. “Further, a holistic strategy avoids repeating the mistakes of past decades of interventionism in Haiti and ensures that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used effectively and in alignment with international human rights law.”\n\n“We remain committed to working with you, including to ensure that U.S. backed and funded efforts do not risk exacerbating an already horrific and untenable situation,” the senators wrote.\n\nBooker is the Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy. Kaine is the Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues.\n\nIn addition to Booker and Kaine, the letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Michael F. Bennet (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write with strong interest in working with the Administration to address the converging security, economic, and humanitarian crises affecting Haiti.\n\nWhile the Administration’s success in coalescing international support for a United Nations Gang Suppression Force (GSF) represents a significant step forward in responding to Haiti’s request for security assistance, the impact of this effort may be eroded absent consideration of addressing the myriad competing challenges in Haiti.\n\nSince 2020, Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince has been plunged into crises at the hands of gangs, who now control 90 percent of the capital and perpetrate ruthless violence, including pervasive sexual violence, with abandon, driving the country into protracted humanitarian and public health crises. The Administration’s focus on maximum lethality while transitioning U.S. resources away from a U.S. backed Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti (MSS) and absent a broader strategy to address converging development and humanitarian challenges which fuel gangs’ reach and legitimacy, risks plunging Haiti into a fresh cycle of horrific violence and further collapse.\n\nThe intersecting crises are immense: the end of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council’s mandate has left an unelected interim leader to plan elections by the end of this year; widespread corruption and abuse of power persist; the beleaguered Haitian National Police face an asymmetric threat from gangs with access to an unrelenting flow of illicit firearms and ammunition, including from the United States; and counter gang-operations must contend with the reality that children make up half of all gang members in Haiti. A lack of development and economic opportunity, widespread poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition, a public health crisis, and the near collapse of the democratic process and all public institutions in Haiti compound the difficulties facing the Haitian people while further strengthening gangs’ legitimacy and power.\n\nWe urge the Administration to consider developing an integrated, holistic strategy to address these interrelated priorities. Haitian-led solutions guided by the people of Haiti are vital to the country’s future. U.S. diplomatic and programmatic support—including by forging partnerships with the international community, Haitian civil society, Haitian Diaspora and the private sector—is essential to addressing Haiti's myriad needs. Further, a holistic strategy avoids repeating the mistakes of past decades of interventionism in Haiti and ensures that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used effectively and in alignment with international human rights law. Reports that the United Nations received four, now substantiated, allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by members of the U.S. backed MSS underscore the complexity of deploying the GSF to Haiti and the need for independent review of these and similar allegations. Three of the victims of rape were children, and the fourth, who allegedly survived sexual violence, is just 18. The fact that the MSS was deployed in a bid to end horrific crimes undermines the future legitimacy of the GSF. These incidents occur against the historical backdrop of the Haitian people being victimized by those promising to forge a better future for the country. They also underscore the need for pre-deployment training of GSF personnel and swift accountability for any crimes committed.\n\nEffective deployment of the GSF also requires a coherent plan to address the complexity of confronting child combatants, who make up a large share of Haiti’s gang members, in compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law. The Administration’s focus on lethality as GSF’s primary mission leaves open questions about its strategy for managing child recruits and combatants. This includes questions on how it will disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate (DDR) former child gang members into Haitian society as well as the role U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance have played and should play in addressing this critical priority.\n\nAdding to our concerns are reports that the Haitian Government is funding a private security firm, Vectus Global, whose activities are not coordinated with the GSF but could easily be conflated with GSF operations on the ground, thereby undermining the GSF’s legitimacy.\n\nWe remain committed to working with you, including to ensure that U.S. backed and funded efforts do not risk exacerbating an already horrific and untenable situation. To address our questions and concerns, we request a briefing on the status of the GSF’s deployment no later than June 19, 2026, alongside a response to the following questions and requests for information.\n\nWe request you provide the following documents and information:\n\nProvide the curriculum for GSF training.\n\nProvide the GSF Concept of Operations.\n\nList foreign assistance accounts, funding levels, funding fiscal year, and program descriptions for efforts funded by the State Department in Haiti following January 20, 2025.\n\nShare any correspondence between the State Department, Erik Prince and/or Vectus Global regarding the private security firm’s work in Haiti.\n\nProvide the status (contractor, PSC, Full Time Employee and/or Foreign Service Officer), and government service level, and bureau of gender, humanitarian, and human rights experts informing the Administration’s strategy on Haiti.\n\nWe request you provide answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat funding has the Department of Defense obligated, expended, or planned to obligate or expend in support of the Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) or the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) since January 20, 2025?\n\nHow will the administration work with Haiti’s interim government and Haitian civil society to ensure transparency in decision-making around the financing, deployment, and oversight of the GSF?\n\nWhat civilian harm mitigation measures will be implemented to prevent and minimize civilian casualties and injuries during GSF operations, particularly in dense urban areas?\n\nWhat steps is the Administration taking to ensure that DDR programs are incorporated into GSF’s mission, and that these programs include specific plans for responding to children in gangs?\n\nWhat independent investigative accountability frameworks and/or mechanisms are in place for the GSF and other armed actors to address instances when civilians are harmed through GSF operations? Or to address human rights violations and other crimes perpetrated by the GSF? What training has the GSF received regarding the accountability mechanism?\n\nWhat steps is the Administration taking to ensure that the GSF fits within a broader U.S. strategy toward Haiti that addresses not only security, but also governance, judicial accountability and impunity, humanitarian needs, long-term stabilization, and sustainable economic development, including through trade preference programs for Haiti?\n\nWe look forward to receiving your response and to working together to support the Haitian people restore peace, security, and stability in their country.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-booker-leads-bipartisan-amicus-brief-to-slam-trumps-17-billion-antiweaponization-fund", "title": "ICYMI: Booker Leads Bipartisan Amicus Brief to “Slam” Trump’s $1.7 Billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund”", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) submitted a bipartisan amicus brief in the U.S. Eastern District Court of Virginia opposing the Trump Administration’s creation of the so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” leading independent commentators to “applaud” the “ bipartisan Senate duo\" in their defense of the Constitution. The brief argues that the fund represents an unconstitutional end-run around Congress—an unlawful attempt to direct federal dollars without congressional authorization and potentially benefit individuals involved in the January 6 attack that the fund poses “an immediate and dire threat to our constitutional order and the authority of Congress.”\n\nSEE FOR YOURSELF:\n\nMS NOW June 4, 2026\n\nBy: Ari Melber\n\nAri Melber: Republican Senator Cassidy joining Booker in a briefing to the supreme court, which marks what we've talked about, the way congress is actually pushing back so much that you might look at this and say, which congress is this?\n\nUSA Today\n\nLegal battle over Trump's $1.8B 'anti-weaponization' fund rages on By: Aysha Bagchi\n\nJune 5, 2026\n\nSen. Cory Booker, D–New Jersey, and Sen. Bill Cassidy, R–Louisiana, together said in a June 3 court document to the judge who temporarily halted the fund that it's an unlawful attempt to bypass Congress to potentially give money to violent insurrectionists. They said even if the DOJ drops the fund now, it could pursue it later.\n\n\"The Anti-Weaponization Fund presents a threat to our constitutional democracy that this Court has never before been asked to confront,\" the senators said.\n\n\"Less than a week after the DOJ announced the Fund, defendants who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, began lining up to seek their share,\" they added.\n\nNew York Times\n\nSenators Cassidy and Booker Ask Judge to Maintain Block on $1.8 Billion Fund\n\nJune 4, 2026\n\nBy: Alan Feuer\n\nTwo senators — one Republican and one Democrat — have filed court papers urging a federal judge to maintain her block on the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion fund to pay people claiming to have been unfairly prosecuted, arguing that its creation last month amounted to an illegal “end-run” around Congress.\n\n“The anti-weaponization fund constitutes an improper and unconstitutional transfer of taxpayer dollars, including to those who engaged in a violent insurrection against the United States and its democratically elected representatives — including the United States Senate — on Jan. 6, 2021,” the senators wrote. “And it entirely bypasses Congress’s crucial role under the Appointments Clause in determining who may wield authority as an officer of the United States.”\n\nSkye Perryman, the president of Democracy Forward: “The significance of this bipartisan engagement cannot be overstated. As this administration is attempting to evade accountability and create one of the most brazen power grabs of taxpayer funds in modern history, we applaud these two senators — a Democrat and a Republican — for speaking with one voice: The Constitution still matters.”\n\nThe Huffington Post\n\nSenators Slam Trump's Rioter Slush Fund In Bipartisan Court Brief June 4, 2026\n\nBy: Arthur Delaney\n\nThe bipartisan duo filed their \"friends of the court\" brief to the federal judge who already ordered a temporary block against Trump's slush fund in response to a lawsuit from various plaintiffs who argued they are the actual victims of weaponization.\n\nCassidy is one of several Republicans who've said they oppose Trump's self-serving settlement and resulting payout scheme. Trump also freed himself from paying any back taxes as part of the deal, which he reached by suing his own administration earlier this year.\n\nMS NOW\n\nSens. Booker and Cassidy file bipartisan brief against ‘anti-weaponization’ fund June 4, 2026\n\nBy: Jordan Rubin\n\nWhile the Trump administration’s $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund has drawn bipartisan criticism, Sens. Cory Booker, D-NJ, and Bill Cassidy, R-La., are bringing that criticism to court.They asked for permission to file an amicus brief in the case of Floyd v. Department of Justice, in which a Virginia federal judge recently halted the fund from moving forward pending further litigation.\n\nThe administration has given mixed signals about backing away from the “slush fund,” as critics have called it, which was poised to enrich the president’s allies like the Jan. 6 defendants to whom he has already granted clemency.\n\nIn their motion seeking permission to file their amicus brief, lawyers for Booker and Cassidy said the senators are interested in the case “because they took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution” and “have a strong interest in ensuring that acts of Congress are faithfully executed by the Executive Branch.”\n\nRoll Call\n\nBooker, Cassidy back legal challenge to ‘anti-weaponization’ fund June 4, 2026\n\nBy: Michael Macagnone\n\n“President Trump’s presence on both sides of the IRS litigation, and his own blunt statements that the case was merely an opportunity for him to ‘work out a settlement with myself,’ make evident that he and the government defendants were not adversaries at all.”\n\nCBS News\n\nBipartisan Senate duo urges court to maintain block on DOJ fund, calling it a \"dire threat\" to Constitution\n\nJune 4, 2026\n\nBy: Melissa Quinn\n\nSens. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, and Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, raised their objections to the fund in a friend-of-the-court brief filed with the court in eastern Virginia. A judge there temporarily blocked the Justice Department last week from taking any action regarding the program, including considering claims or disbursing funds, while she considers whether to grant longer-lasting relief.\n\nThe senators said that the fund violates the Constitution's Spending, Appropriations and Appointments Clauses.\n\n\"To deliberately deploy public funds, in violation of the Constitution and the laws of this nation, to compensate these perpetrators is to use the machinery of democratic government to subsidize an attack on that government's most fundamental processes,\" the senators said.\n\nThe Hill\n\nCassidy, Booker urge judge to block weaponization fund\n\nJune 4, 2026\n\nBy: Sophie Brams\n\nSens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urged a federal judge to block the Trump administration’s nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, joining the legal fight against the payouts even as the administration pulls back on the idea.\n\n“The Anti-Weaponization Fund presents an immediate and dire threat to our constitutional order and the authority of Congress,” lawyers for the lawmakers wrote in an amicus brief filed Wednesday in the Eastern District of Virginia.\n\nThe fund is authorized to issue “formal apologies” and monetary payments to people who believe they suffered “weaponization and lawfare” at the hands of the federal government, according to the DOJ.\n\n“A scheme deliberately designed to recast insurrectionists—including those who perpetrated violence against law enforcement officers—as victims and legitimate prosecutions as persecution does not merely rewrite history; it creates incentives for similar conduct in the future, with the explicit encouragement of the officials responsible for administering justice,” the brief stated.\n\nDemocracy Forward\n\nBipartisan U.S. Senators Urge Court to Keep Blocking Trump-Vance Administration’s Slush Fund\n\nJune 4, 2026\n\nBy: Democracy Forward Press Team\n\nU.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bill Cassidy filed a bipartisan brief supporting plaintiffs challenging the Trump-Vance administration’s so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” underscoring the serious constitutional concerns raised by the administration’s attempt to create a $1.776 billion taxpayer-funded compensation program outside the authority granted by Congress.\n\nThe senators filed the brief in support of plaintiffs who successfully obtained a temporary restraining order that paused implementation of the fund, preventing the administration from moving forward with the scheme. The brief argues that the fund represents an unconstitutional end-run around Congress’s authority over federal spending and appointments and raises grave separation-of-powers concerns\n\nSemafor\n\nJune 4, 2026\n\nBy: Burgess Everett\n\nBurgess Everett, Semafor Congressional Bureau Chief: Wow - Cassidy signs onto brief stating, in part: \"The Anti-Weaponization Fund presents an immediate and dire threat to our constitutional order and the authority of Congress. Indeed, among other purposes, the Fund is designed to compensate the insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. The existence of the Fund strikes at the core of Congressional authority and our Constitutional order\"\n\nDemocracy Defenders\n\nBipartisan senators file amicus brief challenging Trump administration’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund\n\nJune 4, 2026\n\nBy: Democracy Defenders Press Team\n\nThe brief contends that the Executive Branch lacks authority to establish and administer a multibillion-dollar compensation program absent clear authorization and appropriations enacted by Congress.\n\nThe Fund is designed to compensate the insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The existence of the Fund strikes at the core of congressional authority and our Constitutional order.”\n\nAmb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and board member of Democracy Defenders Action and Matt Platkin,founding partner of Platkin LLP: “The law does not allow a president to turn a personal dispute with agencies under his control into a vehicle for spending money however he sees fit. Constitutional limits apply here, and the courts have a duty to enforce them. We are proud to stand with Sens. Booker and Cassidy in urging the court to do so.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EF58D710-05D9-4DB6-B738-5CF90B921F26", "title": "Boozman Votes to Fully Fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after voting to approve the Secure America Act that funds Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the next three years:\n\n“Funding the vital mission to defend our communities and country from criminal illegal immigrants, potential terrorism, drug smuggling and human trafficking should be a bipartisan effort, yet Senate Democrats abandoned the regular appropriations process and good-faith negotiations in order to score political points. My Republican colleagues and I stand with the men and women working non-stop to secure our border, enforce the law and protect Americans from the threats that result from reckless open-border policies. I was proud to help ensure funding for Border Patrol and immigration enforcement activity cannot be held hostage again during the Trump administration so the personnel performing these roles are fully resourced and focused on providing for our safety and national security.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe Secure America Act is narrowly targeted budget reconciliation legislation that:\n\n- Fully funds CBP and ICE through Fiscal Year 2029.\n\nProvides $26 billion to CBP and $38 billion to ICE to hire, pay, train and equip personnel as well as fund other mission support, operations and maintenance costs necessary to fulfill immigration law enforcement and border security functions.\n\n- Provides $5 billion to the Department of Homeland Security through FY29 to assist immigration enforcement and law enforcement efforts.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-delivers-speech-at-u-s-coast-guards-enlisted-training-center-of-excellence-ribbon-cutting-at-birmingham-southern-college/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Delivers Speech at U.S. Coast Guard’s Enlisted Training Center of Excellence Ribbon Cutting at Birmingham-Southern College", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today attended and delivered remarks at the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Enlisted Training Center of Excellence ribbon cutting at Birmingham-Southern College (BSC). Other attendees included Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, USCG Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Deputy MCPOCG Master Chief Matthew D. Buckman, and former BSC President Daniel Coleman. Thanks to President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Mullin’s historic investment and leadership, the USCG is going through a generational transformation which will ensure the USCG always stands ready to respond to the complex challenges of the future.\n\nSenator Britt delivers remarks ahead of the ribbon cutting\n\nIn her remarks, Senator Britt stated in part, “This is an incredible day, and it’s an honor to join you here on the Hilltop to celebrate this historic day for Birmingham-Southern and for our community. Everyone here knows how critical Alabama is to our national defense, our military capabilities, and our national security.\n\n…\n\n“The Coast Guard’s acquisition of BSC is a continuation of its historic legacy. While the school we know today, opened its doors in 1918 and its predecessor, Southern University, began educating students 170 years before that, in 1856, it has always dedicated itself to academic rigor, to training and, above all, service. This campus is special. Just ask the people who went here … [W]e know that it helped teach, build, heal, minister and put people out into the world that wanted to protect. Whether it’s notable alumni like my dear friend, Congressman Aderholt … this place expanded the orbit of people who wanted to give back. And that’s why it’s been so special. You’ve seen students who came through here wanting to go into underserved communities. … To ensure that this incredible legacy is going to continue for our most courageous Americans, we are going to make sure that Birmingham-Southern logo continues to be branded and preserved around campus.\n\n…\n\n“As Chair of the Subcommittee for Homeland Security Appropriations, I’m proud to have helped play a role in this, and I am proud to have helped connect the dots and work alongside local, state and federal leaders to make this a reality.\n\n…\n\n“I want to give a special thanks to Secretary Mullin. This is a neat day for me, to be able to call you Secretary Mullin, to be able to watch your leadership, and to watch you transform the Department of Homeland Security into an even bigger and better product that keeps Americans safe and secure. Your heart and service is just unparalleled. And it is a real honor to have you here as we dedicate this today.\n\n“We’re going to continue to work diligently to secure investments like this. It’s an honor for a lifetime to represent our great state. I’ll continue to fight for our values, fight for our people and deliver results. So, thank you once again for giving the hilltop the opportunity to continue to produce phenomenal and dedicated graduates seeking to preserve and achieve a greater goal. Forward Ever, and God Bless.”\n\nRepresentative Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Admiral Lunday, Secretary Mullin, Senator Tuberville, Senator Britt, and Master Chief Buckman cut the ribbon for the USCG’s new Enlisted Training Center of Excellence at BSC.\n\nAs Senator Britt noted in a recent op-ed, thousands of members of the Coast Guard will travel through Birmingham annually, as will friends and family members who will visit and celebrate graduations. This influx in students and visitors is expected to provide a boost to businesses both small and large, positively impacting Birmingham’s economy. The move is also estimated to save millions of dollars for taxpayers by selecting an already-built training facility.\n\nSenator Britt first announced the move in March of 2026, stating in part, “I have long been dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s military installations and the warfighters they serve. This exciting announcement further positions Alabama as a national leader in supporting our incredible U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel … Alabama stands as a proud leader in military excellence, and we’re honored to host this new training center that will help mold the next generation of Coast Guard members. Thank you to President Trump … and Admiral Lunday for making a tremendous decision that will strengthen our homeland security long into the future.”\n\nSenator Britt has received widespread recognition for her role in this historic move and also discussed the moved with DHS Secretary Mullin in a Senate Appropriations hearing this week. Read more here and below:\n\nBritt champions progress on new Birmingham Coast Guard center during Senate hearing\n\nA shuttered Alabama college will soon transform into a military training center, Katie Britt says\n\nKatie Britt highlights major progress on Coast Guard training center at Birmingham-Southern during Senate hearing\n\nU.S. Coast Guard set to cut ribbon Friday on training center in Birmingham\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-votes-to-fund-ice-and-cbp", "title": "Capito Votes to Fund ICE and CBP", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee (RPC), released the below statement following the passage of the Secure America Act, legislation that will fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the entirety of the Trump administration.\n\nThe legislation includes $69.5 billion to fully fund border patrol, ICE, and DHS’s efforts to stop illegal immigration, detain criminal adult aliens in sanctuary cities, and investigate child exploitation.\n\n“The passage of the Secure America Act delivers the resources our border and immigration enforcement officials need to continue to do their jobs to protect our country and secure our border. While reconciliation is not the ideal process for funding critical government operations like DHS, Senate Democrats left us no choice by refusing to join us in providing ICE and CBP with the tools and support they need to do their jobs. This legislation ensures that those who protect our homeland have long-term reliable funding to keep our communities safe. It also guarantees that Democrats can no longer hold funding for law enforcement and border security hostage during President Trump’s administration. Despite Democrat obstruction, Republicans delivered even stronger support for ICE and CBP, and I was proud to support this effort,” Senator Capito said.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-speaks-at-maine-vfw-state-convention", "title": "Senator Collins Speaks at Maine VFW State Convention", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nNEWRY, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Maine’s 105th State Convention in Newry. More than 100 people attended this year’s convention, including VFW and VFW Auxiliary members and leaders, as well as representatives from VA Maine, Maine Veterans’ Homes, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, Honor Flight Maine, and Maine Paws for Veterans.\n\n“It is always an honor to salute the heroes who have served our nation in uniform and who continue to serve their communities through the VFW,” said Senator Collins. “From educating young people about American values through the Voice of Democracy and Patriots’ Pen competitions to advocating for improved health care, suicide prevention, treatment and research for traumatic brain injury and PTSD, and earned benefits, the VFW continues to make an extraordinary difference for veterans, their families, and our country.”\n\nDuring her remarks, Senator Collins also congratulated Olivia Drewniak, a high school senior from Woolwich, who became the first Mainer ever to win the national Voice of Democracy speech competition, and Piper Martin, a middle school student from Fort Fairfield, who was Maine’s winning Patriots’ Pen essayist. The VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriots’ Pen programs encourage high school and middle school students to reflect on American values, civic responsibility, and the service of America’s veterans.\n\nSenator Collins, who is a member of the VFW Auxiliary in her hometown of Caribou, has long championed programs that support Maine veterans and their families. She strongly supported the new Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program facility at Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, has worked to better care for veterans affected by toxic exposures through the PACT Act, and has secured more than $10 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in the past five years for critical upgrades to Maine Veterans’ Homes facilities across the state.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/republicans-block-senator-coons-amendment-to-stop-trumps-taxpayer-funded-slush-fund-from-paying-january-6-rioters-who-assaulted-police/", "title": "Republicans block Senator Coons’ amendment to stop Trump’s taxpayer-funded slush fund from paying January 6 rioters who assaulted police", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) this morning introduced an amendment to the Republican reconciliation bill that would prohibit payments from President Trump’s $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund’ to individuals convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6 insurrection. Despite claims by several Republicans that they were dismayed at the idea of taxpayer dollars going to convicted insurrectionists and cop-beaters, Senate Republicans blocked his amendment by a vote of 54-45; the amendment needed 60 votes to pass.\n\nAhead of the vote, Senator Coons spoke on the Senate floor about the need to stop taxpayer dollars from being used to reward President Trump’s political allies, including those who attacked police officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6.\n\n“My amendment is simple. It’s one sentence. The Department of Justice may not use taxpayer funds to make settlement payments to any individual convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers at or around the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021,” Senator Coons said on the Senate floor this morning. “It’s not complicated – if the administration won’t rule out potentially multimillion-dollar payments to those who assaulted police on these grounds, we must.”\n\nThe Trump administration created the $1.8 billion slush fund as part of a settlement after President Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization sued the Internal Revenue Service over the disclosure of his federal tax returns. Although a federal court has temporarily blocked payouts from the fund, President Trump and members of his administration have refused to clearly state that the fund is dead. The settlement between President Trump and his own Department of Justice – headed by his former personal lawyer – creating the slush fund makes clear that the settlement can only be amended in writing, which acting Attorney General Todd Blanche ruled out when questioned in the House of Representatives earlier this week.\n\nWhen Senator Coons questioned acting Attorney General Todd Blanche before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee last month, he refused to rule out payments from the slush fund to January 6 rioters, including individuals who assaulted police officers, as well as members of President Trump’s family or campaign donors.\n\nOver 140 police officers were injured during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the result of the 2020 election. 15 officers were hospitalized, and four ultimately lost their lives. More than 1,500 people were convicted of crimes stemming from their participation in the insurrection; all were pardoned as one of President Trump’s first acts back in office last year. Many of them have expressed a desire to collect payouts from the newly created fund. Meanwhile, a new report shows that 97 of the rioters pardoned by President Trump – more than one out of every twenty – have been arrested, charged, or convicted of other crimes since their release, including child molestation, grand larceny, and deadly conduct.\n\nA video and transcript of Senator Coons’ remarks are below.\n\nWATCH HERE.\n\nSenator Coons: Mr. President, President Trump has previously announced the creation of a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded ‘victims of weaponization’ slush fund. And on May 19, I questioned acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about this announced anti-weaponization fund – specifically, would anyone convicted of assaulting police officers in or around our Capitol on January 6 be eligible for a payout from this fund.\n\nThe acting Attorney General would make no such commitments, and so the Senate must. My amendment is simple. It’s one sentence. The Department of Justice may not use taxpayer funds to make settlement payments to any individual convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers at or around the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.\n\nIt’s not complicated – if the administration won’t rule out potentially multimillion-dollar payments to those who assaulted police on these grounds, we must. I urge my colleagues to take up and pass this amendment alongside me and ensure that taxpayer funds won’t be so badly misused in this way.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-vote-on-reconciliation-bill-to-fund-trumps-mass-deportation-agenda/", "title": "Senator Coons statement on vote on reconciliation bill to fund Trump’s mass deportation agenda", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Republican reconciliation bill that funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol. The Senate also voted, 54-45, to reject an amendment Senator Coons offered that would have prevented January 6th insurrectionists who attacked police officers from receiving payments from President Trump’s $1.8 billion “weaponization” slush fund:\n\n“Instead of working to lower the cost of gas or groceries, housing or health care, Senate Republicans have just jammed through another bill to spend taxpayer money on out-of-control and unaccountable immigration enforcement while shielding them from popular, commonsense reforms that would have brought them in line with law enforcement agencies around the country. How is that going to help a mom who doesn’t know how she’s going to pay to fill up her car because of Trump’s war of choice with Iran? Or working parents whose health care premiums have shot up because of the last reconciliation bill? Or entrepreneurs seeing costs skyrocket because of Trump’s tariffs?\n\n“Instead of helping working Americans, Republicans have decided to help a corrupt and unpopular president in his efforts to become even more corrupt and unpopular. This bill does not go far enough to prevent Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund that he can use to pay off cop-beaters, campaign donors, and insurrectionists as he and his hand-picked set of commissioners see fit. My Republican colleagues’ belief that they can take the acting Attorney General at his word flies in the face of the actual text of the Department of Justice’s settlement and President Trump’s own words Wednesday. They have done nothing to stop Trump’s amnesty from IRS audits that is a license to commit tax fraud. My amendment tonight would have prevented any dollars from this so-called “weaponization fund” from going to the cop-beaters at the Capitol on January 6; instead of supporting it, many of my Republican colleagues who claim they oppose this fund voted it down. It’s clear they believe that there should be one set of rules for the American people and another for President Trump.\n\n“Republicans have once again betrayed the working people they promised to help, worrying more about placating President Trump than American families.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-statement-on-senate-passage-of-secure-america-act/", "title": "Cornyn Statement on Senate Passage of Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Secure America Act to fully fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump’s second term:\n\n“Democrats have proven they will stop at nothing to completely obstruct President Trump and Republicans’ agenda, most recently risking the safety and security of the American people by shutting down the Department of Homeland Security for 76 days,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The Secure America Act gives the brave men and women of ICE and Border Patrol the resources they desperately need to protect our homeland and ensures Democrats can’t hold this critically important funding hostage while President Trump is in office, which is why I was proud to support it.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Secure America Act makes the following investments to fund federal law enforcement and secure the border because Democrats refuse to do so:\n\n$72 billion to fully fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump’s term;\n\n$38 billion for ICE to pay and hire agents, maintain facilities, invest in new technology, and coordinate with local law enforcement;\n\nAnd $26 billion for CBP to invest in more agents, field operations officers, support personnel, and more.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-votes-against-partisan-bill-to-give-a-blank-check-to-ice-and-border-patrol/", "title": "Cortez Masto Votes Against Partisan Bill to Give a Blank Check to ICE and Border Patrol", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after her vote against Republicans’ bill to provide $70 billion to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, without any meaningful reforms for the agencies.\n\n“Republicans already gave ICE and Border Patrol $150 billion. They don’t need another $70 billion with no accountability to continue to terrorize families and go after American citizens and Dreamers.” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Instead, we could be using these dollars to help working families afford health care, pay our local law enforcement, or fund school lunches.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/republicans-block-cortez-masto-amendment-to-redirect-31-billion-in-excessive-ice-funding-to-local-law-enforcement/", "title": "Republicans Block Cortez Masto Amendment to Redirect $31 Billion in Excessive ICE Funding to Local Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***VIDEO AVAILABLE***\n\nFTP for TV stations of her remarks is available here.\n\nWashington, D.C. – Tonight, during debate on the Republican funding bill that will hand another $70 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) forced a vote on her amendment that would have redirected $31 billion in ICE funding to local law enforcement. Republicans blocked the amendment from passing.\n\n“Americans don’t need thousands of federal agents terrorizing their streets. They need local police they can trust to follow the laws they’re enforcing,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That’s why my amendment would take this excessive funding for ICE and redirect it toward the COPS Hiring Program, so we can put over 200,000 local police officers on our streets nationwide.”\n\nCortez Masto will continue to push for her PUBLIC SAFETY Act to redirect the excessive funding passed in the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and send it instead to local law enforcement programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-smith-hoeven-and-klobuchar-introduce-legislation-to-address-usps-delays", "title": "Cramer, Smith, Hoeven, and Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Address USPS Delays", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click herefor audio***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. – According to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General, North Dakota and Minnesota ranked in the 10 worst regions for mail service performance. Residents across the two states often deal with missing and delayed deliveries with little to no explanation from the USPS. To solve the critical issues behind this, a bipartisan group of senators from the two states introduced legislation to address the problems shippers and recipients are having.\n\nU.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Postal Delivery Accountability Act requiring the USPS implement tracking information for mail deliveries and ensure it is available to residents.\n\n“The Postal Service is required by law to deliver six days a week to every address in America,” said Cramer. “That’s the law, that’s not an option. But we know in North Dakota, that’s oftentimes [not] the reality and the problem is worsened by the fact that the Postal Service can’t accurately track when mail routes don’t receive deliveries. For paychecks, prescription medication, and other important items, we rely on this essential service that the Postal Service is supposed to be providing. The Postal Delivery Accountability Act will support the critical work by requiring proper tracking tools and notifications for customers so they can know exactly where their delivery is and when they can expect it. This is 2026 after all!”\n\n“Minnesotans rely on the Postal Service for essentials like prescriptions, bills, and Social Security checks. When mail delivery is delayed or unreliable, the harm is real. Yet when I ask the Postal Service for information about these disruptions, I’m told everything is fine. The reality is that they often don’t even know themselves,” said Smith. “As an essential public service, the USPS owes Americans transparency. The Postal Delivery Accountability Act is an important step toward that goal.”\n\n“North Dakotans depend on timely, reliable mail delivery,” said Hoeven. “Delayed or undelivered mail can have real consequences for families, seniors, veterans and small businesses. This legislation would help improve transparency, strengthen accountability at USPS and ensure customers have better information when delivery issues arise.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-the-secure-america-act", "title": "Senate Passes the Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legislation Funds ICE and CBP, Bolsters Law Enforcement and Homeland Security\n\n***Click herefor audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Fulfilling their promise to secure the border and prioritize the safety and security of Americans, the U.S. Senate passed the Secure America Act, funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the remainder of President Donald Trump’s administration.\n\nThe legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for final approval before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.\n\n“For 76 days, Democrats kept the Department of Homeland Security in limbo,”said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “Then they made it crystal clear they’d rather defund law enforcement than defend law enforcement. And under President Trump, America has the most secure border we’ve ever had, and Republicans refuse to go backward or sacrifice the safety of our law enforcement personnel to Democrats’ open-border fantasies. The Secure America Act delivers the immigration security and rule of law that we all promised when we ran and that the American people expect.”\n\nDemocrats obstructed passage of funding for ICE and CBP, causing a 76-day U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — which began on February 14 and ended April 30 after President Trump signed legislation restoring funding for most of the department. After congressional Democrats blocked bipartisan appropriations, Republicans had to use the budget reconciliation process to fund border and immigration agencies.\n\nCramer’s support for the legislation follows his recent travel to the U.S.-Mexico border, where he met with agents and reviewed the dramatic turnaround in border conditions under the Trump administration. During prior visits to the Rio Grande Sector, he witnessed waves of illegal crossings as Border Patrol agents faced record-breaking surges at the southern border during the Biden administration. At the peak of the crisis, DHS reported monthly encounters nearing 160,000, with daily apprehensions climbing as high as 15,000.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-votes-to-fund-law-enforcement-strengthen-border-security-through-presidents-term", "title": "Crapo Votes to Fund Law Enforcement, Strengthen Border Security Through President’s Term", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo issued the following statement after voting in favor of passage of the Secure America Act, legislation to fully fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol through 2029:\n\n“Immigration enforcement is a critical component of our national security,” said Crapo. “Democrats’ refusal to fund law enforcement at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security resulted in a record-long government shutdown and uncertainty for the men and women who work tirelessly to protect the American people. I voted today to fully fund these critical agencies through the end of the President’s term to ensure we continue to secure our border and enforce the law.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/06/05/daines-urges-colleagues-to-support-katie-lanes-nomination-to-be-montanas-federal-judge/", "title": "Daines Urges Colleagues to Support Katie Lane’s Nomination to be Montana’s Federal Judge", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“She will bring honor, decency, and integrity to the bench”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines gave a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, where he urged his colleagues to vote in favor of Katie Lane’s confirmation to serve as the next judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana.\n\nWatch Daines’ speech HERE.\n\nDaines’ remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nThank you, Mr. President,\n\nToday, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of confirming Katie Lane to serve as the next Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana.\n\nKatie attended kindergarten through 12th grade in Bozeman. We went to the same high school- we’re both Bozeman High Hawks.\n\nShe spent her childhood summers skiing, camping, and hiking, which instilled in her a deep love of the Treasure State and the values that make it the Last Best Place.\n\nKatie went on to attend George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, where she graduated magna cum laude.\n\nShe then clerked at both the trial and appellate levels of the federal judiciary for two federal judges.\n\nShe returned to Montana to serve as Deputy Solicitor General under Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen from 2021 to 2023.\n\nDuring her time in Helena, Katie worked zealously to defend Montana’s laws and challenge federal overreach.\n\nShe litigated cases in both state and federal courts on issues important to Montanans, including defending the Second Amendment, multiple land use and grazing rights cases, as well as defending Montana’s coal industry.\n\nAs Montanans know well, federal judges play a critical role in our daily lives.\n\nFor many years, we have dealt with an activist judiciary that repeatedly rules against Montana’s interests.\n\nThat’s why it’s essential we pick principled jurists who are committed to upholding the Constitution and making decisions based on the rule of law, not personal politics or viewpoints.\n\nWith this in mind, Senator Sheehy and I are confident that Katie is the right choice to serve Montana as our next federal judge.\n\nKatie’s values are rooted in Montana and grounded in the Constitution.\n\nKatie’s distinguished record of public service and experience in the federal and state judiciary makes her well-qualified to serve on the federal bench.\n\nI am confident she will be fair-minded, principled, and bring honor, decency, and integrity to the bench.\n\nI cannot recommend Katie highly enough and urge my colleagues to vote to confirm her today without delay.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-markey-senate-democrats-in-calling-for-affordability-safety-worker-priorities-in-surface-transportation-bill", "title": "Duckworth Joins Markey, Senate Democrats in Calling for Affordability, Safety, Worker Priorities in Surface Transportation Bill", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Senators call for protections against Trump’s politically motivated attacks on infrastructure projects\n\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (CST)—joined U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and 14 of their Senate Democratic colleagues to call on the Republican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. Senate Committees on Environment and Public Works; Commerce, Science and Transportation; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and Appropriations to continue the progress made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill.\n\n“We look forward to working with you to ensure the next surface transportation bill delivers real benefits to the American traveler by protecting against politicization, supporting safety improvements, cutting costs, creating good jobs, and protecting the climate and our health. With these priorities in mind, this bill can establish a world-class infrastructure system for decades to come,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nIn the letter, Duckworth, Markey and their colleagues urge the Senate committee leaders to prioritize several key areas, including:\n\nProtect infrastructure grants from political interference — All infrastructure grant authorizations must include guardrails that prevent current and future administrations from cancelling or delaying already awarded grants.\n\nMake transportation safer — Infrastructure investments must prioritize safety through investment in safe road design, accountability requirements and rigorous safety standards.\n\nAddress the affordability crisis — Infrastructure investments must make transportation more affordable for Americans by providing a historic investment in transit, walking, biking, EV charging and passenger rail, maximizing consumer choice and lowering costs.\n\nCreate good, union jobs — Infrastructure and transportation policy must include purposeful, pro-union policies such as project labor agreements, rail safety protections and apprenticeships that create middle-class jobs.\n\nAddress the climate crisis and protect public health — The next surface transportation bill must protect and expand existing programs aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality and reject punitive EV fees.\n\nThe letter also underscores the need to prioritize accessibility in the next surface transportation reauthorization, emphasizing the need to ensure equitable access for people with disabilities and individuals who face transportation barriers. The lawmakers wrote, “All investments must ensure the highest standards of accessibility across all modes of transportation so that people with disabilities and those facing transportation barriers have access to the same travel options as others. Ensuring transportation options are accessible benefits millions of riders and strengthens the economic and social fabric of communities.”\n\nIn addition to Duckworth and Markey, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the Senators’ letter is available on Duckworth’s website.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-after-senate-republicans-passed-another-blank-check-for-trumps-ice-and-border-patrol-while-doing-nothing-to-help-americans", "title": "Duckworth Statement After Senate Republicans Passed Another Blank Check for Trump’s ICE and Border Patrol While Doing Nothing to Help Americans", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to gift Donald Trump’s ICE and Border Patrol an additional $70 billion without any guardrails or reforms but refused to help Americans suffering from soaring costs as a direct result of Trump’s illegal war and other disastrous policies. The GOP reconciliation bill passed the Senate by a vote of 52-47.\n\n“Americans are getting pummeled by sky-high costs thanks to Donald Trump—and Republicans couldn’t care less. Instead of fighting to lower energy and grocery bills for their constituents, Senate Republicans spent all day and night fighting to bankroll Trump’s out-of-control lawless agents who killed two Americans in broad daylight.\n\n“In Republicans’ extreme reconciliation bill, the American people would get nothing while ICE and Border Patrol get another $70 billion blank check—on top of the $100 billion included in Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill—without any reforms, guardrails or protections. Republicans refused to support Democrats’ efforts to lower housing and health care costs, but fought to protect Trump’s $2 billion slush fund to pay out violent insurrectionists who assaulted police officers and his other lackies who broke the law. And while American taxpayers continue footing the bill for Trump’s self-created economic crisis, Republicans are just fine letting Donald Trump’s family get away with tax fraud.\n\n“Republicans showed their true priorities. It’s Donald Trump first, America last—every damn time.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-rep-kelly-to-introduce-wear-orange-resolution-to-honor-hadiya-pendleton-gun-violence-survivors", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth, Rep. Kelly To Introduce \"Wear Orange\" Resolution To Honor Hadiya Pendleton, Gun Violence Survivors", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) announced their “Wear Orange” resolution to designate June 5 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the entire month as National Gun Violence Awareness Month as gun violence often spikes when summer begins.\n\nThe resolution honors Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in a Chicago park on January 29, 2013—just one week after she performed as a drum majorette in President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Her family and friends started the “Wear Orange” movement to raise awareness of the 46,000 people who die due to gun violence every year in the U.S. Hunters often wear orange to avoid being shot.\n\n“Guns are now the number one killer of our nation’s children. With one in five Americans having lost a loved one to gun violence, this is nothing short of an epidemic,” Durbin said. “We are introducing this resolution in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, who was only 15 years old when she was senselessly shot and killed in Chicago. In honor of what would have been—should have been—her 29th birthday, I will proudly ‘Wear Orange’ as a sign of my dedication to finally putting an end to this public health crisis.”\n\n“I refuse to let our children grow up in a country that refuses to protect them from gun violence,” said Duckworth. “To honor Hadiya Pendleton and too many other victims of gun violence, Congress must take action to help keep our children and our communities safe. I’ll never stop working for commonsense gun safety reforms that can save lives and help prevent future tragedies—American families depend on it.”\n\n“I ran for office because I was sick and tired of watching Congress do nothing as children were killed by gun violence. Hadiya should’ve been safe at a park, but she was shot just months before I was sworn into office for the first time,” said Kelly. “Since Hadiya’s family and friends started Wear Orange, the color has become a beacon for action and advocacy. I’ve worked alongside her parents and other survivors to save lives from gun violence because the people closest to the pain are also closest to the solutions to end this crisis once and for all.”\n\nThe “Wear Orange” resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-CT), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\nRead the full text here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-rep-kelly-to-introduce-wear-orange-resolution-to-honor-hadiya-pendleton-gun-violence-survivors2", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth, Rep. Kelly To Introduce “Wear Orange” Resolution To Honor Hadiya Pendleton, Gun Violence Survivors", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) announced their “Wear Orange” resolution to designate June 5 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the entire month as National Gun Violence Awareness Month as gun violence often spikes when summer begins.\n\nThe resolution honors Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in a Chicago park on January 29, 2013—just one week after she performed as a drum majorette in President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Her family and friends started the “Wear Orange” movement to raise awareness of the 46,000 people who die due to gun violence every year in the U.S. Hunters often wear orange to avoid being shot.\n\n“Guns are now the number one killer of our nation’s children. With one in five Americans having lost a loved one to gun violence, this is nothing short of an epidemic,” Durbin said. “We are introducing this resolution in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, who was only 15 years old when she was senselessly shot and killed in Chicago. In honor of what would have been—should have been—her 29th birthday, I will proudly ‘Wear Orange’ as a sign of my dedication to finally putting an end to this public health crisis.”\n\n“I refuse to let our children grow up in a country that refuses to protect them from gun violence,” said Duckworth. “To honor Hadiya Pendleton and too many other victims of gun violence, Congress must take action to help keep our children and our communities safe. I’ll never stop working for commonsense gun safety reforms that can save lives and help prevent future tragedies—American families depend on it.”\n\n“I ran for office because I was sick and tired of watching Congress do nothing as children were killed by gun violence. Hadiya should’ve been safe at a park, but she was shot just months before I was sworn into office for the first time,” said Kelly. “Since Hadiya’s family and friends started Wear Orange, the color has become a beacon for action and advocacy. I’ve worked alongside her parents and other survivors to save lives from gun violence because the people closest to the pain are also closest to the solutions to end this crisis once and for all.”\n\nThe “Wear Orange” resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-CT), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\nRead the full text here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-voting-marathon-to-greenlight-trumps-mass-deportation-campaign-senate-republicans-reject-durbins-amendment-to-protect-daca-recipients", "title": "Durbin Voting Marathon To Greenlight Trump's Mass Deportation Campaign, Senate Republicans Reject Durbin's Amendment To Protect DACA Recipients", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – As Senate Republicans attempt to jam through nearly $70 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to support the President’s cruel mass deportation campaign, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of the Dream Act, called up his amendment to protect DACA recipients for a vote. The amendment would redirect $10 million towards timely processing of DACA renewal applications, while also restricting ICE and CBP funds in the bill from being used for the arrest, detention, deportation, or removal of DACA recipients who meet the requirements of the program.\n\nUltimately, most Senate Republicans blocked the amendment from passing with a 48-51 vote, making clear that Republicans are willing to greenlight this Administration’s inhumane treatment of immigrants, regardless of their DACA status or lack of criminal record.\n\nDurbin said ahead of the vote, “This is something that we’re all familiar with—DACA recipients. They came to the United States as infants, toddlers, and children. To qualify for DACA, they have to register every two years and pay a $600 fee [and] go through a complete criminal background check before they can be approved. If they violate the terms of the background check, they are disqualified from DACA. What they are looking for is a job—to legally work in the United States and not to be deported… They get no special benefits for being on DACA—no special government benefits. This language basically says the DACA recipients will be protected from arrest, detention, and removal.”\n\nSince returning to office, President Trump has used every tool at his disposal to thwart the protections of DACA. Last year, ICE arrested at least 261 DACA recipients and deported 86 of them. Even those who have not been detained have faced unprecedented delays in renewing their DACA status. Without renewal, these young people will lose their ability to work legally in the United States and will no longer be protected from deportation. Further, a recent Board of Immigration Appeals decision has paved the way for current DACA holders to be issued removal orders, increasing their likelihood of detention and deportation even with valid DACA authorization. The impacts are even worse for Dreamers who cannot obtain protections pursuant to DACA.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nIn March, Durbin and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) led 39 of their Senate Democratic Caucus colleagues in a letter to then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow demanding DHS reduce the delays in processing renewal applications under the DACA program.\n\nIn February, Durbin called out DHS for wrongfully targeting and removing DACA recipients. According to DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested 261 DACA recipients and 86 have been removed from the country between January 1, 2025, and November 19, 2025.\n\nBeginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Over the years, Durbin has told the stories of 150 Dreamers on the Senate Floor. In 2012, Durbin worked with then-President Obama to establish the DACA program to allow these young people to gain temporary status. The most current available government data shows that the number of DACA holders has fallen from roughly 530,000 in September 2024 to roughly 515,000 in June 2025.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/during-voting-marathon-to-greenlight-trumps-mass-deportation-campaign-senate-republicans-reject-durbins-amendment-to-protect-daca-recipients", "title": "During Voting Marathon To Greenlight Trump’s Mass Deportation Campaign, Senate Republicans Reject Durbin’s Amendment To Protect DACA Recipients", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – As Senate Republicans attempt to jam through nearly $70 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to support the President’s cruel mass deportation campaign, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of the Dream Act, called up his amendment to protect DACA recipients for a vote. The amendment would redirect $10 million towards timely processing of DACA renewal applications, while also restricting ICE and CBP funds in the bill from being used for the arrest, detention, deportation, or removal of DACA recipients who meet the requirements of the program.\n\nUltimately, most Senate Republicans blocked the amendment from passing with a 48-51 vote, making clear that Republicans are willing to greenlight this Administration’s inhumane treatment of immigrants, regardless of their DACA status or lack of criminal record.\n\nDurbin said ahead of the vote, “This is something that we’re all familiar with—DACA recipients. They came to the United States as infants, toddlers, and children. To qualify for DACA, they have to register every two years and pay a $600 fee [and] go through a complete criminal background check before they can be approved. If they violate the terms of the background check, they are disqualified from DACA. What they are looking for is a job—to legally work in the United States and not to be deported… They get no special benefits for being on DACA—no special government benefits. This language basically says the DACA recipients will be protected from arrest, detention, and removal.”\n\nSince returning to office, President Trump has used every tool at his disposal to thwart the protections of DACA. Last year, ICE arrested at least 261 DACA recipients and deported 86 of them. Even those who have not been detained have faced unprecedented delays in renewing their DACA status. Without renewal, these young people will lose their ability to work legally in the United States and will no longer be protected from deportation. Further, a recent Board of Immigration Appeals decision has paved the way for current DACA holders to be issued removal orders, increasing their likelihood of detention and deportation even with valid DACA authorization. The impacts are even worse for Dreamers who cannot obtain protections pursuant to DACA.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nIn March, Durbin and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) led 39 of their Senate Democratic Caucus colleagues in a letterto then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow demanding DHS reduce the delays in processing renewal applications under the DACA program.\n\nIn February, Durbin called out DHS for wrongfully targeting and removing DACA recipients. According to DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested 261 DACA recipients and 86 have been removed from the country between January 1, 2025, and November 19, 2025.\n\nBeginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Over the years, Durbin has told the stories of 150 Dreamers on the Senate Floor. In 2012, Durbin worked with then-President Obama to establish the DACA program to allow these young people to gain temporary status. The most current available government data shows that the number of DACA holders has fallen from roughly 530,000 in September 2024 to roughly 515,000 in June 2025.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-cancels-the-viral-fraud-fluencers-scamming-taxpayers", "title": "Ernst Cancels the Viral Fraud-Fluencers Scamming Taxpayers", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is cracking down on fraud-fluencers, social media personalities who are making fleecing taxpayers a lifestyle and flagrantly flaunting to their followers how easy it is to scam Uncle Sam.\n\nFrom podcasts on fraud and YouTubers rapping about ripping off welfare programs to a TikTok creator bragging about living in the U.S. illegally and more, Ernst is exposing the worst of these crafty creators as part of her crusade against fraud.\n\nA self-described “con artist” who swindled more than $1 million from the Small Business Administration spent the spoils curating an upscale lifestyle on TikTok and Instagram;\n\nA freeloading TikTok creator living in the U.S. illegally gained a following bragging about collecting government handouts and encouraging other migrants to “invade” America;\n\nAn IRS employee who stole more than $3.5 million from numerous government programs advertised her illegal pyramid scheme on Instagram; and\n\nA TikToker who went viral for a video explaining how to scam the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, now warns, “watch what y’all put on the internet because everything is not for the internet—and I learned that.”\n\nTo permanently block these streaming schemers, Ernst is asking the U.S. Government Accountability Office to investigate online forums where criminals share how-to guides or other tips and develop blueprints for government agencies to protect public programs from these scammers.\n\n“…a new trend is emerging in which both convicted and uncharged fraudsters share information that allows others to exploit government programs,” wrote Ernst. “The brazen nature of these fraudsters’ behavior is alarming and warrants closer examination.”\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nBackground:\n\nErnst has long fought to root out government waste, fraud, and abuse, particularly within SBA’s pandemic relief programs, successfully leading the Senate to pass her SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act extending the window for holding COVID fraudsters accountable and recovering taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.\n\nLast month, Ernst unveiled a comprehensive anti-fraud legislative package, the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, that, if enacted, would recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars, and stop fraudsters.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CF11B195-3A42-4C6F-99C2-ACC5DDC75748", "title": "Fischer Statement on Senate Passage of Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) released the following statement after she voted for and the U.S. Senate passed the Secure America Act:\n\n\"Today, the Senate delivered historic, multi-year funding for our Border Patrol and ICE agents. At a critical moment for national security, this bill blocks Democrats' efforts to defund border security and locks in the record-low border crossings achieved under the Trump administration. I’m proud to advance this legislation, which will protect public safety and strengthen law enforcement.”\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/6/fischer-statement-on-senate-passage-of-secure-america-act", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-riley-call-on-norfolk-southern-and-union-pacific-corportation-to-repair-dilapidated-bridged/", "title": "Gillibrand, Schumer, Riley Call On Norfolk Southern And Union Pacific Corporation To Repair Dilapidated Bridges", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Representative Josh Riley (D-NY-19) urged the chief executive officers of Norfolk Southern and the Union Pacific Corporation to prioritize public safety and commit to conducting critical repairs on four railroad bridges spanning Water and State streets.\n\nThe lawmakers’ push follows a 2023 city-commissioned inspection that found 12 railroad bridges owned and operated by Norfolk Southern to be in “severe” or “poor” condition. In the letter, the members wrote, “Irrespective of the final decision of the proposed merger between Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation by the Surface Transportation Board, we ask that you commit to completing essential infrastructure upgrades to these bridges.”\n\nWhile Norfolk Southern has rehabilitated bridges over Glenwood Avenue, Jarvis Street, Front Street, and Murray Street, with work set to begin on the Brandywine Avenue bridge this week, four structures over Water and State streets remain untouched, posing ongoing safety concerns for the community. The members underscored, “Signs of distress on these bridges found in the 2023 report were incredibly alarming, with the two bridges located on Water Street identified to be in the most severe condition of the twelve total bridges that needed repairs. Norfolk Southern indicated its plans to begin a multi-phase rehabilitation project to address repairs needed by the four bridges on Water Street and State Street this year, but to this date has not begun to do so.”\n\nThe members closed the letter by urging the CEOs at both companies to prioritize the safety of Binghamton residents and swiftly finish repairs on the remaining bridges. They also sought a commitment to “continued long-term maintenance of all railway infrastructure currently owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad in the City of Binghamton.”\n\nIn 2023, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand pushed Norfolk Southern to publicly release its private inspection report and called on the company to eliminate potential structural and safety issues in the City of Binghamton. Following the devastating 2023 freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which caused a massive fire and chemical spill, Schumer introduced the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023, legislation to help create new rail safety protocols, hold railroads accountable for malfeasance, and increase transparency of trains carrying hazardous materials. The senators personally wrote to the head of Norfolk Southern and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to immediately work with the city to address these safety concerns and urged the FRA to conduct its own inspection of the bridges in question to understand the safety threats to the Binghamton community. This effort builds on the senators’ advocacy to strengthen rail safety, improve transparency, and get answers from railroad companies who put Upstate NY communities at risk.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-trump-demanding-bill-pulte-gut-intelligence-agencies/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Trump Demanding Bill Pulte Gut Intelligence Agencies", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Trump telling the Wall Street Journal he plans to have acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte – who didn’t even have a security clearancewhen he was named to the position – gut America’s intelligence apparatus in the middle of a war:\n\n“Donald Trump’s plan to use his unqualified political crony to gut our intelligence agencies directly endangers our national security. This is ridiculous – ODNI is vital to keeping our country safe from threats at home and abroad. Congress established the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to ensure the catastrophic failures that led to 9/11 never happened again. I urge all my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, to oppose this reckless escapade and protect the integrity of our national defense.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-calls-for-250-million-to-preserve-our-history-for-the-250th-anniversary-of-america/", "title": "Senator Gillibrand Calls For $250 Million To Preserve Our History For The 250th Anniversary Of America", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stood in Columbia County to announce a major bipartisan push for historic preservation funding. In a letter to Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee leadership, Gillibrand called for $250 million to be allocated to the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which is overseen by the National Park Service (NPS), in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.\n\nAs the nation’s largest dedicated source of funding for historic preservation, the HPF delivers grants to restore endangered landmarks, revitalize historic downtowns, and support State Historic Preservation Offices. Gillibrand emphasized that directing these federal resources straight into local communities will be critical to unlocking regional economic growth and creating local jobs. The funding is poised to have a monumental impact on the Hudson Valley. Specifically, it could offer critical support for the Hudson River Historic District, the largest National Historic Landmark District on the U.S. mainland, which is home to 1,869 unique historic structures and sites that could qualify for preservation assistance.\n\n“The Hudson Valley is home to so much American history – from Revolutionary War sites to one of the birthplaces of modern American art,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must ensure that the communities who safeguard this history have the resources they need. Securing increased funding for the Historic Preservation Fund isn’t just about honoring our past; it is an investment in our future. These grants flow directly onto our main streets and create good-paying local jobs while revitalizing regional economies.”\n\n“To preserve our historic structures is to preserve our city’s story for future generations,” said Hudson Mayor Joseph Ferris. “Thanks to critical New York State historic preservation funding, the Pocketbook Factory has been brought back to life. I applaud Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s push for an additional $250 million in federal historic preservation funding. This increase in funding will give incredible historic landmarks and structures a second-life. These programs do more than preserve history, they serve as an opportunity to create meaningful local jobs and drive economic growth.”\n\n“The Pocketbook Hotel shows that old buildings aren’t just history—they create jobs and boost our economy,” said Mike Tucker, President & CEO of Columbia Economic Development Corporation. “It was great working with the young developers on this project, but federal support in the form of Historic Preservation Tax Credits are what actually makes these big dreams a reality.”\n\nThe Historic Preservation Fund enables communities like Hudson to restore historic main streets, stabilize aging public infrastructure, and elevate underrepresented histories, including Indigenous and African American heritage sites.\n\nAhead of the 2026 Semiquincentennial, the proposed $250 million appropriation would ensure that historic treasures across New York State and the nation are being preserved and revitalized.\n\nThe full letter can be read HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-celebrates-big-community-funding-wins-on-long-island/", "title": "Senator Gillibrand Celebrates Big Community Funding Wins On Long Island", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, celebrated the more than $23 million in federal funding for critical community projects across Long Island included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding packages signed into law earlier this year.\n\nThe funding includes $3 million for the expansion and renovation of the YMCA’s community center in Patchogue; $750,000 for a Construction Training Academy at the United Way of Long Island, and $400,000 for the renovation of a community hub at the Viscardi Center. Senator Gillibrand personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending items.\n\n“These federal dollars will power real growth across Long Island,” said Senator Gillibrand. “From financing critical workforce development programs at United Way of Long Island to supporting the expansion of the YMCA in Patchogue, this money will make a real difference for New Yorkers. I’m proud to have fought to secure these funds, and I’ll keep working to bring more federal dollars home to support growth on Long Island.”\n\n“We are deeply humbled and grateful to stand with Senator Gillibrand in transforming lives in Patchogue and surrounding communities. The Senator’s generous congressional grant of $3 million is not just an investment—it is a gesture of faith in our mission and the people we serve. Because of this support, countless children, seniors, families, and neighbors will find belonging, support, and opportunities they might not have had otherwise. With this gift, we can expand essential childcare and health and wellness programs, and continue making the YMCA a welcoming, community hub for everyone. Thank you, Senator, for your partnership with the YMCA of Long Island and for helping to shape a brighter future for all,” said the YMCA of Long Island.\n\n“United Way of Long Island is grateful to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her leadership and support of this transformative investment. The Construction Training Academy will create new opportunities for YouthBuild students, veterans, and other workforce training participants by providing in-demand skills, industry-recognized credentials, and a pathway to long-term self-sufficiency. This investment will not only change individual lives—it will strengthen our workforce, our economy, and our communities for generations,”said Theresa Regnante, President & CEO, United Way of Long Island.\n\n“Thanks to Senator Gillibrand’s leadership, The Viscardi Center is able to create a Community Programming Hub, where people with cognitive and developmental disabilities are empowered to build the independent living skills necessary to live civically engaged lives, fully included in our communities. And while being empowered by the Hub’s programming, their families receive the respite needed to ensure that they are rested, refreshed, and poised to support their loved ones as they strive for inclusion and independence,” said Dr. Chris Rosa, President & CEO, the Viscardi Center.\n\nA breakdown of the projects highlighted at today’s event is below:\n\n$3 million for Renovation of the YMCA of Long Island’s Patchogue Facility:\n\nThis funding will facilitate the expansion, reimaging, and renovation of the YMCA’s Patchogue branch, maximizing square footage to incorporate a social wellness space for older adults, community education space for chronic disease prevention, and additional child care classrooms.\n\n$750,000 for United Way of Long Island’s Construction Training Academy:\n\nSince 2010, more than 1,000 graduates of United Way Long Island have gained hands-on construction skills while rehabilitating homes for previously unhoused families and veterans in their community. This funding will support a new Construction Training Academy developed in collaboration with Opportunities Long Island, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties, local unions, and employers to serve as a pipeline to high-quality careers in the construction and utility industries. This partnership ensures that students receive industry-aligned training and direct pathways to apprenticeships and employment with unionized contractors and other employers.\n\n$400,000 for the Viscardi Center for Creation of a Community Program Hub:\n\nThe Viscardi Center is a leading nonprofit organization providing education and support services to individuals with disabilities on Long Island. This award will be used to renovate an existing house to serve as a Community Program Hub – an independent teaching lab to prepare students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be more self-sufficient, live independently, and become work ready.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-visits-the-mt-van-hoevenberg-olympic-sports-complex-reaffirms-new-york-states-interest-in-pursuing-olympic-bid/", "title": "Senator Gillibrand Visits The Mt Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex, Reaffirms New York State’s Interest In Pursuing Olympic Bid", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Mt Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex and met with officials amidst New York State’s interest in pursuing the bid to host the 2042 Winter Games. The visit highlights growing statewide momentum to bring the global winter sports stage back to New York State, leveraging its world-class facilities and multimillion-dollar upgrades to regional infrastructure.\n\nNew York State has a long history of hosting the Winter Olympic Games, having last hosted the global event in Lake Placid in 1980. Lake Placid also hosted the 1932 Winter Olympics, making it one of the few places in the world with a permanent, deeply rooted Olympic identity. During her tour of the modernized Olympic Sports Complex, Gillibrand emphasized that a 2042 bid is not just about celebrating the past, but about driving economic growth, international tourism, and sustainable development for the next generation of New Yorkers.\n\n“The legacy of the 1980 Winter Games still burns brightly here in Lake Placid and across New York State,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Today is about looking forward, as New York offers state-of-the-art facilities, an unmatched hosting experience, and a deep-seated passion for winter athletics. We are uniquely positioned to deliver a sustainable, thrilling, and world-class Winter Olympics in 2042. I look forward to helping kickstart this effort and showing the International Olympic Committee that New York is ready to welcome the world once again.”\n\n“It was a pleasure to welcome Senator Gillibrand to Mt Van Hoevenberg. The Olympic Regional Development Authority thanks her for supporting our work in advancing regional economic progress and the development of sport for all. The recent upgrades by New York State have positioned all of our venues for an exciting and successful future,” saidAshley Walden, President & CEO, Olympic Regional Development Authority.\n\nManaged by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), the Mt Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex is a world-renowned multi-use sports complex. It serves as a training ground for Olympic hopefuls and a premier destination for international sports competitions, recreation, and tourism.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-in-washington-post-letter-to-the-editor-heres-what-coastal-elites-dont-get-about-californias-prop-12", "title": "Grassley in Washington Post Letter to the Editor: Here’s what coastal elites don’t get about California’s Prop 12", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – In a Washington Post Letter to the Editor, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, outlined his opposition to California’s Proposition 12, which oversteps constitutional boundaries and curtails pig producers’ ability to sell into 15% of the nation’s pork market.\n\nText of his Letter to the Editor follows:\n\nRegarding Kathleen Parker’s May 31 column, “Congress has a cruelty problem”:\n\nCalifornia’s Proposition 12 overstepped constitutional boundaries and blacklisted pig farmers from selling to 15 percent of the nation’s pork market. As a lifelong family farmer, it’s clear to me that coastal elites from Massachusetts to California don’t understand how to safely bring to market wholesome pork from farrow to finish, or how to efficiently produce enough eggs to feed a nation of 342 million people. Neither do Beltway pundits.\n\nAt the very least, even city slickers ought to recognize U.S. consumers pay more at the grocery store, including inflated prices for pork chops and bacon, because of costly government mandates.\n\nParker mentioned Justice Neil M. Gorsuch’s 5-4 majority opinion, but omitted that it also said Congress has the authority to legislate a statute “that might displace Proposition 12” and end the patchwork of regulations that interfere with interstate commerce and agricultural practices in another state.\n\nCongress has bicameral legislation to do just that. By eliminating heavy-handed regulations that push up the price of high-quality protein, the bill would allow pork producers to determine their own farming practices while giving consumers the freedom to choose where they source their meat. It’s a commonsense free-market solution that boosts affordability for farmers and families nationwide.\n\nChuck Grassley, Washington\n\nThe writer, a Republican, represents Iowa in the U.S. Senate.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-votes-to-fund-federal-law-enforcement-and-border-security", "title": "Grassley Votes to Fund Federal Law Enforcement and Border Security", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senate Republicans pass the Secure America Act while Democrats cling to open border, defund-the-police policies\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued a statement following Senate Republicans’ passage of the Secure America Act by a vote of 52-47. The Secure America Act pays federal law enforcement officers, secures the border and protects American communities from violent criminals, illicit drugs and contraband. Grassley helped craft a significant portion of the legislation as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over matters related to immigration and law enforcement.\n\n“Iowans want to keep their families safe and put a stop to the drugs that cartels have flooded into rural communities. The Secure America Act helps achieve that end,” Grassley said. “For months, Democrats have blocked funding for immigration enforcement agencies at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s a sad commentary that my Democrat colleagues are in favor of defunding federal law enforcement officers who risk their lives for our country. Americans and our men and women in uniform deserve better. I voted to back the blue and secure a safer today and tomorrow for America.”\n\nSpecifically, the Secure America Act:\n\nFully funds Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through 2029, allowing the agency to continue securing the border and protecting Americans from illicit drugs and contraband.\n\nFully funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through 2029, supporting the brave officers who risk their lives to keep Americans safe from violent criminals and potential terrorists.\n\nProvides additional funds to DHS through 2029 to assist immigration enforcement and law enforcement efforts.\n\nBy opposing the Secure America Act, Senate Democrats voted in favor of returning to the Biden era of open borders and defunding the police. Those failed Democrat policies resulted in the following:\n\nOver 10 million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border from 2021 to 2024 – more than three times the population of the state of Iowa.\n\nOver two million illegal immigrants were released into the United States from 2021 to 2024 – two-thirds the population of Iowa.\n\nOn average, over 10,000 illegal immigrants crossed the southern border per day in December of 2023.\n\nOver 6,000 individuals flagged on the FBI’s terrorist watch list or with criminal records were paroled into the United States.\n\nNearly 64,000 pounds of fentanyl was seized at the southern border between 2021 to 2024, enough to kill 14 billion people – that’s nearly two times the global population.\n\nViolent crime victimizations increased by 55.4% from 2020 to 2023, rape crimes increased by 42%, robberies by 63% and aggravated assaults by 55%, according to a 2023 National Crime Victimization Survey.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-investment-opportunity-for-kids", "title": "Q&A: Investment Opportunity for Kids", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Q: How do the new Trump Accounts work?\n\nA: The Working Families Tax Cuts Act signed into law last July 4 included a new investment benefit for U.S. citizens under age 18. Moms and Dads work tirelessly to provide for their families and make ends meet. Putting food on the table, filling the gas tank, paying for child care and pinching pennies to take a summer vacation make it challenging to budget for their own retirement, let alone their kids’ long-term financial security.\n\nThe landmark tax law created tax-advantaged investment accounts to help build financial security for kids and foster financial literacy in the next generation. There’s also an added benefit for parents who welcome a new baby into the family. The U.S. Treasury will contribute $1,000 for every American child born between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2028. The account is in the child’s name and parents serve as the custodian of the funds until the child turns 18. Parents, family members and friends may deposit up to $5,000 each year to a child’s account to maximize growth. Employers may choose to contribute up to $2,500, on a pre-tax basis which counts towards the $5,000 annual limit. Government and tax-exempt entities may also make contributions to a designated class of beneficiaries, and such contributions do not count against the contribution limit. Trump Accounts will launch on our nation’s 250th birthday, July 4, 2026. To participate, parents need to complete and submit IRS Form 4547 online at https://www.irs.gov/trumpaccounts. To create an account, a valid Social Security number for each child is required. A mobile app is also available for download to manage and keep tabs on the balance, contributions and investment activity. All funds are automatically invested in American companies.\n\nAt age 18, the money accrued in the investment account belongs to the child. After that, accounts are generally governed by the same rules as a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The money can continue to grow and be distributed for any purpose penalty free after reaching age 59 ½. Prior to this, distributions may be made penalty free for certain purposes, including for qualified higher education expenses or to make a first-time home purchase. When the time comes, it’s a good idea to consult with tax professionals before making withdrawals to avoid penalties. Remember, the balance grows over time, with or without contributions. These investment accounts build upon the strength of the American economy to give kids a head start on the American Dream. Early saving and investing will help the next generation climb the ladder of economic mobility and achieve financial security.\n\nQ: Which of the nation’s founders put his money where his mouth was for America’s future?\n\nA: In more ways than one, Benjamin Franklin shaped America’s path to freedom, prosperity and opportunity. A key architect of the Declaration of Independence, Franklin was the oldest delegate and shrewd diplomat who helped shepherd our nation’s founding charter to its adoption on July 4, 1776. He was among 56 delegates to sign the historic parchment at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. In addition to enshrining the American experiment and “self-evident” truths into the Declaration of Independence, Franklin pursued a 200-year financial experiment to benefit young tradesmen and fund public works. He understood the power of compound interest. He famously said, “Money makes money. And the money that makes money, makes money.”\n\nA man of many talents – civic leader, inventor, statesman and entrepreneur – he also was a philanthropist. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, one of Franklin’s historic bequests to future Americans illustrates his optimism for America. In his will, he left 1,000 pounds sterling each for his birth city, Boston, as well as his adopted hometown of Philadelphia. Recognizing the power of education and investment for the public good, he required the endowment funds be invested to gather interest for 200 years before they could be disbursed without restriction. For the first 100 years after his death, one-quarter of the funds were to be used to make low-interest loans to young apprentices to help start their business. The interest was reinvested to grow the principal. After 100 years, the remaining three-quarters of the endowments would be used for public works in each city. By 1990, the Franklin trusts matured and his gift had grown to millions of dollars.\n\nLikewise, the Trump Accounts deliver a dose of optimism and enterprise for young Americans. I encourage Iowans to take advantage of this opportunity to sow seeds of prosperity for the next generation.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/06/05/hagerty-calls-for-border-patrol-ice-funding-and-border-security-amid-shutdown/", "title": "Hagerty Calls for Border Patrol, ICE Funding and Border Security Amid Shutdown", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.hagerty.senate.gov", "scraper": "hagerty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000601", "name": "Bill Hagerty", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senate Democrats refused to give ICE, Border Patrol funding for 110 days\n\nWASHINGTON— Yesterday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) spoke on the Senate floor imploring his Senate colleagues to secure funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Boder Patrol (CBP) during budget reconciliation, which had been shut down since January.\n\n*Click the photo above or click here to watch*\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\n“We have gone 110 days with border patrol and ICE being defunded by the Democrats. The question I ask is: what do they want? They want to see more deaths. In 2025 alone, in my home state, 41 Tennesseans died at the hands of illegal immigrants… I took a call from a father whose son didn’t wake up on Thanksgiving morning because he got Fentanyl into his system. I do not ever want to take a call like that again.\n\nAnd [Senate Democrats] want more national security risks. Under the Biden administration, 1,500 Iranians were apprehended at the southern border. 700 of them were admitted into the United States. We don’t know where they are. 24,000 Chinese nationals in one year were encountered at the southern border under Joe Biden.\n\n… [Senate Democrats] want to distract us from the fact that every Democrat is about vote to defund ICE, to defund law enforcement, and to keep our border unsecure. Therefore, Mr. President, the pending amendment contains matter not within the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee, and thus is extraneous. Therefore, I raise a point of order under Section three 13 B one C of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-statement-on-senate-republican-vote-to-keep-costs-high-and-advance-trump-slush-funds", "title": "Senator Hassan Statement on Senate Republican Vote to Keep Costs High & Advance Trump Slush Funds", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement after Senate Republicans rejected efforts to lower costs for families in favor of expanding a slush fund for ICE; rejected restraints on the President’s ballroom project; and refused to prohibit the President’s proposed nearly $2 billion fund, paid for by taxpayers, for giveaways to insurrectionists, convicted criminals, and political allies:\n\n“During a cost-of-living emergency for families and small businesses, Senate Republicans today — over bipartisan opposition — pushed through legislation that puts the interests of the President over the pocketbooks of the American people. This bill expands a partisan slush fund for ICE, allows the President to continue his extravagant golden ballroom project, and paves the way for the President to roll out his $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded giveaway to January 6 insurrectionists, convicted criminals, and other political allies. Granite Staters and Americans see the President’s failures every day on gas station signs, grocery store receipts, electric bills, and at the pharmacy counter. They’re exhausted and need relief now.”\n\nDuring debate on the legislation, Senator Hassan put forward an amendment to refocus this bill on solving the housing crisis facing families in New Hampshire and nationwide. Senator Hassan’s amendment would have expanded the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program and sent more money to all 50 states to help build seven million new, high-quality homes nationwide. Senate Republicans voted against the amendment, and it failed to advance.\n\nSenator Hassan’s effort to refocus the legislation on the priorities of the American people followed a similar push that she made when this partisan bill was before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. During the Committee markup, Senator Hassan put forward several amendments to put common-sense guardrails on ICE and redirect funding for the President’s lavish ballroom project to expanding health care and countering terrorism and child sex exploitation. Senate Republicans on the Committee sided with President Trump and rejected these common-sense amendments.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-provision-to-fight-child-trafficking-passes-senate/", "title": "Hawley Provision to Fight Child Trafficking Passes Senate", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) provision to combat child exploitation passed the Senate. The provision, as part of the broader reconciliation bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, will provide DHS with $108.5 million to hire 200 new child exploitation investigators and analysts. DHS currently employs only 7 full-time specialists to identify these victims.\n\n“The Senate just passed my legislation with Tim Tebow to rescue thousands of children trapped in sex trafficking. That’s two hundred new law enforcement officers to find and rescue kids trafficked by predators and a new initiative to coordinate local, state, and federal enforcement. This is the biggest surge against child trafficking ever by the federal government. Let’s go rescue these kids,” said Senator Hawley.\n\nDHS’ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) plays a critical role in combating child exploitation online, but currently lacks the resources to fully execute its mission. In a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing chaired by Senator Hawley in March, Tim Tebow—the Heisman Trophy winner who now leads the Tim Tebow Foundation and its work to end child exploitation—described how HSI’s lack of staff for these cases hampers its ability to identify and find the exploited children who appear in child abuse images. Tebow told the subcommittee that 338,000 unique IP addresses have downloaded, shared, or distributed child rape images in the United States in just a matter of months, and as many as 89,000 unidentified child victims appear in these horrific materials. However, DHS currently employs only 7 full-time specialists to identify these victims.\n\nSenator Hawley’s provision, modeled on the Renewed Hope Act, will provide HSI with a generational investment to both identify and rescue these unidentified children. The provision would allow HSI to:\n\nHire 40 new forensic analysts at the Victim Identification Laboratory at the Child Exploitation Investigations Unit of HSI\n\nHire 30 new child exploitation investigators at the Victim Identification Laboratory of the Child Exploitation Investigations Unit of HSI.\n\nHire 130 additional forensic analysts and child exploitation investigators at the offices of the Special Agents in Charge\n\nEstablish a dedicated training program in victim identification for federal, state, and local law enforcement to better coordinate investigations\n\nRead Senator Hawley’s op-ed on the provision here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-fights-republicans-efforts-to-fund-ices-lawlessness-and-protect-trumps-18-billion-slush-fund-for-cop-beating-insurrectionists", "title": "Heinrich Fights Republicans’ Efforts to Fund ICE’s Lawlessness & Protect Trump’s $1.8 Billion Slush Fund for Cop-Beating Insurrectionists", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Senate Republicans’ budget bill that fails to address the skyrocketing price of gas, groceries, and everyday essentials — while giving away $70 billion in taxpayer dollars to a lawless U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol. These agencies are already sitting on over $103 billion in unspent funds from the last Republican budget bill.\n\nDespite Heinrich’s work to amend the legislation, Republicans blocked every effort to provide needed relief to working families and refused to prohibit President Trump from using taxpayer dollars to fund his billion-dollar ballroom and create a $1.8 billon slush fund for convicted criminals who beat up police officers during the January 6, 2021 insurrection.\n\n“While you’re paying higher costs on everything from gas to groceries, Senate Republicans are once again using your taxpayer dollars to fund a lawless ICE and protect Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund for cop-beating insurrectionists,” said Heinrich. “Throughout this budget process, I fought for amendments to support working families, ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, and help lower everyday costs. Senate Republicans rejected those efforts at every turn, making clear that they would rather fight harder for Trump’s corrupt vanity projects than deliver relief for the American people.”\n\nAs Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Heinrich successfully led the effort to block Senate Republicans from using their budget bill to fund Trump’s ballroom with $1 billion in taxpayer dollars. The Senate Parliamentarian sided with Heinrich, who advised that funding for Trump’s gilded ballroom would be subject to a 60-vote Byrd Rule point of order, effectively forcing its elimination from the legislation.\n\nDuring the budget vote, Heinrich and Senate Democrats attempted to amend the legislation and provide much needed relief for working families.\n\nSenate Republicans blocked Senate Democrats’ efforts to:\n\nProhibit Trump from using taxpayer dollars to create a $1.8 billon slush fund for convicted criminals who attacked the U.S. Capitol and beat up police officers on January 6, 2021.\n\nProhibit taxpayer dollars from being used to fund Trump’s billion-dollar gilded ballroom.\n\nRevoke Trump's unlawful tax audit immunities.\n\nBuild 7 million new homes for working families nationwide, including 42,000 new homes in New Mexico.\n\nProvide funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which expands the supply of affordable housing and helps more New Mexicans afford to rent or achieve homeownership.\n\nFund early childhood education for working families.\n\nEstablish a task force to conduct investigations into troubling health insurer utilization management practices, including “prior authorizations,” that often restrict or delay patient access to medically necessary healthcare.\n\nForce the public disclosure of the White House’s agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers, which Trump has forced companies to keep confidential. Hire local law enforcement officers to address public safety in local communities.\n\nRequire U.S. Department of Homeland (DHS) officers to wear body cameras while engaging in immigration enforcement activities.\n\nProhibit an acting Director of National Intelligence who is simultaneously leading any other Federal department or agency.\n\nProcess Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications in a timely manner.\n\nProvide behavioral healthcare, counseling, and substance use prevention services to youth at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system.\n\nLimit the influence of Super PACs in federal elections.\n\nEnsure safe, humane conditions at DHS detention centers.\n\nBelow is a list of amendments that Heinrich filed to amend Republicans’ budget resolution to lower costs for New Mexico families:\n\nLowering Costs & Fiscal Responsibility\n\nAn amendment to fund the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice to combat rising prices caused by anticompetitive practices.\n\nAn amendment to block Trump’s efforts to use taxpayer dollars to create a $1.8 billon slush fund for convicted criminals who attacked the U.S. Capitol and beat up police officers on January 6, 2021.\n\nAn amendment to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars from being used to fund Trump’s billion-dollar ballroom.\n\nPublic Safety\n\nAn amendment to fund the interdiction of firearms being illegally trafficked out of the United States.\n\nAn amendment to fund increased efforts to combat human trafficking.\n\nAn amendment to improve federal and state DNA collection and analysis systems and end the DNA processing backlog that prevents an untold number of crimes from being solved.\n\nAn amendment to monitor and investigate terrorist threats to places of worship and collaborate with law enforcement partners to deter extremist violence.\n\nAn amendment to investigate and address violence by white nationalist domestic terrorist groups.\n\nAn amendment to track coercive economic practices of the Chinese Communist Party in the U.S.\n\nImmigration\n\nAn amendment to train U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in processing Tribal identification documents.\n\nAn amendment to reduce the backlog of applications at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and expedite processing.\n\nAn amendment to reunite veterans and separated family members, including minor children, being held by DHS.\n\nAn amendment to provide post-release services, legal services, and child advocates.\n\nAn amendment to fund the DHS’ Shelter and Services Program, which provides humanitarian services to migrants while their immigration proceedings are pending.\n\nAn amendment to train U.S. Border Patrol agents to be emergency medical technicians.\n\nPublic Health & Food Safety\n\nAn amendment to increase the interdiction of illicit vaping devices.\n\nAn amendment to hire and train personnel to identify diseases with a high chance of zoonotic spillover in shipments of wildlife and animal products, illegally trafficked and poached wildlife and wildlife products, and illegally transported invasive plant and wildlife species.\n\nAn amendment to help combat New World screwworm flies, which threaten the U.S. cattle industry.\n\nAn amendment to help monitor pests and pathogens affecting specialty crops.\n\nPublic Lands & Conservation\n\nAn amendment to prevent the sale of public lands.\n\nAn amendment to identify and establish border crossing infrastructure that reduces human-wildlife conflict and enables wildlife range expansion.\n\nElection Security\n\nAn amendment to improve election security.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-raises-questions-on-potential-ethics-violations-by-senior-official-at-department-of-the-interior", "title": "Heinrich Raises Questions on Potential Ethics Violations by Senior Official at Department of the Interior", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Burgum requesting a briefing from the Department’s Designated Ethics Official (DAO) regarding actions of Karen Budd-Falen, the Department’s Associate Deputy Secretary, that raise serious concerns about her compliance with federal ethics laws and standards.\n\n“I am writing to express deep concern regarding reports that a senior official at the Department of the Interior (DOI or Department) may be involved in matters that present a conflict of interest,” Heinrich began in a letter to Burgum. “On April 29, 2026, you testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources regarding the President’s 2027 Budget Request. Following the hearing, in questions for the record, I asked you about reports that Karen Budd-Falen, the Department’s Associate Deputy Secretary, failed to previously disclose critical information in her financial disclosure report and recently received a partial ethics waiver permitting her to work on matters that could benefit her family.”\n\nAccording to The Washington Post, in an interview conducted with Senator Lummis in December 2025 as part of a Congressional Western Caucus event, Ms. Budd-Falen appears to suggest that she has been involved in working on policy matters related to grazing – benefiting her immediate family.\n\nMs. Budd-Falen statements appears to have come months before she received a waiver from the Department. In late March, Politico reported that the Department issued Ms. Budd-Falen a section 208 waiver on March 11, 2026. Under the limited waiver, Ms. Budd-Falen is permitted to work on “certain particular matters of general applicability, including, but not limited to, particular matters of general applicability involving grazing leases or permits pending at the Department.”\n\nThis recent news comes on the heels of earlier reporting that Ms. Budd-Falen previously omitted disclosing critical information in her financial disclosure reports while serving in the first Trump Administration. In January 2026, The New York Times reported that Ms. Budd-Falen omitted disclosing her family’s financial interest associated with a lithium mine approved by DOI. “Ms. Budd-Falen’s statement and actions raise significant questions about her compliance with federal ethics laws and standards. Public officials have an obligation to put the public’s interest ahead of their own. Allegations of conflicts of interest should be handled with the extreme care and seriousness they deserve,” Heinrich continued, further requesting a briefing to the Committee from the Department’s Designated Ethics Official (DAO) to address his serious concerns.\n\nRead the full letter here and below.\n\nSecretary Burgum:\n\nI am writing to express deep concern regarding reports that a senior official at the Department of the Interior (DOI or Department) may be involved in matters that present a conflict of interest.\n\nOn April 29, 2026, you testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources regarding the President’s 2027 Budget Request.1 Following the hearing, in questions for the record, I asked you about reports that Karen Budd-Falen, the Department’s Associate Deputy Secretary, failed to previously disclose critical information in her financial disclosure report and recently received a partial ethics waiver permitting her to work on matters that could benefit her family. Since submitting these questions, The Washington Post has reported that Ms. Budd-Falen has been involved in changes to policies that may benefit ranching businesses like her own family’s business.\n\nAccording to The Washington Post, in an interview conducted with Senator Lummis in December 20253 as part of a Congressional Western Caucus event, Ms. Budd-Falen appears to suggest that she has been involved in working on policy matters related to grazing – benefiting her immediate family. At the event, Ms. Budd-Falen stated:\n\n“We added some categorical exclusions so that if you have places like in northern Nevada where my father-in-law's place is, I mean, it's lots of cheat grass and you got to graze that cheat grass at the right time of year. And so when we added categorical exclusion so you can move cattle in there temporarily, get some of this grass grazed off, that'll also really help the wildfire situation.”\n\nMs. Budd-Falen statements at the event suggesting she worked on matters involving grazing policy appears to have come months before she received a waiver from the Department. In late March, Politico reported that the Department issued Ms. Budd-Falen a section 208 waiver on March 11, 2026. Under the limited waiver, Ms. Budd-Falen is permitted to work on “certain particular matters of general applicability, including, but not limited to, particular matters of general applicability involving grazing leases or permits pending at the Department.”\n\nThis recent news comes on the heels of earlier reporting that Ms. Budd-Falen previously omitted disclosing critical information in her financial disclosure reports while serving in the first Trump Administration. In January 2026, The New York Times reported that Ms. Budd-Falen omitted disclosing her family’s financial interest associated with a lithium mine approved by DOI. In 2018, Ms. Budd-Falen’s husband signed an agreement to sell water rights from a family ranch to Lithium Nevada Corporation, a subsidiary of Lithium Americas, for $3.5 million. Weeks prior to the sale, Ms. Budd-Falen received a waiver that allowed her family to retain a financial interest in the ranch. In November 2019, a year after her husband signed the water rights agreement, Ms. Budd-Falen met with Lithium America executives at DOI. At the time of this meeting, Lithium Nevada Corporation had pending business before DOI. Ms. Budd-Falen reportedly omitted reporting the sale on four successive financial disclosure reporting forms.\n\nMs. Budd-Falen’s statement and actions raise significant questions about her compliance with federal ethics laws and standards. Public officials have an obligation to put the public’s interest ahead of their own. Allegations of conflicts of interest should be handled with the extreme care and seriousness they deserve. For these reasons and to better understand Ms. Budd-Falen’s compliance with federal ethics laws and standards, I request that you make the Department’s Designated Ethics Official (DAO) available to brief the Committee by June 22, 2026.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Should you have any questions about this request, please contact my staff at (202) 224-4971.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-senate-passes-secure-america-act-to-fund-dhs-law-enforcement-border-security", "title": "Hoeven: Senate Passes Secure America Act to Fund DHS Law Enforcement, Border Security", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate approved the Secure America Act, reconciliation legislation that fully funds the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) border security and law enforcement operations for three years, ensuring funding through the rest of President Trump’s administration.\n\n“The Secure America Act fully funds DHS law enforcement and border security operations, providing the resources DHS needs to secure the border and enforce our immigration laws through all of President Trump’s administration,” said Hoeven. “Border security is national security, and the Secure America Act will make our communities more safe and secure.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-votes-to-fund-federal-law-enforcement/", "title": "Husted votes to fund federal law enforcement", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and they deserve to be fully equipped and paid for their service.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Secure America Act, a reconciliation bill to fund certain federal law enforcement agencies.\n\n“Under the Biden administration, millions of criminal illegal immigrants flooded our borders and entered our country completely unchecked. Ohioans expect their government to enforce the rule of law, deport criminals, secure the border and keep their communities safe, and that’s exactly what this bill will do. I have consistently voted to fully fund federal law enforcement because it is critical they have the tools and resources needed to do their jobs safely. The lapse in funding, which also created a partial government shutdown, was unnecessary and hurtful. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and they deserve to be fully equipped and paid for their service,” said Husted.\n\nThe bill includes funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through 2029.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Department of Homeland (DHS) faced a partial funding lapse for 76 days, resulting in the longest shutdown in U.S. history, because Senate Democrats would not support the final FY26 appropriations bill that funded DHS.\n\nPresident Donald Trump signed the DHS appropriations bill into law to reopen the government. This version excluded funding for ICE and CBP.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-booker-request-update-regarding-united-nations-gang-suppression-force-in-haiti", "title": "Kaine & Booker Request Update Regarding United Nations Gang Suppression Force in Haiti", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), led a letter to U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio regarding the Administration’s current policy toward Haiti. In the letter, the senators request information from the Administration about the United Nations Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used effectively and in alignment with international human rights law. They also urge the Administration to ensure GSF is part of a larger strategy that addresses the collapse of institutions and significant security, humanitarian, and economic challenges in Haiti.\n\n“Since 2020, Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince has been plunged into crises at the hands of gangs, who now control 90 percent of the capital and perpetrate ruthless violence, including pervasive sexual violence, with abandon, driving the country into protracted humanitarian and public health crises,” wrote the senators. “The Administration’s focus on maximum lethality while transitioning U.S. resources away from a U.S. backed Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti (MSS) and absent a broader strategy to address converging development and humanitarian challenges which fuel gangs’ reach and legitimacy, risks plunging Haiti into a fresh cycle of horrific violence and further collapse.”\n\n“We urge the Administration to consider developing an integrated, holistic strategy to address these interrelated priorities. Haitian-led solutions guided by the people of Haiti are vital to the country’s future. U.S. diplomatic and programmatic support—including by forging partnerships with the international community, Haitian civil society, Haitian Diaspora and the private sector—is essential to addressing Haiti's myriad needs,” the senators continued. “Further, a holistic strategy avoids repeating the mistakes of past decades of interventionism in Haiti and ensures that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used effectively and in alignment with international human rights law.”\n\n“We remain committed to working with you, including to ensure that U.S. backed and funded efforts do not risk exacerbating an already horrific and untenable situation,” the senators wrote.\n\nKaine is the Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues. Booker is the Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy.\n\nIn addition to Kaine and Booker, the letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Michael F. Bennet (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write with strong interest in working with the Administration to address the converging security, economic, and humanitarian crises affecting Haiti.\n\nWhile the Administration’s success in coalescing international support for a United Nations Gang Suppression Force (GSF) represents a significant step forward in responding to Haiti’s request for security assistance, the impact of this effort may be eroded absent consideration of addressing the myriad competing challenges in Haiti.\n\nSince 2020, Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince has been plunged into crises at the hands of gangs, who now control 90 percent of the capital and perpetrate ruthless violence, including pervasive sexual violence, with abandon, driving the country into protracted humanitarian and public health crises. The Administration’s focus on maximum lethality while transitioning U.S. resources away from a U.S. backed Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti (MSS) and absent a broader strategy to address converging development and humanitarian challenges which fuel gangs’ reach and legitimacy, risks plunging Haiti into a fresh cycle of horrific violence and further collapse.\n\nThe intersecting crises are immense: the end of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council’s mandate has left an unelected interim leader to plan elections by the end of this year; widespread corruption and abuse of power persist; the beleaguered Haitian National Police face an asymmetric threat from gangs with access to an unrelenting flow of illicit firearms and ammunition, including from the United States; and counter gang-operations must contend with the reality that children make up half of all gang members in Haiti. A lack of development and economic opportunity, widespread poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition, a public health crisis, and the near collapse of the democratic process and all public institutions in Haiti compound the difficulties facing the Haitian people while further strengthening gangs’ legitimacy and power.\n\nWe urge the Administration to consider developing an integrated, holistic strategy to address these interrelated priorities. Haitian-led solutions guided by the people of Haiti are vital to the country’s future. U.S. diplomatic and programmatic support—including by forging partnerships with the international community, Haitian civil society, Haitian Diaspora and the private sector—is essential to addressing Haiti's myriad needs. Further, a holistic strategy avoids repeating the mistakes of past decades of interventionism in Haiti and ensures that U.S. taxpayer dollars are used effectively and in alignment with international human rights law. Reports that the United Nations received four, now substantiated, allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by members of the U.S. backed MSS underscore the complexity of deploying the GSF to Haiti and the need for independent review of these and similar allegations. Three of the victims of rape were children, and the fourth, who allegedly survived sexual violence, is just 18. The fact that the MSS was deployed in a bid to end horrific crimes undermines the future legitimacy of the GSF. These incidents occur against the historical backdrop of the Haitian people being victimized by those promising to forge a better future for the country. They also underscore the need for pre-deployment training of GSF personnel and swift accountability for any crimes committed.\n\nEffective deployment of the GSF also requires a coherent plan to address the complexity of confronting child combatants, who make up a large share of Haiti’s gang members, in compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law. The Administration’s focus on lethality as GSF’s primary mission leaves open questions about its strategy for managing child recruits and combatants. This includes questions on how it will disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate (DDR) former child gang members into Haitian society as well as the role U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance have played and should play in addressing this critical priority.\n\nAdding to our concerns are reports that the Haitian Government is funding a private security firm, Vectus Global, whose activities are not coordinated with the GSF but could easily be conflated with GSF operations on the ground, thereby undermining the GSF’s legitimacy.\n\nWe remain committed to working with you, including to ensure that U.S. backed and funded efforts do not risk exacerbating an already horrific and untenable situation. To address our questions and concerns, we request a briefing on the status of the GSF’s deployment no later than June 19, 2026, alongside a response to the following questions and requests for information.\n\nWe request you provide the following documents and information:\n\nProvide the curriculum for GSF training.\n\nProvide the GSF Concept of Operations.\n\nList foreign assistance accounts, funding levels, funding fiscal year, and program descriptions for efforts funded by the State Department in Haiti following January 20, 2025.\n\nShare any correspondence between the State Department, Erik Prince and/or Vectus Global regarding the private security firm’s work in Haiti.\n\nProvide the status (contractor, PSC, Full Time Employee and/or Foreign Service Officer), and government service level, and bureau of gender, humanitarian, and human rights experts informing the Administration’s strategy on Haiti.\n\nWe request you provide answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat funding has the Department of Defense obligated, expended, or planned to obligate or expend in support of the Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) or the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) since January 20, 2025?\n\nHow will the administration work with Haiti’s interim government and Haitian civil society to ensure transparency in decision-making around the financing, deployment, and oversight of the GSF?\n\nWhat civilian harm mitigation measures will be implemented to prevent and minimize civilian casualties and injuries during GSF operations, particularly in dense urban areas?\n\nWhat steps is the Administration taking to ensure that DDR programs are incorporated into GSF’s mission, and that these programs include specific plans for responding to children in gangs?\n\nWhat independent investigative accountability frameworks and/or mechanisms are in place for the GSF and other armed actors to address instances when civilians are harmed through GSF operations? Or to address human rights violations and other crimes perpetrated by the GSF? What training has the GSF received regarding the accountability mechanism?\n\nWhat steps is the Administration taking to ensure that the GSF fits within a broader U.S. strategy toward Haiti that addresses not only security, but also governance, judicial accountability and impunity, humanitarian needs, long-term stabilization, and sustainable economic development, including through trade preference programs for Haiti?\n\nWe look forward to receiving your response and to working together to support the Haitian people restore peace, security, and stability in their country.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-slam-partisan-spending-bill", "title": "Warner and Kaine Slam Partisan Spending Bill", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), both members of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Republicans passed a partisan megabill that abandons the regular-order funding process and provides $70 billion in taxpayer funds for the Trump-Vance Administration’s draconian immigration agenda:\n\n“At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to deal with rising costs generated by Donald Trump’s disastrous Iran war and his chaotic tariff taxes, what do Republican Senators do? They pass a bill giving $70 billion to immigration agencies sitting on $100 billion in unspent funds from last year. The bill passed today does nothing to bring down costs for everyday American families, nothing to reform the Administration’s out-of-control immigration agenda that has led to the harassment and murder of American citizens, nothing to keep the President from funneling money to political cronies or vanity projects like his ballroom, and nothing to end an unpopular and illegal war that is costing Americans tens of billions at the gas pump. Democratic efforts to redirect the $70 billion to reduce housing and health care costs were blocked by the GOP majority, and efforts to include basic immigration reforms were blocked as well. It’s shocking that the Trump-Vance agenda is so out of touch with the needs of American citizens.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-introduces-bills-to-smartly-integrate-ai-into-u-s-military/", "title": "Kelly Introduces Bills to Smartly Integrate AI into U.S. Military", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bills require DoD to assess impact of AI on warfighter skills and keep humans in command of decisions involving the use of force\n\nToday, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced a two-bill package—the Ultimate Human Responsibility in Defense Systems Act and the Warfighter AI Readiness and Preparedness (WARP) Act—to make sure that as artificial intelligence is integrated in warfare the U.S. military preserves human judgement and accountability and protects the human skills that AI cannot replace.\n\nThe Ultimate Human Responsibility in Defense Systems Act establishes statutory requirements to ensure autonomous weapon systems are developed, tested, and employed in a manner that preserves meaningful human judgment and accountability over the use of force. Similar legislation was introduced by Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) in the House.\n\nThe WARP Act, introduced alongside Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to assess how increasing AI integration affects warfighter effectiveness, skill retention, and operational readiness.\n\nThe two pieces of legislation build on Kelly’s AI for America, a roadmap he released last year outlining principles to make AI work for all Americans—not just large companies.\n\n“AI is already making our military more capable, but we have to be smart about how we integrate it to keep Americans safe,” saidSen.Kelly. “We can’t lose the essential skills that make our military the best in the world or implement systems that could make life and death decisions without human accountability. These bipartisan solutions will integrate AI into the military smartly so that we strengthen our national security.”\n\n“As AI and autonomous systems redefine warfare, we must ensure that our values and control are not sidelined. This bill ensures that a human operator can always oversee, override, or shut down an autonomous weapon. By pairing strict safety reviews with real-world training for our servicemembers, we are prioritizing both national security and accountability,” said Rep. Subramanyam.\n\n“In future conflicts, our military advantage will depend on leveraging AI as much as possible, and just as importantly, whether we can adapt and execute when AI systems fail. Our bill will ensure our military has the proper training to maintain their mission readiness in the AI age,” saidSen.Cotton.\n\nBackground:\n\nAs the U.S. military uses AI to move faster and make better decisions, adversaries like China and Russia are working to disrupt and disable those systems. As autonomous weapon systems become more advanced, the absence of clear requirements for human judgment and accountability over the use of force presents serious legal, ethical, and operational risks.\n\nThe Ultimate Human Responsibility in Defense Systems Act establishes requirements to ensure that autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence capabilities used by the DoD are developed, tested, and employed in a manner that preserves meaningful human judgement and accountability over the use of force. The bill codifies and builds upon key principles contained in the current DoD Directive 3000.09 to:\n\nEstablish a DoD-wide requirement for meaningful human judgement for autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence capabilities.\n\nDefine “ultimate human responsibility” as ensuring human commanders and operators can understand, supervise, intervene in, or terminate the use of force and maintain compliance with U.S. and international law.\n\nRequire all DoD autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence capabilities to be designed and operated in ways that preserve human oversight and accountability.\n\nDirects DoD to develop technical, operational, and organizational guidelines governing the military AI use and unlawful applications of AI.\n\nModeling after reporting practices on aviation safety systems, create a centralized DoD database to track system failures, unintended behaviors, near misses, human-machine interaction failures, and targeting actions inconsistent with commander intent.\n\nAs the DoD integrates artificial intelligence into military operations, AI is helping warfighters process information faster, make better-informed decisions, and enhance mission effectiveness. But as these systems become more deeply embedded, the military must also ensure that warfighters maintain the skills, judgment, and proficiency needed to operate effectively in contested environments and when technology does not perform as expected.\n\nThe WARP Act helps ensure that AI strengthens military capability while preserving the critical human skills that underpin operational readiness. It directs DoD to:\n\nAssess how AI integration impacts warfighter readiness, skill retention, and operational effectiveness.\n\nIdentify military roles where critical skills must be sustained as AI-enabled systems become more widely used.\n\nDetermine how to preserve independent judgment and proficiency when AI systems are unavailable or compromised.\n\nRecommend updates to training, doctrine, and readiness policies to ensure warfighters can operate effectively in degraded or contested environments.\n\nClick here to read the full text of the Ultimate Human Responsibility in Defense Systems Act.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-secures-confirmation-that-whistleblowers-protections-remain-intact-at-the-va", "title": "King Secures Confirmation that Whistleblowers Protections Remain Intact at the VA", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is pressing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) for confirmation that whistleblowers will remain protected from retribution. In a committee hearing, King secured agreement from Michael Tierney, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP), that whistleblower protections will be left intact at the VA under his leadership.\n\nThe commitment comes on the heels of reports that federal employees will soon be forced to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in an attempt to quell free speech and silence critics of the administration.\n\n“Mr. Tierney, I'm worried about sort of counter currents going on here. One is whistleblower protection, which you've talked about, and, investigating claims and protecting whistleblowers. And, you know, at the same time, last year, it was reported that the VA was requiring their employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement that did not include the legally required exclusion language for whistleblowers. Are you aware of that situation,” said Senator King.\n\n“Thank you. Senator, I have read reports about that,” replied Mr. Tierney.\n\n“Well,[…] OPM, just in the last week or so, has talked about […]new, non-disclosure agreements throughout the federal government. Have you reviewed the language that's being proposed?” asked Senator King.\n\n“I have not Senator King, but I will 100% say that NDAs and whistleblower activity have no role together. […]Employees must feel 100% comfortable that they are not going to be restricted in reporting on bad conduct,”said Mr. Tierney.\n\n“I would hope as the legal counsel in this situation that you would inform whoever's setting up these NDAs that that language must be in there, that says this does not include whistleblower complaints and the protections are left intact. Will you commit to me that you'll do that?”asked Senator King.\n\n“Yes, Senator, and it's also on OAWP's website. It's very clear that any whistleblower statute overrides any type of NDA language. And I agree with that. There's no role for NDA’s and whistleblowers,” confirmed Mr. Tierney.\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Additionally, King has repeatedly advocated for the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce. Earlier this year, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to develop a long-term workforce strategy to improve outcomes at the VA. During a SVAC hearing in January, King pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins to release the VA contracts that he canceled, including those canceled in Maine, so that veterans are aware of potential impacts on patient care and benefits. Last year, he sent a letter to Secretary Doug Collins raising concerns about a leaked report that highlighted plans called for by Elon Musk’s DOGE to cut 83,000 VA employees.\n\nEarlier this year, he was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-following-overnight-vote-a-rama-lankford-votes-for-secure-america-act/", "title": "ICYMI: Following Overnight Vote-a-Rama, Lankford Votes for Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senate Republican Conference Vice Chair and member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), voted in favor of the budget reconciliation legislation that fully funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol through the end of President Trump’s term.\n\n“For 19 hours, I joined my Senate Republican colleagues to vote down amendment after amendment from Democrats who wanted to defund federal immigration enforcement entirely,” said Lankford. “Democrats withheld pay from federal law enforcement officers for 76 days. Most Americans simply want to see the law enforced. That is not extreme. That is normal. Today, Republicans voted to provide certainty and security by fully funding ICE and Border Patrol for the next three years. As a side note, if my Prevent Government Shutdowns Act had been in place, we would have never been in this position to begin with.”\n\nBackground\n\nThroughout the overnight Vote-a-Rama, Lankford kept Oklahomans updated on social media HERE. Following the vote, he joined CNBC’s Squawk Box, Newsmax, and Brian Kilmeade on Fox News Radio to discuss the outcome.\n\nLankford took to the Senate floor to speak against an amendment that sought to rescind approximately $100 billion in unspent funds from the Homeland and Judiciary titles of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effectively stripping funding from ICE and Border Patrol. The amendment failed 46-53. You can watch Lankford’s floor remarks HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-in-fox-news-congress-should-suffer-shutdown-pain-not-the-american-people/", "title": "Lankford in Fox News: “Congress Should Suffer Shutdown Pain, Not the American People”", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC —US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) penned a column today in Fox News on their Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026. You can read it below or find it in Fox News HERE.\n\nCongress Should Suffer Shutdown Pain, Not the American People\n\nBy: James Lankford and Maggie Hassan\n\nFor the past decade, Americans have watched a wasteful Washington drama unfold each year: government shutdowns that threaten our economy, jeopardize our security and hurt families all across our country.\n\nEach time there is a shutdown, the American people are caught in the middle. Make no mistake, government shutdowns are not a theoretical or a procedural exercise, they have real consequences all across the country. The last shutdown cost our country more than $11 billion.\n\nIn recent shutdowns, we’ve seen long lines, up to six hours, just to get through airport security because TSA went unfunded. Air traffic controllers — the people who keep the skies safe for us to fly — went without pay. Veterans and seniors had a harder time accessing the benefits they’ve earned because those services ground to a halt. The Small Business Administration was hamstrung in its ability to support entrepreneurs trying to keep their small businesses afloat.\n\nFamilies were faced with the prospect of having their SNAP benefits dry up as they tried to feed their children. Government shutdowns in the past have even threatened our ability to pay service members who help keep our country free. Government shutdowns show the world, America’s friends and foes, that the world’s greatest democracy and largest economy can be held hostage by politics.\n\nFor some of the loudest voices in our politics, government shutdowns may sometimes look like an appealing way to later score political points in a cable news hit, on social media, or on the campaign trail, but let’s be clear: The American people always pay a very real price.\n\nAmericans have had enough of this destructive, chaotic style of politics. Both political parties have caused government shutdowns in the past, so we believe both parties should find a way to make them stop.\n\nWe have worked together, a Senate Republican and a Senate Democrat, to propose a simple principle: No matter how much we argue about our national budget, the American people shouldn’t pay the price for Congress failing to do its job on time. That commitment helped us write, the “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026,” which takes shutdowns off the table and pushes Congress to fulfill its responsibility to negotiate and pass full-year funding bills.\n\nHere’s how it works: If Congress fails to pass any of the 12 appropriation bills on time, an automatic Continuing Resolution (CR) kicks in to keep paying federal workers and programs at the current year’s spending level. However, Members of Congress and our staff would be required by law to remain in Washington, D.C., voting seven days a week, until we solved our budget impasse. The House and the Senate would be restricted to only debating the appropriation bills until they were completed. It is as simple as staying after school to finish your unfinished classwork.\n\nIt may sound simple, but it is a radical change from the status quo. Congress would feel the pressure and pain of a shutdown, instead of the American people and federal workers. Air traffic controllers, service members, federal law enforcement, healthcare professionals, researchers, scientists and thousands of others would be able to continue serving the American people and would no longer be pawns in political standoffs. Because holding federal employees’ paychecks and critical federal services hostage doesn’t solve policy disagreements; they just hurts families.\n\nWe brought our bill to the Senate last session and earned strong bipartisan support, but we fell just short. We were only three votes away from never having a government shutdown again. Since that time, we have experienced the longest shutdown in American history. A growing group in the Senate and House has expressed its desire to finally end the chaos. We also have the strong support of multiple partisan and nonpartisan organizations, along with the American Federation of Government Employees.\n\nWe all understand that changing any of the status quo in Washington is never easy, even if the status quo is failing. But it is painfully obvious that the current system isn’t working, and we need a new path to settle our disagreements.\n\nAmericans disagree on many issues; in fact, the two of us disagree on many issues, but we strongly agree that it’s time to take shutdowns off the table for good.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/6/lee-tuberville-introduce-protections-for-homeopathic-medicine-with-fda-approval-framework", "title": "Lee, Tuberville Introduce Protections for Homeopathic Medicine with FDA Marketing Pathway Framework", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.lee.senate.gov", "scraper": "mikelee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000577", "name": "Mike Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Tommy Tuberville (R- AL) today introduced legislation building an FDA framework for homeopathic medicine to protect Americans’ access to natural health solutions. The Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality, and Transparency Act will provide a pathway for homeopathic medicinal products to be lawfully marketed by the Food and Drug Administration without needlessly banning safe products that simply do not fit into the same legal categories as traditional pharmaceuticals.\n\n“Americans have a right to manage their own health and choose treatments that are right for them, including homeopathic methods,” said Senator Mike Lee. “The current federal regulatory framework is designed around traditional pharmaceuticals, but it is ill-equipped to review the safety and effectiveness of homeopathic products. So we are building a new one. Our legislation answers the concerns of thousands of families across the country who have been calling on Washington to find a better way.”\n\n“I’ve long been an advocate for homeopathic medicine,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville. “The reality is that too many Americans today are hooked on pharmaceuticals when they could be using homeopathic remedies, which are often cheaper and can yield miraculous results. There’s no reason why the FDA shouldn’t be reviewing and approving some of these remedies to help Americans live healthier lives.”\n\n–\n\nThe Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality, and Transparency Act is endorsed by Americans for Homeopathy Choice Action, MAHA Action, the CPAC Foundation, the National Health Federation, the Health Freedom Defense Fund, and the National Products Association.\n\n“Americans for Homeopathy Choice Action and the 120,000 consumers we represent are grateful to Sens. Tuberville and Lee for introducing this bill which, when enacted, will ensure continued access to homeopathy for millions of Americans who use it to restore and maintain their health. Homeopathic medicines are also an important nontoxic option for health practitioners including medical doctors, nurses, dentists and others who appreciate this choice when treating patients with both everyday and serious conditions.” – Paola Brown, President, Americans for Homeopathy Choice Action\n\n“MAHA Action proudly supports Senator Tuberville’s and Senator Lee’s legislation to protect and preserve Americans’ access to homeopathic medicines. We believe individuals should have the freedom to choose the modalities they use to support and maintain their health. For generations, homeopathy has been an important part of the diverse range of options available to American families. Safe, holistic, and effective homeopathy has been used by billions of people around the world as a non-toxic alternative to big pharma.” – Tony Lyons, President, MAHA Action\n\n\"CPAC proudly supports H.R. 7050, the Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality, and Transparency Act. Healthcare freedom is a core conservative value, and for too long Washington bureaucrats have used regulatory overreach to strip Americans of their right to make their own healthcare decisions. This bill cuts through the red tape and puts power back where it belongs — with the patient. We commend Senators Tuberville and Lee for their fearless conservative leadership on this legislation. Their commitment to individual liberty and limited government is exactly what the American people sent them to Washington to fight for.\" – Matt Schlapp, Chairman, CPAC\n\n\"Homeopathy needs to be recognized for what it is: a safe and inexpensive way for Americans to manage many of their own health needs. We support this bill for bringing regulatory clarity to a time-honored approach that millions of American families rely on for self-care.\" – Scott C. Tips, J.D., President, National Health Federation\n\n\"Now more than ever, American families want access to natural approaches that support our health and wellbeing. For over two centuries, homeopathy has done just that by providing safe, effective, and affordable healthcare to millions. Homeopathy addresses a spectrum of concerns from coughs and colds, to sprained ankles, and grief. It successfully handled the disease outbreaks that plagued the 18th century. Many of us at Health Freedom Defense Fund have used homeopathy to raise our families and can personally attest to this most amazing medicine. We are thrilled about and wholeheartedly support this bill to ensure that homeopathy is accessible for generations to come.\" – Leslie Manookian, President & Founder, Health Freedom Defense Fund\n\n“The Natural Products Association supports the Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality, and Transparency Act because the legislation would provide long-overdue statutory clarity for the regulation of homeopathic drug products in the United States. The homeopathic legislation offers a thoughtful and balanced solution. It protects consumers, respects the distinct nature of homeopathic drug products, provides clear rules for industry, and reinforces the importance of a predictable federal regulatory framework. NPA urges Congress to advance the Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality, and Transparency Act and support a regulatory approach that promotes safety, quality, transparency and continued consumer access.” – Daniel Fabricant PhD, President and CEO, National Products Association\n\nBackground\n\nThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first recognized homeopathic medicines in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938 and regulated the manufacture and sale of homeopathic drugs for the following eighty years. However, in 2019 the FDA withdrew this regulatory framework for homeopathic products. This created legal and regulatory chaos for the industry as the viability of homeopathic medicine was brought into question.\n\nSenator Lee signed a letter to the FDA in 2021 urging the FDA to provide guidance protecting consumer access to homeopathic drug products for Americans.\n\nThe Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality, and Transparency Act:\n\nFederally acknowledges that homeopathic drug products are distinct from other pharmaceutical products and, as such, require independent regulatory framework.\n\nCreates a standard definition for homeopathic drug products and clarifies that they are not a new drug.\n\nExempts homeopathic drugs from the traditional premarket approval process established under Section 505 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.\n\nOutlines a method for the Secretary to regulate homeopathy safety and quality standards separate from traditional drugs.\n\nExempts finished homeopathic drug products from the required laboratory test to evaluate strength of each active ingredient.\n\nClarifies that homeopathic drug products must generally comply with traditional labeling requirements, but that homeopathic drugs may use descriptions/dosage units appropriate to homeopathy and that claims made in compliance with this Act shall not be considered a false advertisement.\n\nEstablishes a Homeopathic Drug Product Advisory committee, which shall trigger consultation with the Secretary and provide recommendations on safety, quality, labeling, and regulatory approaches for homeopathy drug products.\n\nRequires the FDA to issue final Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations within three years after enactment.\n\nDeems any drug or supplement that is not homeopathic but uses the word homeopathy in its labeling as misbranded.\n\nApplies federal standards for reporting serious adverse effects of nonprescription drugs to homeopathic drug products.\n\nClarifies that homeopathic drug products shall not be classified as biosimilars.\n\nWithdraws the FDA’s 2022 guidance that significantly restricted the sale of homeopathic drug product.\n\nRead exclusive coverage by The Daily Caller here.\n\nAccess the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FD9EA964-E476-459E-A3BF-B21FD6067506", "title": "Chairman Graham Statement on Senate Passage of the Secure America Act", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement following the Senate’s passage of the Secure America Act by a vote of 52-47.\n\n“Senate Republicans delivered yet again by approving $69.5 billion to fund Border Patrol and ICE through President Trump’s entire second term. We were forced to use the reconciliation process because Democrats objected – during the appropriations process – to giving any money to Border Patrol and ICE, effectively shutting our border security down at a time of growing threats to the nation.\n\n“As Budget Committee Chairman, I’m very proud of my Republican colleagues for sticking together and making sure that Border Patrol and ICE are fully funded and the border continues to be modernized and secured – all without one Democrat vote.\n\n“In less than two years, President Trump has taken the border from the most broken to the most secure in history. The bill we passed today locks those gains in through the rest of his term.\n\n“Well done to President Trump and my Republican colleagues.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-republicans-pouring-billions-into-out-of-control-federal-agencies-while-doing-nothing-to-lower-costs-for-families/", "title": "Luján Statement on Republicans Pouring Billions Into Out-of-Control Federal Agencies While Doing Nothing to Lower Costs for Families", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Republicans passed a partisan budget bill that pours over $70 billion into ICE and Border Patrol with zero accountability, while ignoring the high costs impacting American families:\n\n“At every turn, New Mexico families are being squeezed by rising costs — from health care and groceries to gas and housing. Instead of focusing on lowering costs for families, my Republican colleagues just handed more than $70 billion to an out-of-control ICE and CBP while doing nothing for Americans struggling to make ends meet.\n\n“Handing billions to ICE and CBP with no reforms, accountability, or oversight is not what New Mexicans and Americans need. President Trump and Stephen Miller’s out-of-control ICE and CBP have killed two American citizens, and now Republicans are rewarding them with billions more while struggling families get left behind.\n\n“Throughout this process, I fought to lower costs, support families, and push for meaningful accountability at ICE and CBP. My Republican colleagues chose to protect President Trump’s criminal slush fund over hardworking Americans. This is a betrayal of New Mexico families.”\n\nSenator Luján backed a series of amendments to the Republican budget bill aimed at lowering costs for New Mexico families and reining in the Trump administration’s corruption. Senate Republicans blocked these common-sense proposals from Senator Luján and Senate Democrats, voting instead to cater to President Trump’s personal interests, including voting to protect President Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund.\n\nFollowing major DHS scandals, Senator Luján introduced legislation to hold ICE and CBP accountable, increase transparency, and make communities safer.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-slams-fcc-for-weaponizing-his-law-to-target-transgender-and-nonbinary-americans", "title": "Markey Slams FCC for Weaponizing His Law to Target Transgender and Nonbinary Americans", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (June 5, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, condemning the Commission’s attempt to use the V-chip law that Senator Markey wrote to pressure the television ratings system to place a special warning on programming that acknowledges transgender and nonbinary Americans. On April 22, the FCC released a Public Notice that questions if programs rated TV-Y, TV-Y7, and TV-G that contain “gender identity themes” should be rated differently or contain warnings regarding this content.\n\nSenator Markey is the House author of the V-chip legislation that was designed to create a parental-control framework to help families make their own decisions about television programming in their own homes.\n\nIn the letter, Senator Markey wrote, “Congress did not authorize the FCC to convert the V-chip’s limited parental-control framework into authority to pressure the industry to display new labels for programming involving gender identity. Indeed, Congress did not even authorize the FCC to require adoption of its own recommended ratings system. The FCC therefore has no basis to pressure broadcasters, programmers, distributors, or ratings bodies to brand LGBTQ+ Americans as harmful.”\n\nSenator Markey continued, “Most importantly, the FCC’s proceeding is discriminatory and cruel. There is nothing indecent about being transgender. There is nothing harmful about a child seeing a nonbinary character, a transgender classmate, or a family that reflects the real people in their school and community. Existing ratings already address sexual content, violence, fantasy violence, crude language, and suggestive dialogue wherever they appear. Singling out gender identity tells LGBTQ+ children that their existence is a problem and tells programmers to make them disappear. This is an unacceptable and outrageous attack on families with LGBTQ+ parents, LGBTQ+ children, and LGBTQ+ loved ones.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-and-congressman-huffman-statement-on-arctic-refuge-lease-sale", "title": "Senator Markey and Congressman Huffman Statement on Arctic Refuge Lease Sale", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington (June 5, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) today issued a statement on the Trump administration’s lease sale for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which offered nearly 700,000 acres of sacred and sensitive lands within the Refuge for sale to oil and gas companies. The auction raised only $3.74 million, with two entities winning bids—one of which is the state development agency for Alaska. No oil majors placed any bids.\n\n“This fact that this auction even took place is both an insult and an injury, but its result should definitively prove that drilling in the Arctic should be taken off the table forever. Even though this auction was an embarrassment for the Trump administration and anyone arguing that this will raise money for the American public, this is still an injury to the Gwich’in people, who hold the Arctic Refuge sacred, and to the Alaska Native people and wildlife who depend upon the health and integrity of the Refuge for their survival. And it’s an insult to our entire country, by sacrificing and selling off America’s public lands for pennies on the dollar—a pointless use of the incredible Arctic as a piggy bank for polluters. The Arctic Refuge lease sale is a raw deal for the American public, and any development in the Refuge would be a devastating loss for the Gwich’in and the Arctic ecosystem.”\n\nThe first sale in 2021 generated less than one percent of projected revenue, while the second in 2025 received zero bids. Republicans have repeatedly tried to use Arctic drilling to help offset tax breaks for the wealthy. Trump’s first billionaire giveaway — the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — mandated lease sales in the Arctic Refuge that the Congressional Budget Office estimated would generate $1.8 billion. Those projections proved wildly inaccurate. The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill repeated the same scheme, requiring more lease sales to pay for tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy, with the same failed result.\n\nOn March 3, 2026, Senator Markey and Congressman Huffman (D-Calif.), along with Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), led 60 members in the House and Senate in condemning the Trump administration’s plans to auction off sacred and sensitive lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas companies.\n\nIn April 2025, Senator Markey and Representative Huffman reintroduced the Arctic Refuge Protection Act, legislation that would restore critical protections to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by designating the Coastal Plain ecosystem as wilderness under the National Wilderness Preservation System. This legislation would permanently halt any new oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, and drilling on the Coastal Plain, and would safeguard the subsistence rights of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples who depend upon the Arctic Refuge.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-his-successful-efforts-to-keep-shutesbury-post-office-open", "title": "Senator Markey Statement on His Successful Efforts to Keep Shutesbury Post Office Open", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Boston (June 5, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement on news that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has reversed course on its decision to close the Shutesbury Post Office.\n\n“Following weeks of advocacy from my office, the federal delegation, the American Postal Workers Union, and, most of all, from the community, it is great news that the USPS has reversed course on its decision to close the Shutesbury Post Office,” said Senator Markey. “Postal service will continue uninterrupted in Shutesbury. A huge win for the community!”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-republican-passage-of-billions-more-for-ice", "title": "Senator Markey Statement on Republican Passage of Billions More for ICE", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Markey_Press@markey.senate.gov, 202-224-2742\n\nSenator Markey Statement on Republican Passage of Billions More for ICE\n\nSenate budget reconciliation bill that passed in the dead of night added $70 billion more for ICE, CBP, while doing nothing to lower costs for the American people\n\nBoston (June 5, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass) released the following statement after Republicans voted to pass a $70 billion budget for the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The $70 billion is in addition to the $140 billion for ICE and CBP that Republicans voted for in the One Big Beautiful Bill last summer.\n\n“Republicans voted last night under the cover of darkness to give a $70 billion blank check to Trump’s ICE thugs, placed no checks on the $1.8 billion slush fund for January 6th insurrectionists, and blocked every amendment that would lower costs for the American people,” said Senator Markey. “Americans are struggling to afford gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare, but Republicans—at Trump’s bidding—found taxpayer dollars for lawless and reckless ICE agents. It’s clear where they stand: they’ll give relief to criminals, but none to families. They’ll find billions to tear families apart but can’t find the funds to keep food on families’ kitchen tables. I will keep voting no on these budgets of cruelty and corruption and fight for American families to get the relief they need.”\n\nThe $210 billion Republicans have given to DHS, ICE, and CBP could instead:\n\nextend for seven years the Affordable Care Act tax credits that Trump and Republicans canceled\n\nhelp feed 42 million people through SNAP for two years\n\ncancel almost all medical debt for the 20 million people who owe it\n\nexpand the Child Tax Credit and cut child poverty by more than half\n\nbuild, rehabilitate, and operate approximately one million homes for low-income families\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-and-warren-reps-lynch-and-pressley-urge-national-park-service-to-fully-investigate-arson-at-museum-of-african-american-history-boston-nantucket", "title": "Senators Markey and Warren, Reps. Lynch and Pressley Urge National Park Service to Fully Investigate Arson at Museum of African American History Boston-Nantucket", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nBoston (June 5, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Congressman Lynch (MA-08) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), today sent a letter to Acting Director of the National Park Service (NPS) Jessica Bowron, urging the agency to do all it can to investigate a recent incident of arson at the Museum of African American History Boston-Nantucket and to cooperate with all full transparency with the Museum and local law enforcement partners, including by sharing any relevant security footage.\n\nThe letter follows reports that an unidentified individual committed an act of arson at the museum, which is a National Historic Site operated in partnership with the National Park Service. This individual opened up a package that contained materials meant for the Museum’s celebration of Juneteenth and set the package on fire.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The Museum of African American History Boston-Nantucket operates the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill, which is the oldest existing Black church building in the country. Museum staff and visitors are understandably alarmed by this incident—both for the parallel it draws to hate crimes against Black activism and Black churches throughout history, and for the immediate security risk it poses to their organization and the historic neighborhood around the Museum. Your public commitment to investigating this incident and your collaboration with the Museum will be critical to address these fears and secure a resolution.”\n\nSenator Markey is the Senate co-author of Juneteenth National Independence Act signed into law in June 2021, making Juneteenth a federal holiday.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-markey-capito-reps-mcgarvey-rutherford-reintroduce-legislation-to-expand-access-to-educational-services-for-students-with-communications-disabilities", "title": "Sens. Markey, Capito, Reps. McGarvey, Rutherford Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Access to Educational Services for Students with Communications Disabilities", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Text (PDF)\n\nBoston (June 5, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) today announced the reintroduction of the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act. The legislation would strengthen the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and expand access for blind, deaf, deafdisabled, and deafblind children to the educational support and services they need to succeed and thrive. The legislation is also being reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05).\n\n“Every student deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in the classroom,” said Senator Markey. “The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act upholds our promise to deliver the necessary resources and services to students who are hard of hearing, deaf, low vision, blind, deafdisabled, or deafblind, and enhance evaluation measures to guarantee that individuals can thrive in institutions of higher education. We must build a more inclusive education system that reaffirms the value that each student brings to the classroom and country.”\n\n“Accessing the appropriate services can help each student reach their fullest potential,” said Senator Capito. “The Cogswell-Macy Act will help accomplish this goal by helping ensure deaf and blind students and their parents are aware of the services and specialized instruction available. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that will help thousands of students across the country.”\n\n“No disability should get in the way of a student’s education, but right now too many students aren’t getting the specialized support they need to get the same education as their peers,” said Congressman McGarvey. “The Cogswell-Macy Act closes that gap for students who are deaf, blind, or deafblind so they don’t miss out on critical information in the classroom and makes sure every child is set up for success.”\n\n“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Deaf Caucus, I have advocated for Deaf and hard of hearing Americans throughout my career in Congress, especially with the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine,” said Congressman Rutherford. “My experience with Deaf and hard of hearing students across my district has taught me how valuable equitable access to education can be for individuals with disabilities. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act, which would improve education and services for children and youth who are blind, visually impaired, Deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. Every student deserves to learn in an environment that suits their needs.”\n\nSpecifically, the Cogswell-Macy Act would:\n\nEnsure that every blind or visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, or deafblind student is properly identified and served, regardless of the disability they are categorized under;\n\nStrengthen existing IDEA requirements regarding state-generated strategic plans to guarantee that students receive specialized instruction from qualified personnel and bolster accountability measures to ensure compliance;\n\nAssist parents and educators with up-to-date policy resources from the Department of Education; and,\n\nEstablish a national collaborative organizational resource to proliferate evidence-based practices.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Angie Craig (MN-02), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), John Mannion (NY-22), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Scott Peters (CA-50), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Josh Riley (NY-19), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Mark Takano (CA-39), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and George Whitesides (CA-27).\n\nThe Cogswell-Macy Act is endorsed by: Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals, Addis Ababa University’s Department of Special Needs and Inclusive Education, American Council of the Blind, American Council of the Blind of New York, American Council of the Blind of Ohio, American Council of the Blind of Western New York, Inc., Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired South Carolina, Carroll Center for the Blind, CATT Program at AIDB, Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, Center of Vision Enhancement, Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD), Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, Cultivating Inclusion, DeafBlind Community of Texas, DeafBlind Community United, DGCKids, Golden Triangle Council of the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Haramaya University College of Education Behavioral Science’s Department of Special Needs & Inclusive Education, Hawaii Association of the Blind, Hunter College CUNY’s Programs in Blindness/Visual Impairment, Illinois Council of the Blind, Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., Lavelle School for the Blind, Lighthouse Louisiana, Lighthouse of Central Florida, Louisiana Association for the Blind, National Intervener & Advocate Association, Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on Independent Living, National DeafBlind Coalition, National Family Association for DeafBlind, New Mexico School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, New York Institute for Special Education, Pennsylvania Council of the Blind, Pennsylvania Partnership for the DeafBlind, St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf, St. Joseph's School for the Blind, Statewide Independent Living Center of Hawaii, Success Beyond Sight, Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, Tempe Elementary School District 3, Texas School for the Deaf, The Alliance of and for Visually Impaired Texans (AVIT), The Gibney Family Foundation, Vermont Association to the Blind and Visually Impaired, VIA Visually Impaired Advancement, VisAbility, Vision Interventions and Parental Supports (VIPS), Wayfinder Family Services, Westchester Council of the Blind of New York, and Xavier Society for the Blind.\n\n“The ultimate purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was and is to promote equitable access to education everywhere for children and youth with disabilities, and this bill will address some much needed updates and gaps especially when it comes to addressing the unique challenges in achieving age-appropriate language milestones among deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled and deafblind children, including ensuring their fundamental right to placement in educational environments that support their linguistic, academic and social development,” said John Serrano, Superintendent of the Maryland School for the Deaf and President of CEASD.\n\n“As the oldest educational administrator organization in the United States, the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) is committed to ensuring equity in education, language and culture for all deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, and deafblind students, and this re-introduced version of the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act will be vital in achieving that,” said Dr. Jennifer Herbold, Superintendent of the New Mexico School for the Deaf and President Elect of CEASD.\n\n“Children with blindness, low vision, and deafblindness are among the smallest populations of young people nationally who need special education and related services, and so resources meeting their unique learning needs are scarce, and states often lack the support they need to deploy available resources most effectively,” said Mark Richert, a principal architect of the Cogswell-Macy Act, head of International Programs at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia, and Legislative Committee Chair for the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). “Once enacted, the Macy bill will ensure that states are appropriately supported nationally to successfully meet the individual needs of each student with sensory disabilities who deserve an education worthy of each child’s tremendous potential.”\n\n“Helen Keller, the most well-known individual with deafblindness, was able to learn, communicate, and progress because of the services of Anne Sullivan, who gave her access to information about people and things in her environment,” said Linda Alsop, Co-Director of the National Intervener & Advocate Association. “Today, students who are deafblind have the same needs as Helen Keller. They require access to the information needed for learning and communication in educational environments, which is not naturally available to them because of their combined vision and hearing loss. This access can be provided by individuals called Interveners, who have training and specialized skills in deafblindness, and who are a critical part of a Free and Appropriate Public Education for students who are deafblind. The Cogswell Macy Act recognizes the critically important role of trained interveners as part of ensuring access to students who are deafblind as required by IDEA. This legislation will facilitate national awareness of the importance of intervener services, support systems change at state and local levels, and result in significant and life-changing benefits for children and youth who are deafblind and their families.”\n\n“Families strongly support the Cogswell-Macy Act and its vision of ensuring that children who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, or DeafBlind receive the educational opportunities and specialized services necessary to thrive,” said Jacqueline Izaguirre, Family Advocate with the National DeafBlind Coalition and National Family Association for DeafBlind. “For too long, our children with sensory disabilities have encountered barriers to qualified personnel, effective communication, specialized instruction, and educational settings that foster full participation and achievement. For students who are deafblind, access to trained interveners, teachers of the deafblind, teachers of students with visual impairments, orientation and mobility specialists, and other qualified professionals can mean the difference between isolation and active engagement in school and community life. We thank you for the reintroduction of the Cogswell-Macy Act; it provides the opportunity for our children to reach their full potential and lead a life of independence, communication, connection, and contribution.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-statement-on-senate-passage-of-reconciliation-2-0/", "title": "Senator Marshall Statement on Senate Passage of Reconciliation 2.0", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Secure America Act to fully fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the remainder of President Trump’s term:\n\n“Your family is safer today because of President Trump. Just a few short years ago, our border was in chaos, with illegal aliens and deadly drugs flooding into our country unchecked. President Trump stopped the bleeding on day one,” said Senator Marshall. “Early this morning, the Senate made sure that work continues. Democrats spent months holding this funding hostage, demanding we handcuff our agents. The safety of American families is not a bargaining chip, and I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House and be swiftly signed into law.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-republicans-vote-to-ignore-working-americans-and-cater-to-trumps-demands/", "title": "Merkley: Republicans Vote to Ignore Working Americans and Cater to Trump’s Demands", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the below statement after Senate Republicans voted to pass their funding bill that will give Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) nearly $70 billion. This bill provides zero relief to working families who are facing sky-high costs.\n\n“It is insanity to send $70 billion of Americans’ hard-earned money to two rogue agencies that are already sitting on a $100 billion treasure chest of unspent funds. Adding insult to injury, Republicans refused to accept commonsense reforms that would put an end to these agencies’ dangerous secret police tactics.\n\n“In addition, Republicans turned their backs on American families, rejecting every Democratic proposal to redirect funds to address the rising cost of health care, housing, and child care.\n\n“Democrats scored a big win, stripping the bill of a billion dollars that Trump wanted to use to build his gold-plated ballroom boondoggle. And Democrats’ ferocious opposition to Trump’s $1.8 billion ‘Cash for Cronies’ slush fund caused the acting Attorney General to disavow the plan. But even on that, Republicans rejected Democratic amendments that would have put a stake through the heart of this corrupt undertaking.\n\n“Democrats are fighting to put an end to these families lose, billionaires win policies. Democrats have a better vision for the future: families thrive and the billionaire-class pay their fair share,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-senator-moody-urges-moms-to-jumpstart-the-american-dream-for-florida-children/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Urges Moms to Jumpstart the American Dream for Florida Children", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "View Full Remarks Here\n\nST. CLOUD, Fla.—Surrounded by Florida moms and students at a local school today, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody encouraged families to take advantage of Trump Accounts, a new childhood investment opportunity designed to help children begin building long-term financial security. Senator Moody supported the law that created Trump Accounts through her vote for the Working Families Tax Cuts. The program allows parents to open tax-advantaged investment accounts for eligible children.\n\nSenator Ashley Moody said, “These accounts will give the next generation a jumpstart on the American Dream. I fought for this benefit for Florida families and it was exciting to bring this message to a room full of moms and their children today, as we work together to invest in the future of Florida.”\n\nWhat Florida families should know about Trump Accounts:\n\nTrump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts created for eligible children under 18. The accounts are in the child’s name, with a parent, guardian or other authorized individual helping manage the account until the child turns 18.\n\nEligible U.S. citizen children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, with valid Social Security numbers, may qualify for the one-time $1,000 pilot program contribution.\n\nParents, guardians and authorized individuals can sign in or create an IRS account with ID.me and submit IRS Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s).\n\nFamilies can start at IRS.gov/TrumpAccounts, TrumpAccounts.gov, or through the official Trump Accounts app available in major app stores.\n\nBeginning July 4, 2026, Trump Accounts may accept contributions from parents, family members, employers and other eligible contributors, subject to annual limits.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E669950E-35D8-45C6-B387-4FFA6BF5B1C6", "title": "Senate Passes Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate recently passed the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program for another five years, allowing hospitals to continue testing innovative hospital payment models under Medicare that boost financial sustainability and improve rural access to care.\n\n“Local hospitals are critical to the health and success of rural communities in Kansas and across the country,” said Sen. Moran. “I have long supported the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program because it provides a lifeline for rural hospitals and health care providers, bolstering the stability and certainty needed for them to continue delivering quality care to the communities across our state. I’m pleased by the passage of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act in the Senate, and I urge the House of Representatives to pass this important legislation.”\n\nCurrently, there are two Kansas hospitals participating in the RCHD program: Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus in Junction City and McPherson Hospital.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).\n\nKansas Hospital Association (Chad Austin, President and CEO):\n\n“Access to care in rural Kansas depends on maintaining stable and sustainable financing pathways for community hospitals. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has helped participating hospitals continue delivering essential services close to home while supporting the health and economic vitality of their communities. Kansas hospitals appreciate the U.S. Senate’s passage of legislation to renew this long-standing program for an additional five years and are thankful for Senator Moran’s leadership and continued commitment to strengthening rural health care by ensuring participating hospitals can continue serving Kansans for years to come.”\n\nAmerican Hospital Association (Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Political Affairs):\n\n“The American Hospital Association applauds the Senate passing the Rural Community Hospital (RCH) Demonstration Reauthorization Act, which allows hospitals to continue providing essential care in their communities by supporting the financial stability of participating rural hospitals. Hospitals with 50 beds or less are some of the most vulnerable to closure, and the RCH demo offers an important model to maintain access in rural communities around the country. This bipartisan legislation gives more certainty for America’s rural hospitals.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/house-passes-legislation-protecting-alaska-native-artists-cultural-heritage-and-economic-opportunities", "title": "House Passes Legislation Protecting Alaska Native Artists’ Cultural Heritage and Economic Opportunities", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—The Alaska delegation today celebrated the House passage of the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, his legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists who use walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing. The bill previously passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.\n\n“I want to thank my colleagues, especially Alaska Congressman Nick Begich, for working to get my ARTIST Act across the finish line in the House,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We are one step closer to ensuring the lawfully harvested and crafted walrus ivory works of Alaska Native artisans will no longer be targeted by well-intentioned but overly broad state laws aimed at stopping the illegal African elephant ivory trade. We’ve been working on this for over eight years, and I want to commend the Alaska Native leaders who first brought this issue to my attention and who’ve relentlessly supported our efforts to correct this historic injustice. I look forward to President Trump signing the ARTIST Act into law and protecting the right of the Alaska Native people to continue these centuries-old traditional practices, a critically important economic driver for Alaska’s rural communities.”\n\n“Ensuring Alaska Native artists’ ability to create and sell their traditional handicrafts is about more than income. It’s about supporting families who have used their work to preserve heritage and culture through generations. For many artists, materials such as ivory have long-been vital to their craftsmanship and are already protected under existing federal law. Recent restrictions on the use of sustainably and legally sourced items could make it harder to continue practicing these skills and passing on the culture of their elders. Safeguarding wildlife and honoring Indigenous art can coexist,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m pleased to support Senator Sullivan’s legislation to ensure a one-size-fits-all rule does not prevent the world from experiencing the beauty of Alaska Native art.”\n\n“For generations, Alaska Native artisans have created world-renowned works of art from legally and sustainably harvested walrus ivory,” said Congressman Begich. “The ARTIST Act ensures that overly broad state ivory bans cannot unintentionally criminalize these lawful handicrafts. This legislation protects the rights of Alaska Native artists to continue sharing their craftsmanship, traditions, and heritage with the rest of the country, while also supporting rural economies across Alaska. I’m proud to have led the House effort on this issue and grateful to Senator Sullivan for his partnership in getting this legislation across the finish line.”\n\nBelow are statements from key leaders and stakeholders in support of the ARTIST Act.\n\nQUOTES\n\n“Today’s vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the ARTIST Act to the president’s desk is an important milestone for our North Slope Iñupiat cultural self-determination,” said Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat President & CEO Nagruk Harcharek. “For thousands of years, our people have transformed walrus ivory into important tools, arts, and crafts. The ARTIST Act will ensure that our cultural traditions – which form the bedrock of our Iñupiaq identity – will be protected and can be perpetuated for generations to come. Quyanaqpak to the Alaska congressional delegation for your perseverance and standing by our side in this endeavor.”\n\n\"For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have sustainably harvested Pacific Walrus to survive in the Arctic,” said Melanie Bahnke, president of Kawerak, Inc. “As our ancestors have, we continue to rely on this resource for food, tools, and to create artwork celebrating our culture. We are grateful that the Congress passed this bill to ensure that our artwork and tools are not deemed illegal in various parts of the United States. On behalf of Kawerak and the people we serve, thank you, Senator Sullivan, for recognizing that banning our culture is wrong and for championing this bill through Congress.”\n\n“The Eskimo Walrus Commission (EWC) strongly supports this bill and thanks Senator Sullivan and his staff for working with us on it,” said Vera Metcalf, Director of the Eskimo Walrus Commission. “We also greatly appreciate the support from Kawerak, the Indigenous People’s Council on Marine Mammals (IPComm), the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), WWF Arctic Program, and especially our Alaska Native communities. The Pacific walrus remains a significant component of our Indigenous food security and remains a major feature of Alaska Native cultural heritage. Our use of ivory gives full expression to our traditional relationship with the Pacific walrus and our way-of-life. EWC thanks Congress for passing this bill to ensure the cultural and economic well-being of Alaska Native communities thrive.”\n\n“The ARTIST Act reaffirms the rights of Alaska Native artists to create and sell authentic artworks and traditional handicrafts in the U.S. that are made from sustainably sourced marine mammal products, including walrus ivory,” said Steve MacLean, Managing Director of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) U.S. Arctic Program. “This longstanding cultural tradition is a vital source of economic opportunity and income for many Alaska Native communities, and walrus remain a critical component of Indigenous food security and cultural expression. Senator Sullivan, working with the Eskimo Walrus Commission, has shown dedication and leadership in crafting this bill, which helps to restore opportunities for Alaska Native artists to share their artwork and provide for their families.”\n\n“The passage of this legislation into law marks a significant milestone in recognizing and protecting the cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and livelihoods of Alaska Native artisans,” said Ben Mallott, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives. “AFN celebrates this achievement, and we thank Senator Sullivan for his leadership and advocacy throughout this effort, as well as all those who helped advance this important legislation to the President’s desk.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nFor years, several states have enacted overly broad ivory bans intended to combat illegal African elephant ivory trafficking. Unfortunately, those laws have also swept in lawful, sustainable Alaska Native handicrafts made from walrus ivory—undermining centuries-old cultural practices and limiting important economic opportunities for Alaska Native artists and rural communities. The ARTIST Act clarifies that states may not ban the import, sale, or possession of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts, and ensures these lawful and culturally vital traditions can continue to be practiced, shared, and sold across the country.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-senate-republicans-giving-71-billion-to-a-lawless-department-of-homeland-security", "title": "Murphy Statement on Senate Republicans Giving $71 Billion to a Lawless Department of Homeland Security", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Friday released a statement following passage of a reconciliation bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security:\n\n“What happened in the U.S. Senate tonight should send a chill down the spine of anyone who cares about the rule of law in this country. Democrats had a very simple ask: work with us to put basic guardrails on an agency that has spiraled out of control. Instead, Senate Republicans took a sledgehammer to the appropriations process and wrote a $71 billion blank check to ICE and CBP to continue their lawlessness – throwing communities into chaos, allowing immigrants to die in DHS custody, and ripping children from their parents. Senate Republicans own the terror they’ve unleashed.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-leads-effort-to-defeat-republican-attempts-to-pass-anti-voter-save-act-in-the-dead-of-night/", "title": "Padilla Leads Effort to Defeat Republican Attempts to Pass Anti-Voter SAVE Act in the Dead of Night", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, led his Senate colleagues in defeating Republicans’ efforts to include the SAVE Act voter suppression bill in their anti-immigrant reconciliation bill. Padilla took to the Senate floor twice to condemn the Republican amendments to limit eligible Americans’ voting rights, successfully blocking Senators Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) and Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) brazen attempts to jam through President Trump’s partisan election takeover ahead of the midterm elections.\n\nIn his opposition to Graham’s amendment, Padilla highlighted Trump’s unlawful efforts to disenfranchise voters by taking over elections from the states and banning vote-by-mail. The legislation would immediately impose sweeping new national voting restrictions, including banning vote-by-mail, severely limiting absentee voting, implementing extremely strict ID and citizenship documentation requirements – and also included anti-trans language. Graham’s amendment failed in a bipartisan 48-50 vote, with 60 votes needed to pass it.\n\n“I rise in opposition to this Graham amendment and remind us colleagues that just over a month ago a similar proposal was defeated on a bipartisan basis,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “It is already unlawful for noncitizens to vote in the United States. What this amendment does is mirrors earlier attempts to push through the President’s priorities to try to take over elections, to ban vote by mail, and while they’re at it, attacking trans folks during Pride Month. That’s pretty damn offensive.”\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks in opposition to Graham’s amendment is available here.\n\nLater in the night, Padilla took to the Senate floor again to stop Lee’s similar amendment that would mandate burdensome, in-person citizenship documentation requirements that could disenfranchise millions and impose voter ID requirements stricter than any existing state law. Padilla reminded his colleagues that Trump’s anti-voter tactics have been defeated before and would be defeated again. Lee’s amendment failed in a bipartisan 49-50 vote with 60 votes needed to pass it.\n\n“It’s déjà vu all over again. Not only did this Senate, on a bipartisan basis, reject a similar measure legislatively just a few weeks ago, but just a few hours ago, this Senate rejected a similar amendment on a bipartisan basis,” said Senator Padilla. “This and other measures that would eliminate vote-by-mail and make voter registration drives unlawful is not enabling civic participation, it’s making it harder. It is wrongheaded. We defeated it before, we should defeat it again.”\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks in opposition to Lee’s amendment is available here.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, which has oversight over federal elections, Padilla has led the charge opposing Trump’s unlawful anti-voter SAVE Act. During the failed March 2026 “talking filibuster” attempt, Padilla took to the Senate floor four times as a leader in the Democratic opposition to the SAVE Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-rails-against-republican-reconciliation-bill-pushes-amendment-for-dhs-enforcement-reforms/", "title": "Padilla Rails Against Republican Reconciliation Bill, Pushes Amendment for DHS Enforcement Reforms", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee and a member of the Senate Budget Committee, condemned Republicans’ partisan bill to provide Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with an extra $70 billion without necessary reforms. Padilla also forced a vote on his amendment to the budget reconciliation bill that would require ICE agents to wear body cameras while on-duty.\n\n“Donald Trump proudly admitted he doesn’t ‘think about Americans’ financial situation,’ and this budget reconciliation bill proves Republicans in Congress don’t either. Because of Trump’s war in Iran and harmful economic policies, inflation is rising, gas prices in California have hit $6 a gallon, and families are struggling to afford basic necessities. But instead of working to lower costs or prevent corruption – like Trump’s anti-weaponization slush fund – Republicans are finding partisan workarounds to the appropriations process to hand another $70 billion to an out-of-control ICE and CBP with no reforms, no guardrails, and no accountability for the abuses and violence they’ve been emboldened to carry out under Trump’s mass deportation scheme. This is on top of the more than $100 billion these agencies already have remaining from last year,” said Senator Padilla. “This bill is a slap in the face to struggling Americans everywhere. It includes no relief for working families facing higher costs, just more money for unchecked enforcement and political favors for Trump. Make no mistake – while Republicans fight to protect Donald Trump, Democrats are fighting for working people and the basic accountability they deserve.”\n\nThe Republican partisan reconciliation bill allocates an additional $70 billion to ICE and CBP to carry out President Trump’s inhumane mass deportation agenda. Padilla forced a vote on an amendment specifying that at least $300 million of the ICE funding in the reconciliation bill must be used to ensure that all ICE officers and agents wear activated body-worn cameras while engaging in immigration activities, and that such footage be properly stored and made available to Congress. The amendment failed on a party line vote, 46-53, with all Republicans rejecting the most basic transparency and accountability measures.\n\nPadilla emphasized the need for the amendment as a commonsense response to the chaos spurred by ICE and CBP agents in communities nationwide – highlighting the deaths of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and Ruben Ray Martinez, American citizens whose peaceful protests were met with violence from ICE and CBP personnel.\n\n“Too often, we’ve heard one story from federal agents, only to learn the truth later on from camera footage – as was the case in the shootings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and Ruben Ray Martinez,” said Senator Padilla. “Body cameras are already required by state and local law enforcement agencies across the country. They keep agents accountable, while protecting the subjects of law enforcement actions, members of the public, and officers themselves.”\n\nPadilla has been a vocal critic of Republicans’ attempts to provide additional funding to ICE and CBP without any guardrails, Trump’s out-of-control mass detention and deportation agenda, Trump’s vanity projects, his attempted use of taxpayer funds to reward his allies and January 6th insurrectionists, and Republicans’ misguided spending priorities. Padilla slammed Republicans’ partisan reconciliation bill and called for his colleagues to reject it. Last month, Padilla denounced the same bill, highlighting the Trump-created affordability crisis across the country. Padilla reiterated his concerns that the Republican-proposed budget reconciliation bill would pour even more funding into ICE and CBP without necessary reforms. In April, Padilla forced a vote on his amendment that would have rejected giving more funding to agencies that are sitting on funding from the previous reconciliation bill. Republicans defeated the amendment 46-52.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks is available here.\n\nTranscript of Padilla’s remarks is available below:\n\nThank you Mr. President.\n\nMy amendment will specify that at least $300 million of the ICE funding in the Judiciary title must be used to ensure that all officers and agents wear body-worn cameras while engaging in immigration enforcement activities.\n\nBody cameras are already required by state and local law enforcement across the country. It has been for years in many jurisdictions, and what we’ve learned from that experience is that it is not just an important tool for transparency; it helps keep agents accountable.\n\nIt protects both the subjects of enforcement actions as well as law enforcement officers themselves.\n\nDHS has said that somehow they want to implement body cameras but don’t have the resources to do it—that’s despite sitting on more than $100 billion of money that they haven’t spent already.\n\nSo, therefore, this amendment would give them the specific funding that they claim they need.And I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-at-senate-appropriations-hearing-peters-presses-dhs-secretary-mullin-for-updates-on-key-michigan-projects", "title": "VIDEO: At Senate Appropriations Hearing, Peters Presses DHS Secretary Mullin for Updates on Key Michigan Projects", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin for updates on two key Michigan projects – the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.\n\nWhile President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the new bridge, when Peters asked whether Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is prepared to facilitate trade and travel once the bridge is open, Secretary Mullin confirmed that CBP has the staff in place.\n\n“The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been in the works for decades now. This bridge that has been built was paid for by our Canadian neighbors, but they used American steel and union labor, and it’s actually going to be a critical component for not just Michigan, but for the country,” the Senator said. “So, my question to Secretary Mullin — is DHS, and specifically CBP, prepared right now to facilitate trade and travel at the bridge?”\n\n“We’re prepared. We’re staffed. We’re ready to go,” confirmed Secretary Mullin in response.\n\nPeters has long supported the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, securing $15 million for inspection and screening systems for it, as well as $1 million in government funding legislation to help DHS prepare for the completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Earlier this year, Peters and eight of his Michigan Congressional colleagues sent a letter to President Trump reiterating the importance of opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge as scheduled this year.\n\nPeters also questioned Mullin about the current progress of the Northern Border Mission Center, which is being established at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.\n\n“You committed to taking action on implementing a law that Senator Collins and I passed that would create a Northern Border Mission Center,” the Senator said. “You responded that within one month of your swearing in, you would work to get that center set up — it's been two months since you've been sworn in. Have you taken actions, as required by law, to advance the center?”\n\nMullin confirmed that the personnel are in place, and it is actively mission capable.\n\nPeters established the Center and has secured a total of $9 million for its operations, which will support DHS’ ongoing border security work to address the evolving threats and challenges the Department faces, including the bi-directional flow of illicit drugs, like fentanyl, and other contraband, as well as human smuggling and trafficking.\n\nTo watch the full video of Senator Peters’ questioning, click here.\n\nPeters also pressed Mullin about reports that FEMA disaster declaration requests made by Democratic-run states have repeatedly been delayed and denied by President Trump more frequently than requests from Republican-led states.\n\n“There are reports that President Trump has approved nearly 90% of requests from red states, but only 23% from blue states, even when the request met the FEMA established threshold for federal assistance,” said Peters. “I don’t think there’s any other President since the establishment of FEMA that has chosen to actually punish American citizens that have survived a flood or a wildfire because of their home state’s governor or senators’ political affiliation.”\n\nMichigan has faced continual delays in approvals for disaster declaration requests and unprecedented denials. After ice storms left thousands without power in Northern Michigan last year, Peters, alongside other members of Michigan’s congressional delegation and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, worked tirelessly to get a disaster declaration approved and overturn the President’s denial of Category F assistance for public utilities so that critical federal resources could be issued to help Michiganders rebuild and recover.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-highlights-efforts-to-pass-year-round-e15-combat-communist-china/", "title": "Ricketts Highlights Efforts to Pass Year-round E15, Combat Communist China", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss his efforts to counter Communist China and make sure the U.S. leads in the AI race. Ricketts highlighted his Secure and Feasible Exports (SAFE) of Chips Act and Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act, which would limit sales of advanced AI chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Communist China. Ricketts also discussed his work to secure year-round E15.\n\n“We’ve got to win the AI race with Communist China,” said Ricketts. “If we do things that hamper that innovation, we’re going to lose, and that will end up in a world where Communist China dominates the AI race, and that’s going to have a bad impact on so many factors that impact everyday life. So, what we want to do is make sure that we win, and that means encouraging American innovation.”\n\n“Last time I filled up with E10, I saved 55 cents a gallon, said Ricketts. “With E15, you would save even more. It cleans up the environment, so it’s great for the environment, and it would help our farmers and ranchers by creating more demand. We’ve got a bill to make this permanent.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-issues-statement-after-bill-to-fund-border-patrol-and-ice-passes-senate/", "title": "Ricketts Issues Statement After Bill to Fund Border Patrol and ICE Passes Senate", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after the Senate passed legislation to fund U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) :\n\n“This effort has always been about protecting Americans and strengthening our national security. The initial bill only included funding for Border Patrol and ICE. Several amendments that would not strengthen our national security were presented. I voted against those.\n\nI voted for final passage of the initial legislation, which will fund our Border Patrol and ICE. These law enforcement officers work hard to keep our nation safe and they deserve our support.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-on-combatting-communist-china-in-the-ai-race/", "title": "VIDEO: Ricketts on Combatting Communist China in the AI Race", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed his work to counter Communist China and ensure American dominance in artificial intelligence in a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. Ricketts highlighted his Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act, a bipartisan bill that would strengthen U.S. export controls to ensure adversaries cannot buy “chokepoint” semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) technology from the United States or our partners that they cannot build themselves.\n\n“A world where Communist China is dominant in AI is very bad for the United States and for the entire world,” said Ricketts. “That’s why it’s critical that us and our allies cannot lose this race.\n\nSemiconductor supply chains, particularly semiconductor manufacturing equipment — SMEs — are critical to winning this competition.”\n\nWatch the video here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-securing-americas-next-250-years/", "title": "VIDEO: Securing America’s Next 250 Years", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "On Wednesday, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed his efforts to help secure the next 250 years of American safety and prosperity. This includes attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singaporewhere he had conversations about deterring Communist China.\n\n“Our values have inspired generations of Americans and secured our role as the global technology, economic, and military leader. We have a lot to celebrate. We also need to consider what it will take to secure the next 250 years,” said Ricketts. “One of the most important tasks will be deterring Communist China. China is without a doubt the greatest existential threat to America and Nebraska. Communist China seeks to infiltrate our country and undermine our people, values, and way of life. We cannot let this happen if we want our nation and the world to thrive for centuries to come.”\n\nRicketts also highlighted the importance of funding Border Patrol and ICE to protect Nebraskans and our national security. This morning, the Senate passed the Secure America Act, legislation to fund Border Patrol and ICE. Ricketts’ statement on the vote can be found here.\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: “Last week, I had the privilege to attend a ceremony to honor those who gave their last full measure of devotion to our great nation.\n\n“I’m grateful to American Legion Post One in Omaha for hosting the Memorial Day ceremony to honor our fallen at Forest Lawn Cemetery.\n\n“Memorial Day this year was special, as we also celebrate America’s 250th birthday.\n\n“Throughout our country’s history, Nebraskans have laid down their lives to defend our freedoms.\n\n“We honor all of our heroic Nebraskans who lost their lives in service to our country.\n\n“We also express our gratitude to their loved ones for their sacrifice.\n\n“We are the home of the free because of the brave.\n\n“As we celebrate America’s birthday, we reflect on what has led to 250 years of success.\n\n“From our founding, we’ve affirmed that our people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.\n\n“We’ve created a country where any American, regardless of who they are, can achieve the American dream through hard work and determination.\n\n“Our values have inspired generations of Americans and secured our role as the global technology, economic, and military leader.\n\n“We have a lot to celebrate.\n\n“We also need to consider what it will take to secure the next 250 years.\n\n“One of the most important tasks will be deterring Communist China.\n\n“China is without a doubt the greatest existential threat to America and Nebraska.\n\n“Communist China seeks to infiltrate our country and undermine our people, values, and way of life.\n\n“We cannot let this happen if we want our nation and the world to thrive for centuries to come.\n\n“That’s why I’ve made it a priority to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore the last couple of years.\n\n“This conference brings together leaders from North America, the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and beyond to discuss important security issues.\n\n“I attended again this year and had important conversations about deterring Communist China and bolstering our national security.\n\n“Let me share a few takeaways.\n\n“First, we need to strengthen our military cooperation with allies and partners in the region.\n\n“This includes shoring up our own defense industrial base, ensuring our warfighters, as well as those of our allies and partners, have the capabilities they need to counter and deter Communist China.\n\n“It’s absolutely critical.\n\n“We also need to recommit our support for allies and partners who have fallen victim to Communist China’s malign aggression and economic coercion.\n\n“Peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific are good for America.\n\n“We need to secure this.\n\n“I also had a few conversations about improving trade relations.\n\n“We know that China is not a good trade partner.\n\n“Identifying new opportunities in the Indo-Pacific will reduce our reliance on Communist China and expand market access for our farmers and ranchers.\n\n“I’ve also introduced the MARKET Act, which I’ve shared before, to identify new markets for our ag community.\n\n“I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for Nebraskans, both in the Senate and on the world stage, and I remain committed to doing my part to ensure future generations can celebrate the America we all know and love.\n\n“This brings me to the work that needs to be done on the Senate floor today.\n\n“To protect Americans and our national security, we must fund Border Patrol and ICE.\n\n“Senate Republicans have a narrow bill to do this.\n\n“Our bill only funds Border Patrol and ICE.\n\n“Senate Democrats refuse to vote for it, putting every American at risk.\n\n“Their refusal is a clear threat to our national security.\n\n“The Democrats stood by while President Biden and his open-border policies allowed every state to become a border state, putting communities across America, including in Nebraska, at risk.\n\n“They released at least 99 illegal aliens on the terrorist watchlist into American communities, including three with potential ISIS ties.\n\n“They have prioritized the care of illegal immigrants over Americans.\n\n“Let me give you two examples.\n\n“When Laken Riley, a 22-year-old college student, was murdered by an illegal immigrant, Republicans introduced legislation to make sure no other families have to live through that same tragedy as Laken’s family had to live through.\n\n“The legislation was common sense, too — if an illegal immigrant breaks the law, they will be held accountable.\n\n“A majority of Democrats refused to support this common-sense solution.\n\n“When our brave troops successfully captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, Democrats were more concerned about the operation than national security.\n\n“Maduro is a narco-terrorist responsible for the deaths of countless Americans.\n\n“He was a puppet of our adversaries, including Communist China, Russia, and Iran.\n\n“Simply put, he was a threat to our national security.\n\n“Capturing him was a win for Americans and our national security.\n\n“However, Democrats didn’t see it this way.\n\n“The reality, though, is that President Trump campaigned on securing our border.\n\n“He won an overwhelming majority of votes from Americans.\n\n“The American people voted for stronger national security.\n\n“Republicans have worked with this administration to secure our border and deliver that for the American people.\n\n“To maintain this strong national security, we need to fund ICE and Border Patrol.\n\n“I’m ready to vote with my Senate Republican colleagues today.\n\n“Democrats cannot delay this vote any longer.\n\n“We must get this done for the American people.\n\n“Everything else is a distraction.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-demands-fisa-reforms-to-protect-americans-from-illegal-government-surveillance", "title": "In Case You Missed It… Sen. Rick Scott Demands FISA Reforms to Protect Americans from Illegal Government Surveillance", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Rick Scott released a statement this morning after he voted against an extension of FISA that did not include reforms and fell short of protecting Americans' Fourth Amendment rights.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: any extension of FISA needs significant reforms to protect Americans. I’ve been surveilled by the government multiple times, along with so many other Americans. We can’t give the swamp unchecked power to spy on law-abiding Americans. Warrants MUST be required to protect our constitutional liberties and uphold the Fourth Amendment. I voted against an extension because I want real REFORM and ACCOUNTABILITY, not the status quo.”\n\nThe vote followed an 18-hour debate on a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package after Democrats denied ICE and Border Patrol funding for more than 100 days.\n\nEarlier this week, Senator Scott was joined by U.S. Reps. Andy Harris and Kieth Self in an op-ed published in Fox News titled, “Fix FISA. Don’t Spy on Us.”\n\nRead the op-ed HERE or below.\n\nFox News\n\nSen. Rick Scott, Andy Harris, Rep. Keith Self: Fix FISA. Don’t Spy on Us\n\nJune 4, 2026\n\nAmerica’s founding generation did not take up arms merely over unreasonable taxation. They understood ceding their rights to the government for promise of security was a bad deal. They believed risking death to live free was better than subsisting under tyranny.\n\nThey fought back against unchecked tyranny across an ocean. The crown planted spies in their taverns, rifled through their papers without cause and intercepted their private correspondence.\n\nToday, unchecked deep-state bureaucrats are treating themselves as kings, putting their interests ahead of American liberty.\n\nThe \"Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act\" (FISA) has decomposed into a modern incarnation of the general warrants and writs of assistance that ignited our American Revolution. Created as a tool to track foreign threats, FISA has evolved into a domestic surveillance machine: sweeping up Americans’ communications, hiding behind secret courts and treating the Fourth Amendment like a roadblock instead of the supreme law of the land.\n\nThe rattlesnake on the Gadsden flag is issuing a new warning: Don’t Spy on Me.\n\nOn June 12, our colleagues in Congress will face another deadline to renew a key FISA authority, Section 702. The intelligence community wants a \"clean\" reauthorization without changes to its unconstitutional infrastructure. However, the American people expect us to reassert American liberty. That is why some members of the House Freedom Caucus and the Senate Steering Committee have made it clear that meaningful reforms are the only pathway to a long-term extension here.\n\nThis position is not opposed to national security. It is a refusal to sacrifice American liberty on the altar of unchecked power.\n\nWe can start by addressing the expansion of the term \"electronic communication service provider.\" Two years ago, the government broadened its surveillance fishing tool to include everyday Americans. Intelligence officials wanted access to one specific company. Instead, they rammed through sweeping language that now lets the National Security Agency (NSA) compel any U.S. business or organization with a computer, router or server to hand over communications. That includes your local hardware store, community center, and, yes, your neighborhood church.\n\nThis is not an incidental collection. It is an expansion of the government’s reach, increasing the volume of Americans’ communications available for capture and the potential for abuse. Former Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner – a Democrat – acknowledged the domestic surveillance infrastructure on the Senate floor and promised a fix, but Congress has yet to deliver. This must be corrected.\n\nNext, we should unshroud the secrecy that enables current problems with FISA. Federal prosecutors routinely impose indefinite nondisclosure orders on telecom companies to prevent the public from seeing how extensive their domestic espionage operation is. The \"NDO Fairness Act\" would add judicial review and time limits on these gag orders. Americans deserve to know when their data is being sought, especially outside national security cases.\n\nThe American people also expect us to crack down on federal agencies evading constitutional protections by buying Americans’ data from commercial brokers. This includes geolocation data, communications metadata and browsing history. If government officials need to know, they can ask a judge to issue a warrant. Just because it’s become normalized, doesn’t make it normal. We can and must close this loophole.\n\nThe intelligence community wants a \"clean\" reauthorization without changes to its unconstitutional infrastructure. However, the American people expect us to reassert American liberty.\n\nStill, the most alarming problem is the millions of \"backdoor\" queries of Americans’ communications conducted without warrants. At the peak in 2021 under the Biden administration, there were nearly 3 million warrantless searches of Americans in 702 data, 278,000 of which were conducted improperly. Yet, not a single person was held accountable.\n\nWhile our government should monitor bad actors overseas seeking to harm our homeland, searches of U.S. persons’ data on American soil should require the constitutional requirements of probable cause and a warrant from a court, with narrow exceptions for imminent threats.\n\nWhen the Constitution was written, no one could see the digital future the country would grow to lead. However, the principles don’t change. If you needed a warrant to intercept a letter carried by a courier or to enter a home in the 18th century, what makes an email or a smartphone fair game? Technology changes, but the Constitution remains.\n\nAs June 12 approaches, Congress must reject another rubber-stamp renewal. The rattlesnake is rattling – its warning clear. The American people expect us to fix this.\n\nRepublican Rick Scott represents Florida in the United States Senate. He is a former two-term Florida governor.\n\nRepublican Keith Self represents Texas's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.\n\nRepublican Andy Harris represents Maryland’s 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives and is Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/6/this-bill-requires-the-small-business-administration-s-sba-office-of-advocacy-to-continue-running-the-red-tape-hotline-a-website-where-small-businesses-can-report-complaints-and-issues-with-regulations-policy-statements-or-other-activities-to-the-sba-office-of-accountability", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces DUMP Red Tape Act to Support Florida Small Businesses", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced the Destroying Unnecessary, Misaligned, and Prohibitive (DUMP) Red Tape Act to alleviate burdensome regulations for small businesses. This legislation was first introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Tony Wied (WI-08).\n\nThis bill requires the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy to continue running the Red Tape Hotline, a website where small businesses can report complaints and issues with regulations, policy statements, or other activities to the SBA Office of Accountability.\n\nThe Tampa Free Press first broke the news HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “America’s economy depends on small businesses and the hard work of the individuals and families who run them, but businesses can’t thrive when they are bogged down by red tape. I’m glad the Trump administration saw the need for the Office of Advocacy and now this legislation will institute the Red Tape Hotline as a lasting resource to small business owners in future administrations as well.”\n\nRepresentative Wied said, “As a former small business owner, I know firsthand how burdensome regulations can make it harder for businesses to operate and turn a profit. The DUMP Red Tape Act provides small business owners with a direct line to make their voices heard, report unnecessary regulations, and ensure those complaints are documented and reviewed so Congress can take action. This commonsense bill has already passed the House, and I am very proud to work alongside Senator Scott to get this bill through the Senate and on to President Trump’s desk.”\n\nThe Red Tape Hotline was first established by the SBA in March 2025 as a part of the Trump administration’s efforts to support small businesses. The DUMP Red Tape Act codifies the establishment of the hotline into law, requiring the SBA Office of Accountability to send an annual report to both the SBA and Congress summarizing the complaints they receive.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/06/05/rosen-votes-against-republican-budget-to-give-ice-more-funding-without-commonsense-guardrails-republicans-block-her-effort-to-lower-fuel-costs-for-law-enforcement-and-first-responders/", "title": "Rosen Votes Against Republican Budget to Give ICE More Funding Without Commonsense Guardrails, Republicans Block Her Effort to Lower Fuel Costs for Law Enforcement and First Responders", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch Senator Rosen’s full remarks HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Overnight, the U.S. Senate voted on Republicans’ partisan budget bill that is set to give ICE billions of dollars in additional funding without any guardrails or accountability mechanisms. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) voted against this partisan budget bill that does nothing to help bring down costs for Nevada families. Additionally, Republicans blocked her effort to use the funding to reimburse fuel expenses for local law enforcement departments, fire departments, and first responder agencies resulting from Donald Trump’s sky-high gas prices. Senator Rosen’s effort would have sent the Republican budget back to committee to redirect the funding to be used for fuel relief for first responders.\n\nBelow is a transcript of Senator Rosen’s remarks while pushing to redirect the funding:\n\nMr. President,\n\nI rise today to make a motion to send this bill back to committee so that it can be amended to include funding to reimburse law enforcement departments and first responders for increased expenses as a result of Donald Trump’s sky-high gas prices.\n\nThis will help address the rising cost of gas under Donald Trump and the impact it’s having on cash-strapped police departments and fire stations across this country.\n\nLet’s provide relief to police departments, fire departments, and first responder agencies who are being hurt by Trump’s reckless policies. I urge all my colleagues to support this motion.\n\nThank you.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senate-republicans-block-sen-schiffs-push-to-halt-trumps-corrupt-payouts-prevent-future-abuse-of-doj-settlement/", "title": "NEWS: Senate Republicans Block Sen. Schiff’s Push to Halt Trump’s Corrupt Payouts, Prevent Future Abuse of DOJ Settlement", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Early this morning, a majority of Senate Republicans voted to block U.S. Senator Adam Schiff’s (D-Calif.) attempt to shutter President Donald Trump’s so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund and prevent corrupt self-dealing by the president.\n\nThe adoption of Schiff’s amendment would have prevented taxpayer dollars from being paid to the president or his allies including those convicted of crimes or those related to the insurrection on January 6, 2021, and ensured that no president or vice president can replicate President Trump and Acting Attorney General Blanche’s unprecedented and corrupt slush fund.\n\nSenator Schiff forced the final amendment vote on the reconciliation bill, but it ultimately fell short of passage. Five Republicans voted in support of the amendment including Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). The amendment failed at a vote of 51-48.\n\nSchiff first introduced this amendment as the Drain the Slush Fund Act, alongside Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) earlier this week.\n\n“Mr. President, members, this amendment is very brief. Its operative language is a single sentence, it provides no judgment, award, compromise, settlement, interest, or costs shall be authorized for payments that arise out of a lawsuit or claim filed by the president or vice president, that’s it. Doesn’t single out any president in particular, not past, not present, not future. It applies to all. Does anyone here believe this slush fund is a good idea? If there’s anyone here who believes it’s a good idea, say so. Speak out, say so. Does anyone think this is a good idea? Anyone? If not, let’s do something about it. Support this amendment, and let’s put this to rest for good. I urge an aye vote,” said Senator Schiff on the Senate Floor while offering his amendment.\n\nThe Senator’s amendment can be found here.\n\nThe Senator’s speech offering the amendment can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/schmitt-authored-fund-to-arrest-deport-criminal-illegal-aliens-passes-u-s-senate/", "title": "Schmitt-Authored Fund to Arrest, Deport Criminal Illegal Aliens Passes U.S. Senate", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "$350 Million Fund Provides ICE the Resources Needed to Arrest Illegal Aliens Released from Local Custody in Sanctuary Cities\n\nU.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) released the following statement after the Senate passed his provision to give U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) an additional $350 million for dedicated resources to arrest criminal illegal aliens who are released from local custody after sanctuary cities refuse to honor ICE detainers, provide release notice, or coordinate safe jail-to-ICE transfers. Schmitt’s provision passed as part of the Senate reconciliation bill to fund ICE and Customs Border Patrol (CBP).\n\n“Sanctuary cities created one of the most indefensible public-safety failures in America. These are criminal illegal aliens already sitting in jail. ICE has already identified them. Federal officers are ready to take custody. And sanctuary politicians let them walk out the door and back into American neighborhoods. That madness ends now. Senate Republicans just passed my provision to give ICE the resources to meet these criminals at the jailhouse door and take them into federal custody the moment sanctuary jurisdictions release them. In 2025 alone, sanctuary cities and states released nearly 18,000 aliens from custody instead of transferring them to ICE. That is a betrayal of every American family forced to live with the consequences. This is about commonsense immigration enforcement in our country. It targets illegal aliens, already in custody, identified by ICE, released because the Left would rather protect sanctuary politics than American citizens. If sanctuary cities will not protect their people, ICE will have the resources to do the job. This is a major victory for public safety, border security, and the rule of law,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\nThe Schmitt-authored Fundprovides dedicated ICE resources for detainer management, release monitoring, custodial transfer, transportation, arrests, and detention connected to criminal aliens released from local custody.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-introduces-bill-to-better-protect-individuals-with-intellectual-disabilities/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Introduces Bill to Better Protect Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Bill Would Strengthen Missing Persons Alerts and Expand Education and Training for First Responders\n\nU.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act. This legislation will enhance the national missing person alert system, as well as expand state-level first responder training and education to better protect and serve individuals with intellectual disabilities and adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia.\n\n“Strengthening our federal alert systems to better protect individuals with intellectual disabilities is commonsense,” said Senator Schmitt. “The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act will improve existing protocols for disability-specific emergencies and will equip our law enforcement with the tools they need to respond appropriately and save lives.”\n\nThe Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act strengthens existing national missing-person alert systems by amending Kristen’s Act to expand the definition of “health care needs” by including developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s, and dementia, as well as the PROTECT Act to direct states to provide specialized training for first responders to better respond to missing individuals with intellectual disabilities.\n\nCongressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives.\n\nRead the full text of the legislation HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-statement-on-vote-against-motion-to-proceed-on-fisa", "title": "Shaheen Statement on Vote Against Motion to Proceed on FISA", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on her vote against the motion to proceed on FISA:\n\n“I recognize the important role that Section 702 of FISA plays in protecting America’s national security and have long supported maintaining it. However, the President is undermining extension of this critical authority by appointing Bill Pulte to serve as the acting Director of National Intelligence. America’s safety is built on having an effective and non-partisan intelligence community that will not let political considerations undermine work with life-or-death stakes. At a time when America is involved in conflicts overseas and faces threats at home, the intelligence community needs qualified and serious leadership. Bill Pulte is neither. Mr. Pulte has zero qualification for the role except for his blind political loyalty to President Trump. His complete lack of experience puts Americans at risk and runs clearly contrary to the qualifications set out in law for the position.\n\n“Mr. Pulte must go, and I voted last night for Senator Warner’s amendment to effectively block his appointment. I’m encouraged that President Trump has indicated that Mr. Pulte will not be in this role for long, but until he departs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). I cannot support an extension of Section 702 authorities. Mr. Pulte has already demonstrated his willingness to weaponize the federal government to go after the President’s enemies, and I cannot in good conscience give him the tools to do so further. Americans deserve an intelligence community that both keeps us safe and has effective, qualified and apolitical leadership. We will not have that until Mr. Pulte leaves ODNI.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/06/05/slotkin-joins-bipartisan-effort-to-protect-mq-9-aircraft-missions/", "title": "Slotkin Joins Bipartisan Effort to Protect Battle Creek Missions", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This effort champions the preservation of missions and servicemembers, like those at Battle Creek in Michigan.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act. The legislation bars the Air Force from cutting MQ-9 units or personnel in any manner that would diminish their existing operational readiness.\n\n“The MQ-9 is a proven, cost-effective platform that provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities,” said Senator Cruz. “In Texas, they were invaluable after the devastating July 4, 2025 floods, when the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Attack Wing deployed the MQ-9 to support search, rescue, and recovery operations along the Guadalupe River. I am proud to introduce this legislation to protect the MQ-9’s operational capabilities and preserve this vital asset.”\n\n“This aircraft is a critical platform for the Arizona National Guard to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform strike missions,” said Senator Kelly. “We must invest in the best tools that strengthen our national security. With this bill we’re making sure servicemembers have the equipment they need at a time of growing global threats.”\n\n“Protecting Air National Guard missions has been a priority for me since my time in the House,” said Senator Slotkin.“The message is simple: don’t take away missions from the National Guard until you have a plan to replace it. The same rule applies here. I’m glad to have bipartisan support to protect these missions and the servicemembers that form the backbone of our military, including at Battle Creek in Michigan. The SUSTAIN Act holds the Air Force to a basic standard: show us the plan before you start cutting people and planes. Our National Guard units deserve that, and our national security will be stronger because of it.”\n\nNational Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) President MG (Ret.) Francis McGinn said, “The Air National Guard’s MQ-9 enterprise provides critical combat capability, homeland defense support, and operational experience that cannot be easily replaced. Two weeks ago, the Air Force Chief of Staff referenced the MQ-9 as the ‘MVP’ of the US air campaign against Iran in Operation Epic Fury. The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) fully supports Senator Cruz and Senator Kelly’s legislation. Any effort to retire or reduce MQ-9 aircraft and units must be accompanied by a clear, funded modernization or recapitalization strategy that preserves Air National Guard MQ-9 capacity and readiness. A recapitalization plan developed in partnership with National Guard leadership will help ensure Air National Guard MQ-9 units remain ready, capable, and part of the future force.”\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/06/05/2026/van-hollen-statement-on-republican-budget-bill-to-fuel-trumps-lawless-mass-deportation-agenda", "title": "Van Hollen Statement on Republican Budget Bill to Fuel Trump’s Lawless Mass Deportation Agenda", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his opposition to Senate Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill to provide tens of billions of dollars in additional funding to ICE and CBP – on top of the record $140 billion Republicans gave to those agencies last year despite the fact that $100 billion of those fund remain unspent as of the end of April.\n\n“Americans across the country are faced with skyrocketing gas prices, unaffordable health care costs, and higher prices on everyday essentials. But instead of addressing the priorities of the American people, Senate Republicans are hellbent on providing billions of dollars for Trump’s lawless ICE operations. Today, Senate Republicans once again voted to send tens of billions in taxpayer dollars to Trump’s mass deportation agenda that has caused chaos and instilled fear in our communities and has taken the lives of U.S. citizens.", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-hoyer-walkinshaw-release-statement-on-trump-administration-reclassification-of-thousands-of-federal-workers", "title": "Van Hollen, Hoyer, Walkinshaw Release Statement on Trump Administration Reclassification of Thousands of Federal Workers", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), co-chairs of the Federal Workforce Caucus, released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s executive order reclassifying about 8,000 federal workers into the Schedule Policy/Career category, effectively tripling the number of at-will federal employees and opening the door for the Administration to carry out more politically-motivated firings without recourse for the employees to appeal.\n\n“Americans across our country rely on the critical services that the nonpartisan, highly skilled federal workforce provides. Instead of supporting these workers, Donald Trump continues to attack them. The merit-based federal workforce is a cornerstone of our government, and this corrupt policy only undermines the quality of services delivered to the American people in favor of political cronyism. We will continue fighting back in support of our civil servants and the crucial work they do on behalf of the American people.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-puts-forward-amendment-with-cassidy-to-turn-doj-slush-fund-into-compensation-fund-only-available-to-law-enforcement-who-defended-capitol-on-january-6th", "title": "Van Hollen Puts Forward Amendment with Cassidy to Turn DOJ Slush Fund into Compensation Fund Only Available to Law Enforcement Who Defended Capitol on January 6th", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in putting forward an amendment to the Republican budget reconciliation bill that would make funds from the Department of Justice “Anti-weaponization Fund” – which were previously available to violent January 6th insurrectionists – only available to law enforcement officers who were injured or faced losses as a result of defending the Capitol on January 6th as well as their families.\n\n“The true heroes of January 6th are the men and women who put their lives on the line, defending our Capitol from violent insurrectionists. While the Trump Administration set up a taxpayer-funded slush fund to reward those who attacked them, after facing the horrors of that day, it’s our law enforcement officers and their families who deserve to be compensated for their sacrifice. Our amendment would do just that – turning the Trump Administration’s corrupt scheme into a compensation fund for those officers who were injured or faced losses as a result of January 6th, as well as their families. If my colleagues can’t vote to support this amendment, I don’t know how they can look at themselves in the mirror at night.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-forces-vote-on-transparency-surrounding-medicaid-coverage-loss/", "title": "Warnock Forces Vote on Transparency Surrounding Medicaid Coverage Loss", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Senator’s amendment would have required basic data on Medicaid coverage loss to be made public\n\nThe amendment was blocked on a party-line vote 52-46 with all “no” votes coming from Senate Republicans\n\nRecent reporting found that about 1.75 million fewer kids were enrolled in Medicaid this January, a year after Congressional GOP cut $1 trillion from Medicaid\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “If my colleagues have nothing to hide, they should have no problem with transparency to reveal the scale of coverage loss.”\n\nWatch the Senator’s remarks HERE\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) put every Senator on the record pushing for the release of data surrounding Medicaid coverage loss nationwide. Recent reporting finds that about 1.75 million fewer kids were enrolled in Medicaid this January, a year after Congressional GOP cut $1 trillionfrom Medicaid. The Senator’s effort to release data surrounding Medicaid coverage loss was blocked by Senate Republicans 52-46.\n\n“My friends on the other side of the aisle continue to falsely argue that their last reconciliation bill did not cut Medicaid, but now nearly one year after this monstrosity passed…millions of Americans, including children, are losing health insurance as they ram through another partisan bill that does nothing to make health care more affordable,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“Since Republicans refused to reverse these harmful cuts, my amendment simply asks for transparency. That’s it… If my colleagues have nothing to hide, they should have no problem with transparency to reveal the scale of coverage loss.”\n\nSenator Warnock has long championed efforts to expand affordable health care access. Last spring, the Senator released a report finding that the best way to get the most Americans working is to invest in Medicaid, making health care accessible to eligible Americans. While work reporting requirements pushed by the GOP do nothing to bring people into the workforce and kick working people off their health care, making those working Americans more likely to stop working if they cannot access preventative care or manage chronic illness. Additionally, recent federal guidelines released by the Trump Administration will make it harder for people sick with cancer or with disabilities to keep their health care.\n\nThe full remarks can be found HERE and below:\n\nMadam President, my friends on the other side of the aisle continue to falsely argue that their last reconciliation bill did not cut Medicaid, but now nearly one year after this monstrosity passed, I call it the one big ugly bill, millions of Americans, including children, are losing health insurance as they ram through another partisan bill that does nothing to make health care more affordable.\n\nJust a few weeks ago, a report found that 1.75 million fewer kids were enrolled in Medicaid this year compared to last year, and earlier this week, the Trump administration released cruel guidance to states on how to implement the new Medicaid red tape requirements. In a word, they’re making it harder for sick and disabled Americans to access health care.\n\nSince Republicans refused to reverse these harmful cuts, my amendment simply asks for transparency. That’s it.\n\nThe release of basic information on how this new red tape will restrict access to health care. If my colleagues have nothing to hide, they should have no problem with transparency to reveal the scale of coverage loss. We have disagreements on this issue, but at least we ought to have the facts, and so I urge my colleagues to vote yes.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-blumenthal-press-ssa-commissioner-former-doge-staffers-on-alarming-whistleblower-disclosure-detailing-trump-admin-plot-to-kill-off-millions-in-social-security-database", "title": "Warren, Blumenthal Press SSA Commissioner, Former DOGE Staffers on Alarming Whistleblower Disclosure Detailing Trump Admin Plot to “Kill Off” Millions in Social Security Database", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, Blumenthal Press SSA Commissioner, Former DOGE Staffers on Alarming Whistleblower Disclosure Detailing Trump Admin Plot to “Kill Off” Millions in Social Security Database\n\nLawmakers seek answers from former DOGE personnel about efforts to mark as dead millions of individuals in Social Security records as part of the Trump immigration enforcement agenda\n\nText of Letter to Bisignano (PDF) | Text of Letter to Gracias (PDF) | Text of Letter to Koval (PDF) | Text of Letter to Rehling\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren(D-Mass.),) a Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), pressed Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano and ​​three former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers on an alarming new whistleblower account detailing Trump administration plans to mark 2.7 million people as dead in a Social Security database as part of its immigration enforcement agenda.\n\nA former SSA career official has publicly come forward for the first time to share firsthand knowledge of actions DOGE officials took to “kill off” more than 6,000 immigrants in SSA’s records and its larger plans to mark as dead 2.7 million more individuals. The whistleblower, Jeremiah Schofield, has shared new details of conversations a DOGE staffer had about the specific motivation for this plan: either “the lives of these individuals would be ruined. . . and they would be driven to ‘self-deport’” or “they would have to go to a local Social Security office, at which point SSA field office staff would send them to DHS offices” where officials would “detain them for deportation.”\n\n“Donald Trump has waged war on Social Security, and DOGE has been the tip of the spear, sowing chaos and corruption everywhere,” said Senator Warren. “This looks like an illegal attempt by DOGE to weaponize Social Security to carry out Trump’s cruel immigration agenda.”\n\n“As always with the Trump Administration, cruelty is the point. Thanks to this brave whistleblower’s disclosure, we have more evidence that the Trump Administration used DOGE not just to recklessly slash government programs – they were looking for ways to purposefully hurt people, especially immigrants,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Senator Warren and I are demanding answers about how DOGE and the Trump Administration weaponized the Social Security Administration to carry out its lawless immigration enforcement agenda.”\n\nSenator Warren spearheaded the launch of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to protect Social Security and fight back against Trump administration attacks making it harder for Americans to access their benefits. The War Room has succeeded in stopping many harmful policies in their tracks through rigorous oversight. Senator Warren has specifically sounded the alarm on DOGE’s chaos at Social Security, last year leading senators in pressing SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano on concerns that DOGE efforts to hastily upgrade Social Security tech infrastructure could cause major disruptions for beneficiaries.\n\nIn July, Sen. Blumenthal released a PSI Minority staff report unveiling that DOGE generated at least $21.7 billion in waste across the federal government between January and July 2025. The report, “The $21.7 Billion Blunder: Analyzing the Waste Generated by DOGE,” followed a months-long investigation into Elon Musk and DOGE and detailed a comprehensive account of how taxpayer dollars were squandered by DOGE despite its ostensible goal of eliminating government waste. That report followed an April 2025 memo completed by PSI Minority staff that estimated the legal liability Elon Musk was able to avoid through his previous efforts to gut the federal workforce and exert influence over federal agencies while he was at the helm of DOGE. PSI found that Musk and his companies were able to avoid at least $2.37 billion in potential liability due to federal investigations or other regulatory actions.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-the-writing-on-the-wall-is-unmistakable-president-trump-is-leading-us-into-another-reckless-war-this-time-with-cuba/", "title": "Welch on Cuba: “Nobody here or in Cuba should be under any illusions: an unauthorized, unjustified, reckless war with Cuba is where we are heading.”", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week delivered remarks from the Senate floor underscoring how an attack by the Trump Administration on Cuba would be another reckless and illegal use of U.S. military power. In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized the overwhelming opposition to a war with Cuba, especially amid President Trump’s war with Iran.\n\n“Like so many of the President’s apocalyptic predictions, there’s no sign the administration wants to negotiate a deal and Cuba has not fallen. Instead, the U.S. oil blockade—which if the tables were turned, every one of us would denounce as an illegal act of war—has absolutely paralyzed Cuba’s economy, and it’s plunged the Cuban people into darkness and into misery,” said Senator Welch. “The country is facing economic collapse, literally, and the United States is complicit in that. In fact, that’s the point of the U.S. actions. By causing Cuba’s economy to collapse and leaving millions of innocent Cubans without enough food or access to medical care, the White House hopes to create the ‘national security emergency’ it seeks to justify regime change, including, if necessary, using military force.”\n\nWatch Senator Welch’s full remarks below:\n\nRead a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s speech:\n\n“Cuba is a bankrupt country. It’s smaller than Virginia. It has neither the capacity nor intention to threaten the United States. Even before the Trump Administration cut off the oil, Cuba’s economy was barely functioning. Today, electricity is unavailable for most hours of the day and night across the entire island. So, this means that hospitals, schools, factories, food production have ground to a halt. Havana’s streets are overflowing with garbage,” said Senator Welch. “You know, the reason Cuba is ‘down to fumes’ is due to its own government’s repressive, failed policies and because of the U.S. oil blockade. But no American president, under any circumstances, ‘friendly’ or ‘unfriendly’, should threaten to ‘take over’ another sovereign nation that poses no imminent or credible threat to our country. And no U.S. Congress should condone such flagrant misuse of military power.”\n\n•••\n\nSenator Welch continued, “Nobody here or in Cuba should be under any illusions: an unauthorized, unjustified, reckless war with Cuba is where we are heading. The United States has ‘one playbook that fits all’—that’s the approach to dealing with regimes that it doesn’t like: pile on the economic sanctions, threaten to wipe them off the face of the Earth, and when that fails, attack. There’s no plan B if things don’t go as predicted, no plan for what comes next, and no plan for how to pay for it.”\n\n•••\n\nIn April, Senator Welch delivered remarks from the Senate floor urging support for a War Powers Resolution to block the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against Cuba and to end the Trump Administration’s illegal military blockade of Cuba. The Senator also spoke from the Senate floor in March to condemn Cuba’s leadership for persecuting political dissidents and the island’s failed centralized economy, while urging President Trump to prioritize the national interests of the United States and the well-being of the Cuban people in negotiating an agreement between the two countries.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-votes-against-blank-check-to-fund-ice/", "title": "Welch Votes Against Blank Check to Fund ICE", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Early this morning, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) voted against Republicans’ budget reconciliation package, which funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without any commonsense and necessary reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).\n\nSenator Welch proposed several amendments and changes to Senate Republicans’ budget package, focused both on reforming DHS and addressing the affordability crisis confronting rural America. Republicans blocked amendments to the bill throughout the Senate’s 18-hour long series of votes, including amendments to block President Trump’s slush fund, the so called “anti-weaponization fund,” which would give millions to January 6 insurrectionists.\n\nSenator Welch released the following statement:\n\n“The American people have asked Congress time and time again to reform the Department of Homeland Security, but my colleagues across the aisle—again—refused. Instead, they passed yet another massive funding package for ICE and CBP with no reforms or guardrails. It’s outrageous,” said Senator Welch. “The Senate made no progress on reforms to improve safety or end the president’s mass deportation campaign. The Senate made no progress to lower grocery costs, drug costs, energy costs, or anything that would make life more affordable for families. And the Senate did nothing to rein in this administration’s corruption—in fact, Republicans gave the president’s $1.8 billion slush fund a green light.”\n\n“Our fight to reform DHS isn’t over—the president’s mass deportation campaign must end. I’ll keep working in the Senate to make meaningful, commonsense reforms to our immigration system, lower costs, and tackle corruption on behalf of Vermonters,” Welch concluded.\n\nSenator Welch’s proposed amendments to make Americans safer and combat corruption in the Trump Administration would:\n\nProhibit DHS from conducting on-farm immigration enforcement activities;\n\nEnsure that DHS is complying with all DHS Office of the Inspector General investigations;\n\nProhibit the use of intrusive electronic and facial recognition surveillance tools by federal immigration agencies and prohibit the use of generative AI tools by immigration agents to write incident reports related to their interactions with civilians;\n\nProhibit people who were convicted for actions related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, from federal employment;\n\nRequire that the Administration publish information about recidivism of recipients of individuals President Trump has pardoned;\n\nLimit the use of FBI Director luxury travel and require the FBI to maintain a record of all flights taken by the FBI Director.\n\nRequire DHS to disclose documents related to contracts awarded to companies with deep ties to former Secretary Kristi Noem as part of her $220 million advertising campaign;\n\nSenator Welch’s proposed amendments to lower costs and make rural America more affordable included amendments to:\n\nSupport community health centers and lower prescription drugs costs by making more drugs eligible for Medicare price negotiations;\n\nProvide relief for farmers affected by increased costs of fertilizer, fuel, and other input costs as a result of the Iran War;\n\nProvide funding for rural communities detrimentally impacted by a significant reduction in international tourism in 2025 and 2026;\n\nRequire that DHS prioritizes providing tariff refunds to small businesses first and provide relief for tariff-related cost increases to household staples, such as food and paperware;\n\nSenator Welch’s proposed amendments to support clean energy and help communities recover from natural disasters would:\n\nHelp FEMA accelerate the delivery of disaster response and mitigation assistance to rural communities and allow FEMA to increase the capacity of rural communities to better respond to natural disasters;\n\nHelp FEMA implement climate and resiliency programs and prevent the Secretary of Energy from using emergency authorities to order continued use of uneconomical fossil fuel power plants;\n\nInvest in improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure, energy efficiency, business development, and high-speed internet infrastructure in rural communities;\n\nLower the price of energy by extending the tax credits for solar and wind projects.\n\nLearn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-calls-for-republicans-to-put-real-surveillance-reform-on-the-table-pulte-shows-that-no-administration-should-be-given-warrantless-domestic-spying-powers", "title": "Wyden Calls for Republicans To Put Real Surveillance Reform On the Table; Pulte Shows that No Administration Should be Given Warrantless Domestic Spying Powers", "date": "2026-06-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Without Reforms, FISA Section 702 Warrantless Spy Powers Will Be Abused By Pulte and other Trump Officials to Intimidate, Blackmail and Smear Trump’s Enemies\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., called for Republican leaders to negotiate on real reforms to warrantless government surveillance, instead of insisting on repeating their failed effort to extend FISA Section 702 without a single meaningful reform. The Senate voted 47-52 early Friday morning against taking up a FISA extension bill.\n\n“Americans aren’t going to stand for law-abiding people being spied on. There’s bipartisan agreement in Congress that the status quo isn’t good enough to protect Americans’ rights against abuse by the government,” Wyden said. “Bill Pulte’s appointment as acting Director of National Intelligence is a symptom of the larger problem: Warrantless FISA surveillance depends on a handful of government officials to choose not to misuse the most powerful spying apparatus the world has ever seen. Firing Pulte won’t solve the real problem. Americans are demanding real protections written into the law, not promises that the next guy will be trustworthy.\n\n“Republican leaders have failed three times this year to pass a long-term extension of warrantless FISA surveillance without a single new meaningful protection. Instead of trying a fourth time, they should put real surveillance reforms on the table.”\n\nWyden has authored bipartisan surveillance reform legislation to reform Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and has spent decades leading the fight against the expansion of unnecessary government surveillance.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/06/leader-jeffries-on-ms-nowdonald-trump-doesnt-give-a-damnabout-the-quality-of-lifeof-the-american-people/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW:”DONALD TRUMP DOESN’T GIVE A DAMNABOUT THE QUALITY OF LIFEOF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”", "date": "2026-06-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s PoliticsNation, where he highlighted the contrast between the extreme MAGA Republicans, who continue to visit chaos, cruelty and corruption on the country, and Democrats, who are fighting hard to make life better for hardworking American taxpayers.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Joining me now is the Democratic Leader in the House, the Congressman from Brooklyn, Hakeem Jeffries. Thank you for joining us again tonight on PoliticsNation, Mr. Leader. Let’s start with the spending bill. The package contains $70 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol that Democrats shut down the government for 43 days to block, demanding reforms that Republicans promised to consider, but never did. Money for Trump’s ballroom was stripped out in the Senate, but there’s no language in there to formally stop President Trump from setting up a so-called government weaponization slush fund, an idea he has floated, but now claims he will not follow through on. What kind of reception is this legislation going to receive from you and your Democratic colleagues?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, great to be with you, Rev. House Democrats are going to strongly oppose this $70 billion reckless Republican budget bill because we believe that taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people in an environment where the Trump economy is crashing in real time, the cost of living is out of control, gas prices have skyrocketed as a result of this reckless and costly war of choice and Donald Trump wants to spend $70 billion in taxpayer money to continue to unleash masked and untrained ICE agents on law-abiding immigrant families, and in some cases, brutally target or kill American citizens.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Now, we mentioned in the open, some Republican Congresspeople are breaking with Trump’s foreign policy, casting votes against his Iran War and in favor for more aid to Ukraine. This is happening even as Trump has been successful picking off pretty much any Republican that dares to defy him in the primaries. Now that many of those primary contests are over, do you expect resistance from Trump to grow inside the GOP and are Democrats looking for ways to take advantage of these divisions?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I certainly think the closer that we get to the general election, the more likely you’re going to see more independence from House Republicans who are in jeopardy of losing their seats. Now, over the last several months, House Democrats have repeatedly advanced bills to the Floor over the objection of Donald Trump and Mike Johnson, the Speaker, in areas like extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years so that more than 20 million people would be able to afford to go see a doctor when they need one, we did that successfully. We were able to push back against a Trump executive order that wiped away collective bargaining rights for more than a million different federal employees. We were able to restore Temporary Protected Status for Haitian migrants. We did that with Democratic support, joined by a handful of Republicans and, of course, most recently, on the Floor this week, over the objection of Donald Trump and Mike Johnson again, we were able to pass a War Powers Resolution to try to end this reckless war of choice that Donald Trump has gotten us into in Iran, and at the same period of time, to try to impose sanctions on Donald Trump’s buddies over in Russia, starting with Vladimir Putin and the oligarchs connected to the Kremlin.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Now, with Republicans divided and public opinion turning against them, we would appear to be poised for a massive Democratic wave election, were it not for Republicans’ efforts to suppress the vote and change the maps in order to cling to power. We saw that effort get a clear boost from the conservative Supreme Court’s ruling this week, citing the colorblind Constitution, while allowing Alabama to go back to using an old electoral map previously ruled to be racially discriminatory. The text of the decision suggests the high court sees only a limited role in overseeing state electoral policies now that it has gutted Voting Rights Act protections. What’s the impact of all of this, in your view, and how will Democrats overcome it?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re going to take back control of the House of Representatives. We’ll need to flip about six or eight seats at the end of the day when it comes to this upcoming midterm election. And as House Democrats, we’ll continue to make our case to the American people that we’re fighting to lower the high cost of living, to fix our broken healthcare system and to clean up the corruption that’s out of control in Washington, D.C., of course, including the Trump cartel, which continues to try to run the largest pay-to-play scheme in the history of the country. This Supreme Court decision was particularly outrageous because it overturned a decision by a three-judge panel in Alabama that declared the map that Republicans were trying to use as racially discriminatory and in violation not just of the Voting Rights Act, but of the Fourteenth Amendment. Those three judges were appointed by Donald Trump in two instances, and in the other instance by Ronald Reagan. And yet, this court ignores the facts, ignores the law, ignores the Constitution, because Supreme Court right-wing justices have become basically functional operatives for the Republican Party. That all said—we believe we’re on track to winning control of the House of Representatives. We’re going to make our case to the people. We need an overwhelming, overwhelming electoral response from people all across the country, and we’re seeing signs of that as we travel America.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: So it’s going to come down to turnout in many of these areas. Staying with redistricting, you and the Congressional Black Caucus have joined the call for Black athletes to boycott SEC schools as a way to call out Southern states for their erasure of Black political representation. What can you tell us about how this effort and other efforts are going? And what have you heard from young athletes and from people in these states saying that it’s time to penalize people that would in ways redraw lines that are racially set up?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, I stood with Derrick Johnson, the NAACP, the civil rights community and the Congressional Black Caucus in support of this effort to make it clear if there’s going to be no electoral participation for African American communities—because the Supreme Court, in gutting the Voting Rights Act, has unleashed these Jim Crow-like tactics that Republicans in Southern states immediately seized upon to try to rip away the opportunity for African American communities to elect the candidates of their choice—if there’s going to be no electoral participation in these states, there should be no athletic participation at the same period of time. And there are a lot of options for young African American athletes. I know these are personal choices, but as you know, Rev., and you’ve worked with a lot of the athletes throughout the years, throughout the decades, who have stepped into the social and racial justice space, we see this as a Muhammad Ali moment. It’s a Jackie Robinson moment. It’s a Bill Russell moment.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: And we hope they will step up and and do that and as we rally people—you joining us August 28th, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea King and I with a March on Washington. We have to keep rallying people. But let’s stick with sports a minute. The Knicks are up 2-0 in the Finals and it’s the first appearance in nearly 30 years. President Trump plans to attend game three at the Garden on Monday, maybe even game four. You’ve said he should stay home and let New Yorkers enjoy the game in peace. I want to play an exchange the President had with a Bloomberg reporter about why many fans won’t be able to experience the series the way he will. Take a listen.\n\nRECORDING OF REPORTER: What do you think that the game you’re going to, the cheapest price for the game that you’re going to is $8,000? Everyday Americans can’t afford these sporting events.\n\nRECORDING OF DONALD TRUMP: Well, I know, but they can watch it on television. It’s sort of semi-free to watch it on television, but that’s the way life goes.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Now, I had Spike Lee here last week. I have friends that have tickets. I may or may not go to the third or fourth game, but to act like it’s nothing expensive, these tickets, the Knicks are hot tickets, obviously, but the President doesn’t seem very concerned about why so many things feel out of reach for working Americans right now. Does he seem like there’s any empathy there at all?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: There’s zero empathy, and he’s repeatedly made clear he doesn’t give a damn about the well-being, the quality of life or the personal finances, as he indicates, he didn’t give a damn about the personal finances of the American people and he continues to lean in to that particular narrative and listen, the economy is broken. The cost of living is out of control. He’s ripping healthcare away from the American people. He’s got us into this reckless and costly failed war of choice in the Middle East. And he wants to inject himself, parachute in to Madison Square Garden, where Knicks fans are trying to enjoy this moment in peace after 27 years of not being in the NBA Finals.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Finally, Leader Jeffries, we are about to speak with your New Jersey colleague, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver next. I know you were both able to enter the Delaney ICE Center—detention center in Newark last week to conduct oversight and place some pressure on Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to address the situation during the hearings this week. Last night, there were new clashes between demonstrators and private prison employees outside the facility after the city pulled back their police presence there. What needs to happen inside and outside Delaney Hall, in your view?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we need Delaney Hall to be closed. It is not a facility that operates consistent with American values. We believe that immigration enforcement should be fair, just and humane. As Representative McIver, who’s been leading this effort, has forcefully articulated, the conditions inside Delaney Hall are abhorrent. And in talking to people who’ve been detained there, in some instances, for months, that was clear to me. The reality is you have insufficient nutrition, you have insufficient medical assistance, insufficient and unsanitary living conditions. And it’s because, I believe, that this facility, like many others, is a for-profit facility. And so, corners seem to be cut in order to maximize profits, and that’s not the type of country that we should live in. And look, on the outside, we want to continue to urge people to peacefully demonstrate and protest, exercise your First Amendment rights as they exist, in terms of freedom of expression and freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, but, you know, do that in a manner that doesn’t allow for the other side of the aisle to try to distract from the conditions that exist that we’re trying to change.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: And that’s all it will do if you play into their hands, that the cause should stand for itself, because it’s a just cause, in my opinion. Thank you, Democratic Leader of the House, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-07T06:35:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-07T06:36:30Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/07/leader-jeffries-on-fox-news-this-is-day-100-of-donald-trumps-reckless-and-costly-war-of-choice/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ON FOX NEWS: “THIS IS DAY 100 OF DONALD TRUMP’S RECKLESS AND COSTLY WAR OF CHOICE”", "date": "2026-06-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing with Jacqui Heinrich, where he highlighted Democrats’ commitment to ending Donald Trump’s war of choice in the Middle East, lowering the high cost of living and pushing back on the corruption being unleashed by Republicans in Washington, DC and across the country.\n\nLeader Jeffries on Donald Trump’s war in Iran: We as Democrats—and Republicans—particularly in an environment right now where this is day 100 of Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice, have to be focused on ensuring, one, that we always, at all times, protect the national security interests of the American people. That’s not what’s happening right now as it relates to what’s going on in Iran. In fact, Iran is stronger now than they were before this reckless and costly war of choice was started and life is more expensive, particularly as it relates to gas prices. And so, as it relates to national security interests, I think front and center right now is ensuring that the Senate moves on the Democratic resolution that just passed the House of Representatives to actually end this reckless and costly war of choice and put the American people first, which is what the President promised that he was going to do. Not start wars in the Middle East, but stop them. Unfortunately, the Trump administration has turned around and done the exact opposite.\n\nLeader Jeffries on Republican failure to lower costs: This Republican-controlled Congress has failed the people of this country. They promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down. Costs have gone up. The cost of living in this country is out of control. There are far too many people of every race, of every region, all across this country who are working hard, they’re playing by the rules, but they are unable to actually thrive. They can barely survive. People are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. So as House Democrats, we’re going to continue to focus on driving down the high cost of living and addressing the problems that the American people have asked us to confront.", "collected_at": "2026-06-08T06:37:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-08T06:38:52Z"}
{"url": "https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397515", "title": "Nadler, New York City Local Elected Officials, Community Members Rally Against The Trump Takeover Of Penn Station", "date": "2026-06-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "domain": "nadler.house.gov", "scraper": "nadler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000002", "name": "Jerrold Nadler", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In new letterto DOT Secretary Duffy, leaders demand answers for the secret, politically driven process that resulted in the appointment of Penn Transformation Partners as the “master developer” for the Penn Station renovation\n\nNEW YORK, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, Assemblymembers Tony Simone (District 75) and Micah Lasher (District 69), State Senators Liz Krueger (District 28) and Erik Bottcher (District 47), and New York City Councilmember Carl Wilson (District 3) railed against Donald Trump’s attempt to make New Yorkers pay for his takeover of Penn Station.\n\n“The Trump administration has weaponized the Department of Transportation against New Yorkers in a blatant attempt to steal money, land, and power,\" said the lawmakers. \"The Penn Station redevelopment process has broken every precedent and trampled on the rights of New York City residents and the hundreds of thousands of riders who use Penn Station every day. There has been no transparency on the overall cost, who will pay this unknown price, no input from the MTA or key stakeholders, and no public proposal over which land will be used and for what purposes now or later. New Yorkers’ voices have been muted from the discussion happening between billionaires behind closed doors.\n\nThe lawmakers continued, “Additionally, the legislation moving through Congress right now—the McDowell and Moulton Amendment—is a blatant attempt to advance the Trump agenda, hurting New Yorkers in the process. The amendment strips away local control and hands broad authority to a Trump-controlled Amtrak and his real estate developer friends. These entities, all of whom have a significant financial stake in this project, would have the ability to permanently reshape land use around Penn Station while exempting themselves from New York’s laws, weakening our tax base, and bypassing our communities. Without any discussion or negotiation, Amtrak and big real estate would now be exempt from local zoning laws and New York City real estate taxes. The current process has already shown a disregard for New Yorkers. If the McDowell-Moulton Amendment is adopted, New Yorkers’ homes and hard-earned dollars will be up for grabs by Donald Trump and the billionaires and multinational corporations he handed this project to. This is an infringement on local authority and New Yorkers' pocketbooks.\"\n\n\"We represent Penn Station, the riders who rely on the transportation it facilitates, and the community members who live here. We will never stop fighting to make sure their voices are heard, and their hard-earned dollars are protected from corrupt efforts to fulfill Donald Trump’s fantasies for Penn Station and New York City,” said the lawmakers.\n\n\"Before anything else, Penn Station's rebuild should save commuters time and money,\" said Riders Alliance Policy & Communications Director Danny Pearlstein. \"A secret selection process and legislative land grab are the opposite of the transparency and accountability riders deserve. We must have reassurance that riders' needs aren't taking a back seat to private ambition. With so much at stake for millions of people far beyond the West Side of Manhattan, it's essential that New York leaders have a seat at the table to protect what belongs to riders and advance our needs throughout the renovation.”\n\n\"My New York City neighborhood, including all of Block 780, should never have been under the threat of destruction by former governor Cuomo or the Amtrak, MTA and NJ Transit Railroads and their allies including the RPA for an unneeded, horrendously expensive, outdated and inefficient terminal track southern expansion of Penn Station. The case for this destruction of a vibrant New York City neighborhood was never made as industry standard Rail Traffic Controller dynamic modeling simulations were never performed. These simulations should have been used to determine if through running plans could meet future capacity needs within the existing footprint of Penn Station before an expansion was even considered by the Railroads and their allies. Such simulations have or are being performed for every other capacity expansion proposed for Penn Station including Penn Access and the Empire Corridor. No government agency — federal, state or local — should ever be able to demolish an entire neighborhood and waste so much taxpayer money to build an expansion train station when these simulations haven't been performed. We have and continue to ask the DOT and others for transparency on this issue. If the Railroads have performed such simulations, it is time for them to stop wordsmithing objections to their production and share the results with the public. If Andy Byford and the Penn Transformation Partners are sincere in their promises to see our neighborhood spared we hope they will see to it that RTC simulations are performed and the matter of the need for a southern expansion of Penn Station is finally put to rest,\" said Eugene Sinigalliano, 251 West 30th Street Residential Tenants Association.", "collected_at": "2026-06-08T06:37:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-08T06:38:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-pentagon-decision-to-omit-latter-day-saints-from-christian-designation", "title": "Crapo Statement on Pentagon Decision to Omit Latter-day Saints from Christian Designation", "date": "2026-06-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "\"The move by the Pentagon to leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints off its list of Christian religions is confounding and unacceptable. Regardless of one's own religious philosophy, you will find Latter-day Saints, whose foundational beliefs are centered on Jesus Christ, among the most patriotic individuals in our country, serving not only in the military, but throughout various government departments and around the world. I join with my colleagues and fellow Idahoans calling on the Pentagon to make an immediate correction.\"", "collected_at": "2026-06-08T06:37:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-08T06:38:52Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1653", "title": "Alford Advances $1.6 Million for Cass County Digital Forensics Unit", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) secured $1,597,750 to modernize the Cass County Sheriff’s Digital Forensics Unit in the House-passed legislation.\n\nThis targeted investment will construct a secure addition to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office to address growing demand for digital evidence processing by providing updated laboratory space, climate-controlled evidence storage, upgraded infrastructure, and specialized forensic equipment to support law enforcement investigations.\n\n“Through our work on the Appropriations Committee, we’re pursuing targeted investments for reasonable projects in the Fourth District focused on healthcare, law enforcement, and infrastructure,” said Congressman Alford. “I was proud to secure this funding for the Cass County Digital Forensics Unit. By modernizing and expanding the unit’s capability, we’re helping bolster public safety and protect our most vulnerable through the work of the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Together, we will turn the ‘Show Me State’ into the ‘Grow Me State.’”\n\n“I am very appreciative of Congressman Alford's work to secure funding for this project. It will directly strengthen our ability to protect children and support our partner agencies,” said Cass County Sheriff Jeff Weber. “Expanding our forensic capacity means faster analysis, quicker identification of offenders, and better outcomes for victims.”\n\nDigital evidence now plays a role in nearly every major investigation. In 2025 alone, the Digital Forensics Investigative Unit processed 589 devices totaling 127 terabytes of data. Investigators assigned to the 7 county Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received 245 cyber tips, opened 190 investigations, and identified 36 child victims. Current facility limitations contribute to backlogs that can delay arrests, victim identification, and court proceedings.\n\nHere’s what other Cass County elected leaders are saying about this critical federal investment:\n\n“We are grateful to Congressman Alford for securing this funding to help protect children in Cass County and across western Missouri,” said Cass County Presiding Commissioner Bob Huston. “This investment strengthens the work of law enforcement and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force by providing the tools needed to investigate crimes against children, identify offenders, and help keep our youngest and most vulnerable citizens safe.”\n\n\"Public safety is a top priority,” said Missouri State Rep. Sherri Gallick (District 62). \"Without safe communities, families, businesses, and economic growth cannot thrive. Thank you to Congressman Alford for securing this important investment for Cass County. Modernizing the Digital Forensics Unit will strengthen investigations, preserve critical evidence, and enhance law enforcement’s ability to keep our communities safe.\n\n“I wish to convey my profound thanks to Congressman Alford for his unwavering support of Law Enforcement, especially his instrumental role in securing funding for the Cass County Sheriff's office to upgrade their digital evidence storage and processing capabilities,” said Missouri State Rep. Bill Irwin (District 55). Drawing from my experience as a retired Lees Summit Police Officer and my current role on the Crime and Public Safety Committee in the House of Representatives, I recognize the pivotal role this plays in ensuring the successful prosecution of crimes and protecting our citizens. Thank you, Congressman Alford, for your exceptional service; please keep up the fantastic work.”\n\n“We greatly appreciate and strongly support Congressman Alford’s efforts to secure funding in the Agriculture Appropriations bill for the modernization of the Cass County Sheriff’s Digital Forensics Unit. This investment is especially important for a county like ours, where many of our communities are rural and often face unique funding challenges for such things. These improvements will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate crimes, protect victims, and support the critical work of the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force,” said Harrisonville, MO Mayor Mike Zaring.\n\n“We appreciate Congressman Mark Alford’s continued leadership and commitment to representing communities of all sizes across our region. We are fortunate to have a representative who is so accessible and willing to advocate not just for larger cities, but also for the needs of the smaller rural municipalities,” Mayor Zaring continued. “His efforts are crucial in making sure all communities have a voice and access to the resources needed to remain safe and secure.\n\nCommunity Project Funding is a way for Members of Congress to direct federal money to specific local projects in their districts as part of the annual appropriations, or government funding, bills. This gives Members a tool to address real community needs, with new rules aiming to reduce waste and increase transparency compared to the previous earmark process.\n\nCongressman Alford is the only Missourian on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which controls the purse strings for the entire federal government. Through this role, Alford secured almost $23,000,000 in targeted investments in Fiscal Year 2026 for the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4585", "title": "Arrington Testifies on Reconciliation Package Funding ICE and CBP", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) testified before the House Rules Committee in support of the Secure America Act to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).\n\nClick HERE to watch.\n\nRemarks as Delivered:\n\nDemocrats reneged on funding the government. They had one of the longest shutdowns ever, second to only the one prior to this over a COVID-era, fraud-ridden tax or subsidy expansion.\n\nThis was 76 days that the American people had to have a Homeland Security service and apparatus go dark. We didn't have our Coast Guardsmen to defend our ports against terrorist attacks. We couldn't enforce immigration laws and protect our border from drugs and people being trafficked into this country. We didn't have CISA agents being able to man their posts so that our critical infrastructure wasn't hacked.\n\nWe can say that this is Republicans' attempt to make good on our good-faith negotiation the first time and to make sure that our brave law enforcement officers have the tools they need to do the job that Joe Biden and the Democrats, when they had total control of this town, absolutely didn't do.\n\nThey abdicated the first and most important job of the federal government, which is to provide for the common defense. They didn't secure our border. They didn't enforce our laws. And we had a record deluge of drugs, people, crime, gangs, people on the terrorist watch list, people from countries of interest—record.\n\nAnd it was destroying the fabric of this country, and it was putting at great risk every neighborhood, in every community, in every city and state in this nation.\n\nThis president, Donald J. Trump, was elected—in every swing state, popular and electoral vote—to clean up this mess.\n\nYou have rogue cities and states that refuse to work with our law enforcement to actually enforce the law. They would rather break the law and harbor people who have broken the law to come to this country rather than work to identify the most hardened criminals so that we can deport them and we can get back to rule of law, regular order, peace, tranquility—the things the American people expect us to do up here for them, of all parties, across the board.\n\nSo, yes, you're right. It is an all-Republican exercise, because I can't find a Democrat that would stave off a 22% tax hike, and I can't find one that's willing to enforce the law as it relates to immigration, secure the border, and actually take the criminal elements that have come into this country, like the people who came into this country illegally by the millions, and actually rid our great country of those threats.\n\nIf we could, we wouldn't be here.\n\nAll you have to do is listen to all the litany of statements that have been made. Governor Tim Walz says ICE officers are a threat to the public, ‘modern-day Gestapo.’ Governor Pritzker says that ICE is turning the country into Nazi Germany. They are the ‘reign of terror’—John Hickenlooper. Chuck Schumer said ICE doesn't belong in our neighborhoods.\n\nI mean, think about the incendiary rhetoric. Think about the seeds that have been sown of obstruction and resistance that have made it nearly impossible to do the job of cleaning up the streets of our cities because of what's happened over the last four years under the Biden administration and Democrat control.\n\nSo, it's been impossible.\n\nAnd we're working better together because we're talking and coordinating. That's what Texas does. That's what Florida and other states do. We never had any of the problems of Minnesota.\n\nBut I think it's reckless and irresponsible, and it's insulting to have these labels attached to our brave men and women who risk their lives to enforce the laws. We're going to give them the resources they need.\n\nListen, what we're also going to do is [fund our law enforcement] for three years so that Democrats can't use [these men and women] as leverage, Homeland Security as leverage, and the American people's security as leverage in a shutdown again.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405222", "title": "Castor Urges Quick Delivery of Home Energy Rebates to Lower Costs for Florida Families After Months of Delays", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "castor.house.gov", "scraper": "castor", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001066", "name": "Kathy Castor", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today called on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Gov. DeSantis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to move quickly to deliver $346 million in long-delayed savings she championed for Florida families.\n\nThe rebates are designed to help families lower their monthly utility bills through home energy-efficiency improvements, weatherization upgrades and more efficient appliances.\n\n“Floridians are paying too much for nearly everything right now—from housing and insurance to groceries and utility bills. Energy costs remain a significant burden for many families, especially during Florida’s long, hot summers when air conditioning is a necessity,” said Rep. Castor. DOE finally released updated guidance last week for the Home Energy Rebates Program that should allow states to distribute rebate savings to Floridians. The updated guidance is an important step in getting long-overdue savings to Florida families as they grapple with an intense affordability squeeze.”\n\nDOE’s updated guidance explicitly contradicts U.S. law by imposing new restrictions that limit consumer choice and create barriers to adoption. DOE’s decision to issue guidance that conflicts with the law is another attempt to thwart energy efficiency savings for consumers. At every turn, the Trump Administration has sided with polluters and special interests to the detriment of hardworking Americans. Nevertheless, the home rebates still provide a significant opportunity to help families reduce costly energy waste, improve home comfort and lower monthly utility bills.\n\nFlorida is slated to receive approximately $346 million through the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) initiatives. The funding was secured through legislation championed by Rep. Castor and included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).\n\nFlorida’s funding was approved in January 2025, but implementation has been delayed by the Trump Administration since then. Rep. Castor is encouraging both federal and state officials to quickly complete any remaining steps so Floridians can begin accessing the savings as Congress intended.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-pushes-to-end-child-detention-and-ice-secrecy-in-funding-bill", "title": "Castro Pushes to End Child Detention and ICE Secrecy in Funding Bill", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) submitted two amendments to the Senate’s $70 billion reconciliation package, to end child detention and to reverse ICE’s policy that makes it harder for Members of Congress to meet with detained individuals.\n\n“Under Donald Trump, ICE has become a rogue and abusive agency. Masked agents are brutalizing our communities and locking away our children. ICE has become more secretive and has imposed punitive restrictions on Congressional oversight visits. My amendments would require ICE to facilitate meetings among Members of Congress and people in ICE facilities and end the detention of kids altogether. Child detention is leaving a dark stain on our nation’s history, and we must push back against the administration’s inhumane treatment of our most innocent,” said Congressman Castro.\n\nBackground:\n\nCongressman Castro has visited the Dilley Detention Center six times this year to conduct congressional oversight, report on conditions, and push for the release of detained individuals including children, women, men, and their families. As of the end of May, there are 97 children at the Dilley trailer prison, many of whom have been detained for longer than the 20-day limit for child detention as directed by the 1997 landmark Flores Settlement Agreement. Read the Prohibition of Family Detention (Amendment No. 115) amendment here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415690", "title": "Fox News Op-Ed by Rep. Smith'Tiananmen Square tank man taught us to stand up against the worst of China'", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Rep. Chris Smith\n\nPublished June 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM EDT\n\nThis past June 4, we marked the 37th somber anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, where millions of Chinese citizens peacefully and earnestly asked for political reform and democratic openness. Instead, their hope was met with tanks.\n\nOn that awful day, the Chinese Communist Party unleashed the People’s Liberation Army on these peaceful demonstrators. Mothers lost sons. Fathers lost daughters. And China lost an idealistic generation.\n\nOver three decades later, and China has still not accounted for those killed, imprisoned, or disappeared, instead endeavoring to erase a massacre the world must never forget. But, despite the CCP’s best efforts, Tiananmen cannot be erased.\n\nThe enduring image of that day is the Tank Man, the solitary figure standing before a column of tanks. His courage reminds us that the desire for freedom is not Western, not foreign, and not imposed from outside — rather, it is universal.\n\nAs I have said before, a choice has to be made by us all: you either stand with the Tank Man, or you stand with the tank. There is no middle ground. And there is no middle ground in the issue of transnational repression.\n\nThe same Party that tried to crush truth at home now tries to chase and snuff out the truth abroad. The tactics and technology have changed, but the reach has expanded.\n\nInside China, the CCP uses surveillance, censorship, prison, torture, forced disappearance, and fear to maintain power. Now, what happens in China no longer stays in China. The Party wants to control what is said about China here and control who says it.\n\nAs both Chair and Co-Chair of the CECC over the past several years, I have warned about the CCP’s documented and consistent pattern of global abuses stretching outside of China’s borders, beginning with Confucious Institutes in 2014.\n\nOver time, tactics have become more digital and more ruthless: detaining family members in China, doxxing, spyware, deepfakes, Hong Kong bounties, and illegal police stations, right here in the United States. The purpose, however, is the same: to make people afraid to speak the truth — by almost any means necessary.\n\nTransnational repression is part of a broader, interconnected CCP strategy that targets and threatens Americans. It is outrageous and absolutely unacceptable, and it must end.\n\nWe see the CCP’s strategy in scam networks that steal from US citizens, fentanyl that poisons our cities, PRC-linked land purchases near military installations, efforts to corrupt our politicians and elections, steal private personnel and biometric data, and intellectual-property theft from businesses and universities.\n\nThese may look like separate problems, but they share a common purpose: to exploit our openness, gather leverage, weaken our institutions, spread propaganda, and make Americans pay a price for standing up to Beijing. Transnational repression is the most personal form of that strategy. It brings the pressure campaign to the doorstep of the student, journalist, dissident, artist, and family member. That is why state and local responses matter.\n\nA victim may first call local police, a student may go to a university official, a state attorney general may see the pattern, and a state legislator may realize existing law does not fit the threat. But do local officers recognize this threat, do universities know how to protect students, do states have the tools they need, and does the federal government have a real strategy?\n\nToday, I am working with Chairman Sullivan, Senator Merkley, and Representative McGovern on the Transnational Repression Policy Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would define the abuse, improve coordination, train officials, support targeted communities, and hold perpetrators accountable.\n\nIf the CCP threatens people here, there must be investigations and prosecutions. If it reaches across our borders to spread fear, there must be sanctions. If it takes family members hostage to silence a critic, we will demand their release and expose the cruelty of that tactic. And if it tries to censor a free people, we will defend and spread the rights Beijing fears most: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and the right to tell the truth without fear.\n\nA regime that fears a student’s question, a refugee’s protest, an artist’s statue, or the simple memory of Tiananmen is not a strong and confident superpower. It is afraid. And fear in the hands of a dictatorship is dangerous. It becomes coercion. It becomes censorship. It becomes repression that crosses borders and reaches into our communities. So, our response must be unmistakable.\n\nBecause in the United States of America, unlike in China, no one needs the Party’s permission to speak, to worship, to protest, to remember, or to be free.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415695", "title": "Holding Nicaragua’s Murillo-Ortega dictatorship accountableRep. Smith applauds Sec. Rubio, President Trump for imposing visa restrictions on 100+ Murillo-Ortega dictatorship officials", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and author of the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2026 (HR 7055), issued the following statement in response to the State Department’s announcement today that the U.S. has imposed additional visa restrictions on more than one hundred Murillo-Ortega dictatorship officials and their family members:\n\n“The brutal Murillo-Ortega regime continues to eviscerate the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of the Nicaraguan people. Today’s actions by the Department of State are a welcome step in furthering accountability for authoritarian dictators in Latin America.\n\n“President Trump and Secretary Rubio are sending a clear message that the United States stands with the Nicaraguan people, will not tolerate the Murillo-Ortega regime’s extreme repression of non-violent individuals, and will hold those responsible who were complicit in the death of Brooklyn Rivera and the detention of his family members.\n\n“For far too long, the Murillo-Ortega regime has suppressed civil society—especially the Catholic Church, which has been the focus of congressional hearings I chaired in 2021, 2022, and 2023—conducted extra-judicial killings of activists, and brazenly stolen millions of dollars that rightfully belong to the Nicaraguan people. All tools available must be used to hold corrupt regime officials accountable for their role in oppressing the Nicaraguan people.\n\n“The Trump Administration continues to demonstrate the resolve of the United States in securing a free future for the Western Hemisphere and holding dictators accountable to the rule of law.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415696", "title": "HR 1744, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2026House overwhelmingly passes Smith bill to reauthorize and strengthen U.S. international religious freedom board", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2026 (HR 1744), legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to extend and authorize annual appropriations for USCIRF through fiscal year 2028.\n\nDuring the floor debate on HR 1744, Smith reiterated the necessity of continued federal funding for the Commission: “USCIRF’s high-quality reporting and high-profile commissioners influence the State Department’s work on religious freedom, making it more transparent, honest and effective.\n\n“The Commission defends the universal right to freedom of religion abroad. It sponsors hearings, fact-finding trips, and reviews reports of religious freedom violations and makes policy recommendations,” the leading human rights lawmaker continued.\n\nUSCIRF, an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency designed to promote religious freedom, was created through the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 (PL 105-292), of which Smith was an original cosponsor. The law instituted a strong, coordinated U.S. government response for addressing and combatting worldwide religious persecution, establishing numerous religious freedom-focused offices and positions at the State Department and the National Security Council.\n\n“[The IRFA of 1998] created a system for naming and taking action against Countries of Particular Concern, or CPCs,” Smith said on the House floor. “History has shown that when the U.S. elevates religious freedom and that priority is conveyed to Countries of Particular Concern, conditions often change for the better, prisoners of conscience gain their freedom and progress is made toward freer exercise of religious liberty.”\n\nSmith is also the author of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (PL 114-281), which updated the IRFA of 1998 to enhance and expand United States’ actions to advance religious freedom globally through enhanced diplomacy, training, counterterrorism, and foreign assistance efforts.\n\n“Since its founding, USCIRF has issued 27 annual reports and recommended that 26 countries be designated CPCs—18 of them have ultimately been designated by the State Department,” noted Smith, who has chaired more than 30 congressional hearings on the state of religious persecution throughout the globe.\n\nA notable and recent example of the State Department implementing USCIRF’s recommendations for CPC status is the case of Nigeria, where thousands of Christians and non-radical Muslims are executed by Islamist extremists for their religious beliefs every year.\n\n“USCIRF recommended Nigeria for the CPC list in 2009 and has done so every year since. But, the Obama Administration would not make the designation,” stated Smith. “The first Trump Administration got it done in 2020, but the Biden Administration returned to the Democratic position of attributing this horrific modern martyrdom to climate change and tribal conflict.\n\n“The second Trump Administration restored Nigeria to the CPC list last year. Through it all, USCIRF recommended CPC status, calling it like it is and pulling no punches,” asserted the senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.\n\n“USCIRF is a genuinely independent force, a constructive influence on the State Department… USCIRF is important to millions of people of all faiths. I therefore ask all our colleagues to join us in reauthorizing it for two more years,” concluded Smith.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://clarke.house.gov/creators-caucus-co-chairs-reps-clarke-and-van-duyne-host-first-ever-creator-row-on-capitol-hill/", "title": "CREATORS CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS, REPS. CLARKE and VAN DUYNE, HOST FIRST-EVER CREATOR ROW ON CAPITOL HILL", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "domain": "clarke.house.gov", "scraper": "clarke", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001067", "name": "Yvette D. Clarke", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nJune 8, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nMore than 30 creators, eight major platforms, and a university joined lawmakers and congressional staff to showcase the growing creator economy\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Creators Caucus Co-Chairs Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) hosted the first-ever Creator Row: A Creator Economy Showcase on the Hill, partnering with eight digital platforms – bringing together more than 30 creators and a university, for a first-of-its-kind showcase highlighting the growing creator economy across the nation.\n\nThe Creator Row was designed to give Members of Congress and congressional staff a firsthand look at the creator economy, the innovators who drive it, and the challenges they navigate daily. Today’s creators are entrepreneurs and small business owners, managing complex tax obligations, adapting to evolving trade policies, and operating within a rapidly changing digital media landscape.\n\nThis event provided participants the opportunity to engage directly with creators, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of both the opportunities and challenges shaping today’s creator economy. Brief remarks from the Co-Chairs, Members, and participating creators framed the discussion and highlighted the growing importance creators play as drivers of innovation, economic growth, and civic engagement.\n\nAttendees heard remarks from Co-Chair, Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX), Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV), Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI), House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), and two creators. To watch these remarks, click here.\n\n“The creator economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors of our modern economy, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure creators have the resources, protections, and opportunities they need to succeed. As digital entrepreneurs continue to reach billions of people globally, their work is driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities here at home and abroad,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Through the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus, we’ve created a first-of-its-kind forum for creators, industry leaders, and policymakers to work in tandem on the opportunities and challenges facing this new generation of small business owners. Creators’ voices deserve to be part of the policymaking process, and my colleagues and I are committed to ensuring their experiences help shape policies that support their continued growth and success.”\n\n“The creator economy is empowering opportunities in every corner of America. From small towns to major cities, America is filled with creators building their brands and businesses, hiring local talent, contributing to their communities, and reaching audiences around the world,” said Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne. “The first-ever Creator Row demonstrated the value of bringing together creators, platforms, and policymakers to strengthen the future of the creator economy.”\n\n“Online content creation is a rapidly growing industry that is supporting livelihoods across the country. I am proud to be a member of the bipartisan Congressional Creator Caucus to help creators navigate the unique challenges they face,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner.\n\n“Creators are workers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, and it’s long past time their voices had a real seat at the table.” Rep. Horsford explained. “Hearing directly from creators, seeing firsthand the challenges they navigate and the communities they’ve built, is not just valuable, it’s essential to getting policy right. The creator economy isn’t a trend, it’s a driving force in our economy and our culture. The Creators Caucus exists to make sure that as this economy grows, creators aren’t left behind and that the legislation we pass reflects the reality of the people living it. I look forward to continuing these conversations and to the work ahead.”\n\n“Adobe was honored to join the Congressional Creators Caucus at Creator Row to hear directly from creators around the country about the opportunities and concerns that they see in a rapidly evolving creative landscape. Our fundamental mission is empowering everyone to create, and we are grateful to Representatives Van Duyne, Clarke, and the Creators Caucus for their leadership in working to protect the interests and livelihoods of the creative economy.” – Karen Robinson, Senior Vice President, Adobe\n\n“Creators are driving economic growth and innovation in congressional districts across the country. The Creator Economy Showcase on the Hill was an incredible opportunity for lawmakers to hear directly from creators about the unique opportunities and hurdles they face daily. We thank the House Creators Caucus for elevating these voices to ensure that future policies support the small businesses and independent workers who power the creator economy.” – Alexandra Veitch, Senior Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy, Americas, YouTube\n\n“We appreciate the Creator Caucus for allowing creators to share the challenges they face every day – and to demonstrate how innovative tools like our AI glasses help them overcome these challenges. Conversations, like these, allow leaders to understand how new technology is helping small businesses thrive by streamlining tasks and making more time for creativity.” – Andrea Vega Yudico, Innovation Policy Lead, Meta\n\n“We are proud to showcase TikTok’s thriving creator community to the Congressional Creator Caucus. Across the United States, TikTok enables creators to share their passions, build communities, and turn creativity into opportunity, while helping 8.5 million U.S. businesses reach customers and grow. We are grateful to the Caucus for recognizing the important economic impact these entrepreneurs bring to the American economy.” – Nicole Nason, Head of Public Policy, TikTok U.S.\n\n“Creator Row was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when creators have a seat at the table. Patreon came to Capitol Hill with our creators front and center. This is a constituency that deserves recognition, and watching members of Congress engage directly with creators’ work and stories made that even clearer. We’re proud to have been part of this moment alongside the Congressional Creators Caucus and look forward to what comes next.” –Courtney Duffy, Head of External Affairs & Chief of Staff, Patreon\n\n“The Creator Economy Showcase demonstrated what’s possible when Congress moves fast and meets the moment with technology, media, and policy. Creators are the small business owners of the present and the future. Substack is committed to empowering creators and working with the Creators Caucus to protect their livelihoods. This is the way.” – Catherine Valentine, Head of Politics, Substack\n\n“Creators and their independent voices are essential to today’s digital ecosystem. Rumble was built to empower, support, and amplify these voices, with a commitment to free expression and fair monetization. We commend the Creators Caucus for fostering the growth of the creator economy through initiatives like Creator Row.” – Abbie Sumbrum, Director of Government Affairs\n\n“Syracuse University is committed to preparing students for fields that are evolving in real time—a philosophy underscored by our work building the trailblazing Center for the Creator Economy. We are honored to be the only university invited by the Congressional Creators Caucus to participate in the Creator Row event, a dynamic opportunity to showcase the potential of the creator economy. Thank you to Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke for recognizing the important role higher education plays in this national conversation. Through the Center for the Creator Economy, Syracuse University is proud to help students build the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to shape what comes next.” – Mark J. Lodato, Dean, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University\n\n“The U.S. entertainment industry has entered a new era. People no longer need to move to the coasts to make it – they can build a media career from their hometown in Arkansas, North Carolina, Vermont, or Texas. Local economies across the country are sharing in the $110 billion-plus opportunity from the creator economy as creators launch media careers, employ teams, and build studios in every state.” – Carly Munnelly, Head of Public First’s U.S. Practice, Public First’s June 2026 Report\n\n“As someone who educates healthcare content creators on ways to use social media to inform the public about health information, I was excited to share my work with legislators. They listened and were curious about the need for healthcare content creators to feel protected and supported while countering health misinformation online. They also validated the need for more formal education when helping younger content creators to navigate this industry safely and under the supervision of parents and caretakers in order to prevent negative outcomes. I felt hopeful about the future of the creator economy after this event. Creators are entitled to safe workplaces where they feel protected, respected, and valued. This event gave me the reassurance that one day, creator workplaces will be recognized as being just as valuable and essential as traditional workplaces.” – Dr. Judith Fiona Joseph, M.D., M.B.A\n\nBackground\n\nIn 2025, Representatives Yvette D. Clarke and Beth Van Duyne launched the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus to recognize, support, and empower the rapidly expanding creator economy. The caucus brings the voices and perspectives of online content creators into the public policy arena to educate Members of Congress on the unique challenges they face as the new start-ups of the modern economy.\n\nCreator Row represents the caucus’s first on many events, highlighting the creators, creator-led small businesses, and institutions driving growth in communities across America.\n\nClick here to watch the Creator Row livestream.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-van-hollen-carson-delauro-johnson-khanna-nadler-lead-119-democrats-in-condemning-the-anti-muslim-sharia-free-america-caucus-and-harmful-legislation/", "title": "Clyburn, Van Hollen, Carson, DeLauro, Johnson, Khanna, Nadler Lead 119 Democrats in Condemning the Anti-Muslim “Sharia-Free America Caucus” and Harmful Legislation", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "clyburn.house.gov", "scraper": "clyburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000537", "name": "James E. Clyburn", "party": "Democrat", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), with Representatives Andre Carson (IN-07), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Hank Johnson (GA-07), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) led 119 Democratic Members in a letter condemning the establishment of the bicameral, anti-Muslim, self-styled “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” which would promote legislation that discriminates against the faith tradition of American Muslims. Ugly voices are growing louder and threatening to strip away our First Amendment rights to freely practice our faith and to violate the Constitutional prohibition of government picking one religion over another. We must oppose efforts to spread racist and xenophobic misrepresentations that sow more ignorance and hate.\n\nThe premise underlying this caucus and the measures associated with it reflects longstanding Islamophobic narratives and anti-Muslim sentiment rather than any demonstrated policy need.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers denounced the hateful caucus and urged leadership to speak clearly against initiatives that discriminate and stigmatize against any religious community.\n\n“To be clear, American Muslims serve this nation in every capacity and are entitled to the same constitutional protections as all other Americans. They are guided by both faith and civic responsibility to respect the U.S. Constitution, follow the law, and contribute positively to their communities and to the nation they call home. Congress must not legitimize anti-Muslim proposals that undermine those protections or foster division among the people we represent.”\n\nThe lawmakers condemned the following legislation associated with the “Sharia-Free America Caucus”:\n\nPreserving a Sharia-Free America Act (H.R. 5722 / S. 3009)\n\nNo Shari’a Act (H.R. 5512 / S. 3008)\n\nProtecting Puppies from Sharia Act (H.R. 7611)\n\nThe lawmakers continued, “These proposals address no identifiable gap in U.S. law and raise serious constitutional concerns. The U.S. Constitution already makes clear that federal and state law govern civil and criminal matters, and courts have repeatedly invalidated measures that single out a particular religion for disfavored treatment.\n\n“Sharia, like Catholic canon law and Jewish Halakha, is a system of personal religious guidance developed through centuries of religious scholarship. For American Muslims, it primarily governs matters of faith and ethics, such as prayer, charity, honesty, family responsibilities, and service to others, and does not supersede U.S. law. Islamic teachings emphasize that Muslims should honor the laws of the country in which one resides.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3197", "title": "TRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Speaks on Republican Reconciliation 2.0 Bill, Discusses Republican Priorities, Camp East Montana, ICE & CBP Funding", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) provided testimony during the House Rules Committee hearing on S.2, the FY2026 Budget Resolution (also known as Reconciliation 2.0). This legislation passed in the Senate last week and is to be considered in the House this week.\n\nIn her opening remarks, she spoke about Camp East Montana, the $1.8 billion slush fund Donald Trump continues to advocate for to pay off domestic terrorists, hypocrisy by Republicans proudly supporting this legislation, and more.\n\nCongresswoman Escobar also had several follow up interactions with the Rules Committee. In the first, she was asked by Democratic Ranking Member Mary Gay Scanlon to further discuss the waste, fraud, and abuse she’s seen with ICE and CBP, particularly in regards to Camp East Montana. In the second, she discusses with Representative Teresa Leger Fernández what she believes the purpose of the Republican legislation is. She also responds to several Republican talking points about the bill.\n\nThe videos can be found here (opening remarks), here (first follow up), and here (second follow up), and a transcript of all of the Congresswoman’s speaking roles can be found below:\n\nOpening Remarks\n\nHouse Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx: Representative Escobar, you’re recognized.\n\nCongresswoman Escobar: Thank you, Madam Chair and Madam Ranking Member.\n\nLet's bring some facts back into this room. I want to begin by saying it's a privilege for me to serve on both the House Budget and Appropriations Committees. I serve on the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which is where we should be talking about appropriations. But unfortunately, Congress is helping the president take away our obligation and duty to fund the government through this reconciliation bill.\n\nI want to remind everyone here and everyone watching that the One Big, Beautiful Bill provided $140 billion - billion with a B - for CBP and ICE. It increased our deficit by $4.7 trillion - trillion with a T - and the Department of Homeland Security still has $100 billion left. $100 billion. There is money in the bank, and Republicans want the American taxpayer to give them $70 billion more in order to blow up the deficit even further.\n\nI want to talk about also what this money - what the One Big, Beautiful bill money - has unleashed in our country. And I want to begin by by saying I live on the US-Mexico border. I am one of a handful of members of Congress that actually live on the border. No one wants a safe, secure border more than those of us who live there. Those of us who raised our families there. Those of us who go home every weekend.\n\nBut what the reconciliation dollars are doing is not creating a safer or more secure country. In fact, this money has unleashed abuses that U.S. citizens are offended by. If you look at President Trump's polling numbers, you will see that American voters, American people, do not like the way this administration is unleashing those dollars against our very own fellow citizens.\n\nIn fact, as a result of this money, 170 US citizens were arrested and two were killed on the streets of Minneapolis. 60 people have died in ICE custody. This is a historic, shocking number, and that includes a homicide that occurred inside the detention facility in my district at Camp East Montana. This money has unleashed abuses and violations of law and violations of the Constitution. And there have been attempts, after attempts, after attempts to limit our oversight of this money.\n\nI want to tell you about Camp East Montana in my district, which is funded with the One Big Beautiful Bill dollars that Republicans approved. That facility can hold up to 5,000 human beings. It is a $1.24 billion facility. I've had conversations with my constituents about what that $1.24 billion could do to help them improve their lives.\n\nInstead, it's going into a tent city that is run by a private contractor who has prioritized profits over meeting federal standards. And that's not all. This money has also been used by DHS to purchase three warehouses, warehouses that were created to hold pecans from our agricultural industry, purchased by DHS in my district for $122 million. ICE is now going to spend probably hundreds of millions of dollars to retrofit these warehouses so that they can hold 8,500 immigrants.\n\nIt is - that should shock the conscience of everyone. There's not even the water capacity or wastewater capacity to hold that many people. But this money has emboldened and empowered ICE to do this. And I will say, instead of - it is shocking that instead of using the $100 billion still available - this $70 billion that's being added will really further empower ICE to do more of the same.\n\nAnd we all do support law enforcement. I take great offense to Republicans claiming we do not support law enforcement. This is why Democrats uniformly are opposed to the $1.8 billion slush fund that Donald Trump wants to use to pay off insurrectionists who beat cops on January 6th. So please, do not lecture us about not supporting law enforcement.\n\nAnd if we want to talk waste, fraud and abuse, let's not forget that Kristi Noem used reconciliation money for a luxury jet. Was it one or was it two? I can't remember - three! Three luxury jets. Also, her bizarre commercial that cost more than most Hollywood films cost. There's some waste, fraud and abuse there, for sure, and Republicans want $70 billion more.\n\nBudgets certainly are a statement of our values. And if we - I can imagine what Democrats would do with the with the $70 billion that Republicans are asking for.\n\nSo what what could that $70 billion actually buy? It could build more than 280,000 new affordable housing units in America. It could cover almost 9 million people on Medicaid for a full year. It could feed nearly 10 million families on SNAP for a full year. It could fix more than 70,000 miles of highway. It could provide mental health care to more than 9 million veterans for a full year.\n\nBut instead of doing that at a moment when American families are hurting because of Trump's tariffs, because of Trump's illegal war in Iran, families are seeing increased grocery prices, increased gasoline prices, increased utility prices, and health care and nutrition programs that have been cut.\n\nThis is what Republicans are doing. I strongly oppose this bill, and I encourage everyone here to do the same. I yield back, Madam Chair.\n\n1st Follow Up with Congresswoman Scanlon\n\nHouse Rules Committee Ranking Member Mary Gay Scanlon: I guess first I'd like to go to Representative Escobar. We're hearing a lot about fraud, waste and abuse here. Can you talk to us a little bit about the money that ICE and CBP have and what is happening with that money, particularly in your district? I know in my district we've had a lot of concerns. We've had a constituent die in ICE custody because he wasn't given appropriate medical treatment.\n\nCongresswoman Escobar: Thank you, Miss Scanlon. I'll be glad to detail for this committee what my team and I have seen inside these facilities in my district in El Paso. And again, just as a reminder, CBP and ICE currently have $100 billion unspent, $100 billion. Just a reminder to everyone.\n\nBut the One Big, Beautiful Bill (so-called) funded Camp East Montana, a $1.24 billion tent city. And the American taxpayer is allegedly paying for medical care that detainees are not getting, cleaning services that are not happening, laundry services that are not happening. But the private corporations running these facilities are still getting their money.\n\nI want to give you an example of the horrific cases we've seen. I'll give you a couple of quick ones. First, there was a gentleman who entered the country legally, mind you, because the vast majority of the folks I've met have no criminal record and entered the country legally. I sat and I spoke with him, and he told me about an injury he sustained in Minneapolis when he was arrested by ICE. He was arrested so violently by the ICE agents that they broke his arm. He was then flown to El Paso, to Campus Montana, and he was wearing a brace when I met him. He had been in the facility for a few weeks. I asked him how his arm was doing. He took off his brace. I could literally see the break in his forearm. His arm - his broken arm - had never been set. He was given aspirin to deal with the pain. Clearly, after weeks of that kind of break, his bones were fusing in a way that he would very likely need surgery.\n\nThere are other examples. One of our colleagues, Angie Craig, flew to El Paso to visit one of her constituents, who was arrested, detained and arrested. The week she was supposed to have surgery to remove an ovarian cyst, ICE flew her to El Paso to Camp East Montana, held her for four months, refused to let her get her surgery. She was finally released on humanitarian parole. It took Senate intervention. She may not ever be able to have children because she was prevented from getting the medical care she needed.\n\nI have met dozens and dozens and dozens of detainees who told me they have to clean their own what are called pods. Now, some people might rejoice in that, but the company is getting paid to clean these pods, and they're forcing detainees to do it instead.\n\nWhen I have visited, I've seen clothes hanging up inside their pods on their beds because they don't have access to laundry services, yet Congress is paying a private company to do this. So there is not just - there are just not horrific abuses happening inside these facilities, but there's massive fraud. Meanwhile, the private corporations who won these contracts, by the way, with no bid contracts, so there was no competitive bidding that took place.\n\nThe company that that was hired to run Camp East Montana had never run immigration detention ever before, but were supposed to care for 5000 people per day. There was a homicide inside of Camp East Montana, and I still have yet to get information on what the consequences were for the private detention employee who committed the homicide.\n\nBut the medical examiner in El Paso ruled it a homicide. And guess what? After that, they no longer use the services of the medical examiner. So this money is being used to perpetrate fraud, perpetrate waste and for in-humanitarian purposes. And many of the folks inside those facilities should not be held in detention at all.\n\n2nd Follow Up with Congresswoman Leger Fernandez\n\nCongresswoman Leger Fernandez: Did you want to address it? Because you have seen this - you, Representative Escobar - you have seen the mistreatment of women in ICE detention facilities. And we can read some of the stories. Pregnant women shackled, pregnant women miscarrying, almost bleeding to death. And there is nothing in this bill that addresses guardrails. So this doesn't continue to happen. So I have a lot of questions to get to, but I know you want to add something to that.\n\nCongresswoman Escobar: Thank you so much, Miss Leger Fernandez. You hit the nail on the head. There are zero guardrails in this bill. And that is, I believe, by design and why Republicans have chosen to use reconciliation instead of the normal appropriations process. Through reconciliation, there are very strict rules. One of them, the Byrd rule, so it's very difficult to add in policy on the Senate side.\n\nMy colleagues - my Republican colleagues - here in the House know that. And so this essentially creates a slush fund for Donald Trump to continue to reward his cronies with no bid government contracts and also to create conditions that should be unacceptable to all of us.\n\nI want to also address something Mr. [Chip] Roy said about how this somehow corrects what happened during the Biden years. A number of the individuals I have met in immigration detention have been here for decades. And, to again point out something I mentioned in my testimony, many of the folks I have met entered the country legally. So when Donald Trump says we're going to go after all of the \"bad people,\" that's not true. That's never been true.\n\nThis is about funding Stephen Miller's mass deportation fantasy, rewarding contractors who essentially are engaged in a pay to play situation. And with regard to the other claim that the existing $100 billion cannot be used to pay for CBP operations and personnel: [Trump’s] been doing that. The president has been using that money. And in fact, even during his first administration, he violated the Empowerment Control Act over and over and over again. So did DOGE. [They] violated that act over and over and over again. But they want to tell us that he can't use $100 billion in the DHS fund to pay for operations? I don't believe that for a minute.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-and-senator-richard-blumenthal-introduce-the-right-to-record-act", "title": "Congressman Maxwell Frost and Senator Richard Blumenthal Introduce The Right to Record Act, Allowing Citizens to Sue Federal Officials Who Violate Their Rights as They Attempt to Legally Record", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "frost.house.gov", "scraper": "frost", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000476", "name": "Maxwell Frost", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the Right To Record Act, legislation that would protect individuals’ First Amendment Rights while engaging with ICE agents and federal law enforcement officers – giving citizens an opportunity for civil compensation if these rights are infringed upon.\n\nAs protests and public demonstrations continue outside New Jersey’s Delaney Hall detention facility, there are reports of agents harassing journalists, advocates, and community members who are trying to document the conditions of the facility. This is just the latest example of federal immigration officials denying the public the transparency they deserve. Moreover, citizens currently face significant obstacles when trying to hold individual officials accountable for violations of constitutional rights. The Right to Record Act is needed to promote transparency, prevent federal agencies from concealing their unlawful behavior, and ensure that they are held accountable in a court of law if they do.\n\n“The First Amendment defends the right to assemble, protest, and record government officials in public. That right has never been more important. In cases like the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, officials and their allies tried to paint the victims as threats despite evidence showing otherwise,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “Without firsthand recordings, those false narratives might have become the official story, which is why the Right to Record Act is so important. It would protect the public’s ability to expose the truth without fear, giving individuals a legal path forward if an officer does violate their constitutional rights.”\n\n“Over the last year, I’ve investigated dozens of cases of Americans brutalized by agents of their own government, and across the board, video footage corroborated their testimony – showing the world what they experienced and making sure that justice was served. Without recordings, we wouldn’t know the truth of what happened to Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, Marimar Martinez, George Retes, and so, so many others. The right to bear witness has never been more important. I’m proud to work with Congressman Frost on bicameral legislation that will strengthen the right to record, observe, and peacefully protest – creating real enforcement tools for the protections of the First Amendment that lay the foundation for our democracy.” - Senator Richard Blumenthal\n\n\"The right to observe and record law enforcement is fundamental to our democracy,\" said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel with the ACLU. \"We can't hold our government accountable if we can't see for ourselves what they're doing in our communities. Observing and filming allows people to create an independent record, share information with their communities, and demand better from our government. Protesting for what we believe in is a core American value, and observing and filming government activity can drive the protest movements that spark change. All of these rights are squarely protected by the First Amendment, and we're hopeful that Congress will codify them into law by enacting the Right to Record Act.\"\n\nFor more information on the Right to Record Act, click here.\n\nThe Right to Record Act has been endorsed by: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC)\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-fights-to-restore-trust-in-congress-by-creating-mental-acuity-standard-for-lawmakers", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Fights To Restore Trust In Congress By Creating Mental Acuity Standard for Lawmakers", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) recently spoke in favor of her amendment that would for the first time ever create a new mental acuity standard for members of Congress.\n\nFollowing debate, the amendment failed by voice vote. A video of the Congresswoman speaking on this issue can be found HERE.\n\n“It is not a secret that confidence in Congress is shrinking. Back home, I persistently hear concerns from my constituents that Congress is not being run by the elected members, but instead by their staff. ” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “All Americans deserve to know that this body is holding itself to a high ethical standard – not empowering elected officials who are no longer capable of making decisions to hide behind their staff members. This amendment is meant to be a starting point for a difficult, but necessary conversation. While I am disappointed that it was not adopted, I am encouraged by the debate and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on this issue.”\n\nGluesenkamp Perez’s amendment would direct the Office of Congressional Conduct to develop a standard relating to a Member of Congress’s abilities to perform the duties of their office unimpeded by significant irreversible cognitive impairment.\n\nThis follows a similar effort last year to create a mental acuity standard for lawmakers.Gluesenkamp Perez also introduced legislation on the same subject, directing the Office of Congressional Conduct to work with the Ethics Committee in establishing standards of conduct related to mental capacity of members of the House of Representatives.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-ahead-of-world-cup-in-new-jersey-gottheimer-white-house-announce-8-5-million-in-funding-to-support-law-enforcement", "title": "RELEASE: Ahead of World Cup in New Jersey, Gottheimer & White House Announce $8.5 Million in Funding to Support Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Gottheimer announces $8.5 Million in funding for law enforcement during the World Cup.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and the White House Office announced $8.5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to support law enforcement security operations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.\n\nThe funding will be directed to local and state law enforcement departments and agencies — including local law enforcement in Bergen County towns near the Meadowlands Complex and in northern Bergen, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police — to cover overtime and other necessary security costs as officers work to keep families, fans, and visitors safe during one of the largest sporting events in the world.\n\nThe World Cup kicks off this week at MetLife Stadium. Over the course of 8 games, North Jersey is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans from around the globe. Local police departments and first responders have faced significant overtime demands and resource pressures, with limited existing funding to meet those needs.\n\nWatch Gottheimer’s full remarks here.\n\n“This is a massive moment for New Jersey and for the entire country, and we need to make sure our officers and first responders have the resources to do their jobs,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Our local county prosecutor, law enforcement officers, and State Troopers are working overtime to keep people safe during the World Cup. They need the funding to match. That’s exactly what this delivers. I fought hard in Washington to secure these critical funds for Jersey, and after countless hours and conversations, I reached an agreement with the White House to get this money out the door and into the hands of the men and women keeping our communities safe.”\n\nThe $8.5 million FEMA Homeland Security Grant funding will be directed to:\n\n$3 million tolocal law enforcement departments in Bergen County towns surrounding MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Complex, the site of the World Cup, and to departments in Northern Bergen County supporting those towns. This money will be allocated by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.\n\nThe towns surrounding the stadium include Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Rutherford, Little Ferry, North Arlington, and Wood-Ridge.\n\nThose departments will be supported by police from thirty-eight towns in Bergen County as a part of the Bergen County FIFA Task Force, including Tenafly, Fort Lee, Paramus, and Hackensack, and many others, who will surge officers to assist with security.\n\n$1.5 million to Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, to support their FIFA Task Force security operations and local police departments surrounding the stadium.\n\n$4 million to New Jersey State Police who will be responsible for securing MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Complex during the games.\n\nFunding is primarily intended to cover officer overtime and other necessary security costs for security operations during the FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.\n\nGottheimer was joined by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur, Wayne Blanchard; President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association, Mike Podiea; Chairman of Bergen County Police Benevolent Association, Alpine Chief Matthew Kent, Carlstadt Chief Thomas Cox, Cliffside Park Chief Yakup Zoklu, Closter Chief James Buccola, Cresskill Chief James Domville, Dumont Chief Luke Totten, East Rutherford Chief Dennis Rivelli, East Rutherford Deputy Chief Thomas Berlinski, Emerson Chief Mark Savino, Englewood Chief Thomas Greeley, Englewood Cliffs Chief William Henkelman, Fair Lawn Chief Joseph Dawicki, Fairview Chief Vincent Bellucci, Fort Lee Chief Matthew Hintze, Glen Rock Chief Michael Trover, Hackensack Chief Michael Antista, Hasbrouck Heights Chief Jeffrey Werner, Hillsdale Chief Travis Woods, Ho-Ho-Kus Chief Mike LaCroix, Little Ferry Chief James Walters, Lyndhurst Deputy Chief Paul Haggerty, Maywood Chief Terence Kenny, Moonachie Chief Richard Behrens, New Milford Chief Brian Clancy, North Arlington Chief Michael Horton, Northvale Chief Howard Ostrow, Norwood Chief Chris Federici, Oradell Chief William Wicker, Paramus Chief Robert Guidetti, Park Ridge Chief Joseph Rampolla, Ridgefield Chief Thomas Gallagher, Ridgefield Park Chief Joseph Rella, River Edge Chief Michael Walker, River Vale Chief Christopher Bulger, Rochelle Park Chief Dean Pinto, Rutherford Chief John Russo, Saddle Brook Chief John Zotollo, Saddle River Chief Jason Cosgriff, South Hackensack Chief Robert Chinchar, Teaneck Chief Andrew McGurr, Tenafly Chief Robert Chamberlain, Upper Saddle River Chief Patrick Rotella, Waldwick Chief Christoher Goodell, Wood-Ridge Chief Michael O’Donnell, Woodcliff Lake Chief Stephen Regula.\n\nBelow: Gottheimer announces $8.5 Million in funding for law enforcement during the World Cup.\n\n###\n\nGottheimer’s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nGood morning, everyone.\n\nFirst, I want to start by thanking the men and women standing here with us today. Jersey’s finest. Our local law enforcement – including all of the Chiefs. Our Sheriff and his team from Bergen County. And all the state troopers, not to mention the major law enforcement unions, and our County Prosecutor and his office.\n\nEvery single day, rain or shine, late nights, early mornings, weekends, holidays, you put on the uniform, and you answer the call without hesitation. You put yourselves in harm’s way to keep our families and communities safe. You’ve got our backs. And I want you to know, as ever, that I’ve got yours.\n\nNow let me tell you why we’re here today.\n\nIt’s finally here. This week, the FIFA World Cup kicks off right here in Bergen County at MetLife Stadium with Brazil taking on Morocco on Saturday.\n\nLet me just say that again.\n\nThe World Cup. Right here. In Jersey. Not New York — Jersey.\n\nThere will be eight games at our stadium alone.\n\nHundreds of thousands of fans, if not millions, from every corner of the globe, will descend on Bergen County — and in every town surrounding it.\n\nThis isn’t just any sporting event — it’s the biggest sporting event in the world, and it’s happening right here in our own backyard. It’s our opportunity to shine and to show off Jersey to the world.\n\nPeople from every continent, every country are coming here, to our backyard – from England to Ecuador, and everywhere in between, including Mississippi and Alabama. And they’re not just flying in for the matches themselves.\n\nThey’re coming into our communities, staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, and shopping in our stores. That’s real economic activity and jobs. That’s amazing for Jersey families and fantastic for Jersey businesses.\n\nBut, let’s be clear: none of that works if people don’t feel safe.\n\nAnd keeping everyone safe — every team, every fan, every world leader, every family pouring into our towns — takes serious resources. That means protection from terror attacks, biological weapons, drones, and plain-old ordinary crime — anything else that might put players, spectators, or Jersey families in danger.\n\nThat’s where you come in. Think about what our officers are actually being asked to do here.\n\nThis isn’t just a normal day at the office. We’re talking about months of training, multi-agency task forces, coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement. The FBI. Homeland Security. The Intelligence Community. All preparing for what’s ahead. We’re talking about up to thirty-seven days of sustained law enforcement operations from the first game this Saturday in New Jersey to the final on July 19.\n\nThirty-seven days. Extended shifts. Task force deployments. Intelligence analysts at work. Traffic officers. Patrol officers. Investigators. Supervisors. All working long and hard shifts for thirty-seven consecutive days for the safety of our communities and those coming to the Garden State to experience the games.\n\nMeanwhile, our local departments still have to deliver full police services to the residents and communities they protect every single day — the routine calls, the emergencies, accidents, robberies, everything. But now, they’re doing all of that on top of a World Cup operation that is already stretching every resource they have.\n\nA few months ago, our Bergen County Prosecutor came to me with a problem I couldn’t ignore.\n\nHe told me that many of our local police departments, which are providing support to everyone coming to Jersey for the games, to eat, to go to the bars, to shop in our communities, weren’t getting a nickel to cover those costs. Not one dollar for overtime shifts away from their families or for the extra equipment essential to protecting all of us.\n\nYou’re talking about a massive strain on our Bergen County Police Departments – and not a dime of extra funding for it.\n\nWhich meant if nothing was done, Jersey taxpayers were going to be left holding the bag. Jersey families — picking up the tab for a World Cup security operation that, in my opinion, FIFA should have been funding from day one. After all, they’re getting on average between $12,000 a ticket for the World Cup finals and making billions. Or, at the very least, New York should be picking up more of the tab.\n\nBut not you. Not our local, hardworking Jersey families who are already getting crushed by more than $4 a gallon gas prices, utility bills, child care, and health care costs, not to mention our ridiculous taxes.\n\nAnd the Prosecutor and his department, who have been helping coordinate all of our local police departments and arrests, were also largely being left in the wind. Not enough resources. Just extra responsibility.\n\nThat was unacceptable to me. Add to that the massive hit to our State Troopers who will be providing safety and protection to fans and teams here in Bergen and up and down the state – at all the practice locations and fan fests. The coming weeks will be insanely intense for them, and, of course, our state will end up spending a hell of a lot more than we’re getting from the federal government or from FIFA.\n\nAgain, that strain doesn’t just fall on systems — it falls on real people. It falls on the taxpayers and on our law enforcement officers. They will be working overtime, sometimes double shifts, to keep every family safe.\n\nYou’ve probably heard New York talking a lot about this World Cup. The “New York” World Cup. The “New York” games.\n\nWell, I’ve got news for them.\n\nThe stadium? It’s in Jersey. The Meadowlands? It’s in Jersey. The games? They’re being played in Jersey. And the World Cup final, the biggest game in the entire tournament, is being played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.\n\nAnd where do you think the teams have been having their training sessions? Right here. In Jersey. So, let’s be clear about who is actually doing the heavy lifting on security.\n\nIt’s not New York City cops policing the Meadowlands. It’s our State Troopers and our local police in the surrounding towns. The men and women who are standing here with me today. These are Jersey law enforcement officers working weeks and weeks straight to keep everyone safe.\n\nAnd yet when the federal funding was first allocated for this region, our local police departments largely got left behind. On top of that, even though New York and New Jersey have unique security needs — we’re hosting the final, and the teams in the final will need to move here to train before the game — somehow, Atlanta and Miami received higher funding levels.\n\nThat was wrong – and that changes today. I went back to work to get Jersey what we deserve.\n\nI fought hard in Washington to secure these additional critical funds. From countless hours of meetings, calls, and negotiations.\n\nI worked with the White House, Homeland Security, and FEMA to get Jersey much-needed extra funding.\n\nToday, I am proud to announce that we have secured an additional $8.5 million in FEMA Homeland Security Grant funding for the men and women in Bergen County and beyond who are keeping our Jersey communities safe during the World Cup.\n\nYes, we’ve clawed $8.5 million back from the federal government for Jersey that will be distributed to communities here in Jersey.\n\nFirst, of the $8.5 million, $3 million is allocated for local law enforcement departments in the Bergen County towns surrounding MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Complex, and the departments in the northern part of the County that are helping them. So, that’s everyone from Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Rutherford, Little Ferry, North Arlington, and Wood-Ridge.\n\nThese are the towns that will be right in the thick of it. They will be supported by police from thirty-eight towns, including Tenafly, Fort Lee, Paramus, Fair Lawn, and Hackensack, who will surge officers to secure our County. All these departments will be running enhanced staffing schedules from the moment this tournament begins. Now, they’re all going to get some help covering their costs.\n\nSecond, of the $8.5 million, $1.5 million will go to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to help coordinate Bergen County law enforcement and prosecution, and to support the FIFA Task Force, a multi-agency unit that is on the ground for the full duration of the games. It will also support their SWAT team, which will be ready in case of an emergency. And, of course, the Prosecutor’s office will handle any folks who decide to break the law.\n\nThird, and finally, we’ve also clawed back $4 million for the New Jersey State Police, who are responsible for securing MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Complex during the games, as well as helping up and down the state for every fan event and practice. They are also coordinating directly with the federal law enforcement task forces.\n\nThese dollars will help cover officer overtime and extended shifts. It will help cover the security operations, like the intelligence analysts, the traffic officers, and the task force deployments – and an extra emergency equipment. Everything they need to do this job right for thirty-seven days of World Cup operations.\n\n$8.5 million dollars clawed back from Washington and brought home to Jersey, where it belongs.\n\nBecause here’s the bottom line: I don’t want the World Cup to hit your pocketbooks. I don’t want it coming out of your state income and local property taxes.\n\nThe families in Jersey shouldn’t be footing the bill for a global sporting event that FIFA and the federal government have a responsibility to fund. That’s not how this should work. And that’s exactly why I went and worked with the White House to get these dollars.\n\nAnd I want to be clear about something. These are your federal tax dollars.\n\nYou pay them every single year. The question is always: how much of that money actually gets back to New Jersey? How much do we claw back to Bergen County, back to the towns around this stadium, instead of going somewhere else, like god-for-sake places like Mississippi and Alabama?\n\nMy job is to fight to claw back every dollar I can, and bring it home here where it belongs.\n\nThat’s what this is. Jersey families’ own federal tax dollars — coming back home to keep Jersey.\n\nFans are already arriving. The games start this week. Hundreds of thousands of people are going to pour into this community. Into Bergen County, into East Rutherford, into all the towns surrounding this stadium from around the world. And, let’s be clear, the world will be watching. Jersey will show the world exactly what we’re made of.\n\nAnd, because of the officers standing with us today, they’re going to be safe, and they’re going to be protected. This is New Jersey at its best. Getting things done. Taking care of our own. Standing up for what we deserve.\n\nI will always have the backs of our law enforcement, our firefighters, and all our first responders. Keeping them and our families safe is not a partisan issue – this is all red, white, and blue, with a little Jersey yellow.\n\nI am so proud to be here. I am so grateful for everything these incredible public servants do. And I can’t wait to watch these games and to see the USA in the finals!\n\nIn the greatest country in the world, I know that if we work together to put on the greatest event the world has ever seen, our best days will always be ahead of us.\n\nThank you, may God bless you, may God bless our first responders, and may God bless the greatest country the world has ever known.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10137", "title": "RELEASE: HILL AWARDS LATEST GOLDEN FLEECE TO CMS", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HHS Inspector General reports show MA plans are misusing prior authorization, a practice used to pre-approve expensive care before it is provided, at the expense of seniors. In one study, 18% of denied claims were for services that already met coverage rules or had been previously approved. The yearly cost of insurance paperwork to the U.S. economy totals $31 billion, a portion of which comes from prior authorization filings and appeals for improper denials. CMS could reduce that amount and save taxpayers' money by fixing its prior authorization oversight.\n\nRep. Hill said, \"CMS failing to efficiently or appropriately use prior authorization is unacceptable. Medicare is one of our largest federal health care expenditures and increasingly strains our already difficult fiscal situation. Every dollar matters. So when the HHS IG finds that 18% of denied claims were improper, CMS deserves to be called out. Medicare exists to protect our seniors, and they are the ones who suffer most when the system fails. CMS needs to fix this now. Our seniors are counting on it.\"\n\nIn his letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Rep. Hill writes:\n\nDear Administrator Oz,\n\nI write today to inform you that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is this month’s recipient of my Golden Fleece Award. I am awarding this to CMS because of its failure to properly oversee Medicare Advantage (MA) plans prior authorization practices.\n\nCMS is responsible for ensuring federal health care programs, including Medicare, operate smoothly. This duty is made even more important as seniors are increasingly choosing to enroll in privately managed MA plans. These plans can improve care coordination, reduce costs, and maintain or improve care.\n\nMA plans often use prior authorization, the practice of pre-approving certain complicated or expensive care before services are provided, to contain costs and cut down on fraud and abuse. However, I am concerned that some MA plans are misusing prior authorization in a way that harms Medicare and our seniors.\n\nSpecifically, I am concerned about reports from the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General (HHS OIG) showing that MA plans are failing to efficiently or appropriately use prior authorization. In one study, the HHS OIG found that 18% of denied claims were for services that met MA plan coverage rules or had already been approved through prior authorization. The report also identified multiple instances where MA plans claimed that records were lost, not properly linked, or software failed. I hope you agree with me that basic record-keeping failures should not be common, and that CMS has a duty to ensure plans prevent these kinds of issues.\n\nPrior authorization failures can delay care for seniors and create unnecessary burdens for health care providers. This should not be tolerated when taxpayer dollars are funding the MA plans responsible. Estimates suggest that prior authorization abuse or errors consume physician time, lead to adverse outcomes, and can even reduce productivity due to missed work.\n\nMore importantly, the impact on patients is severe. According to studies, prior authorization can lead to worse health outcomes for children and adults, including for behavioral care like opioid use disorder and even cancer treatments. In addition, delays, including time spent appealing denials, lead to worse health outcomes now and more expensive care later.\n\nThe economic cost of prior authorization is also striking. Research suggests that the yearly cost of insurance paperwork to physicians is $68,274, with a total cost to the U.S. economy of $31 billion. It is important to note that most of those costs fall on small, independent practices. Further, some portion of that $31 billion is spent on filing prior authorizations and appeals for improper denials. That money could be spent on better, or more care, but instead is essentially wasted. This kind of failure, which demonstrably harms patients Medicare is designed to protect, can be avoided.\n\nCMS must address the problem of inefficient or harmful prior authorization practices in Medicare. Should you require additional authority from Congress to conduct oversight of MA plans, I ask that you notify me. I look forward to working with you in the near future.\n\nSincerely,\n\nFrench Hill\n\nMember of Congress\n\nCC: Inspector General March Bell, Department of Health and Human Services.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/06/08/leader-jeffries-house-democrats-will-be-a-hard-no-on-the-reckless-republican-budget-reconciliation-bill-this-week/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES: “HOUSE DEMOCRATS WILL BE A HARD NO ON THE RECKLESS REPUBLICAN BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILL THIS WEEK”", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that while Republicans are voting this week to give ICE a $70 billion blank check to brutalize our communities, House Democrats remain committed to lowering the high cost of living and using taxpayer dollars to make life better and more affordable for the American people.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: From the very beginning of this Congress, House Democrats have made clear that the cost of living in the United States of America is far too high and that Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. But costs haven’t gone down in the United States of America, costs have gone up. Grocery prices are too high. Housing costs are too high. Healthcare costs are too high. Utility bills are too high. Gas prices are out of control. America is far too expensive. And Donald Trump hasn’t made the situation better. He’s made the situation worse. The Trump Tariffs have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year. The Republican assault on the healthcare of the American people has caused health insurance costs to skyrocket. And at the same period of time, Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in Iran has resulted in gas prices through the roof.\n\nAmerica is far too expensive. There are far too many people in this country who are working hard, they’re playing by the rules, but they are unable to thrive, and they can barely survive. And that’s not acceptable in the United States of America. So House Democrats are going to continue to fight to drive down the high cost of living and push back against the Republican effort to make life more expensive. We believe that taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not give ICE another $70 billion blank check so they can unleash brutality on American citizens and violently target law-abiding immigrant communities. House Democrats will be a hard no on the reckless Republican budget reconciliation bill this week.\n\nFull press conference can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/added-slots-cnmi-us-service-academies", "title": "Added Slots for CNMI at U.S. Service Academies", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) has approved my amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to increase the CNMI’s slots at the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy from three students to four students at each. This will enable more CNMI students to attend these prestigious, tuition-free colleges and reflects the CNMI’s unique contributions to America’s national defense. I’d like to thank my friend Congressman Jim Moylan from Guam, a HASC member, for submitting the amendment in committee on my behalf, and for HASC Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith for supporting my amendment. The NDAA must still pass the full House, the Senate, and be signed by the President to become law. I encourage all CNMI high school students who are interested in attending these institutions to find the application form through my website.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/catch-kim-june-8th-2026-letter-congresswoman", "title": "Catch Up with Kim -- June 8th, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Catch Up with Kim -- June 8th, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman\nJune 8, 2026\nNewsletters\nImage\nBack to top button", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/celebrating-class-2026", "title": "Celebrating the Class of 2026", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Graduation season is one of my favorite times of year, and it was an honor to join schools across the Commonwealth in celebrating the Class of 2026. Over the last several weeks, I had the opportunity to meet graduates, families, teachers, administrators, and community members who came together to recognize an important milestone in the lives of our students. Each ceremony was filled with pride, excitement, and hope for the future. This year's graduates reached the finish line during a time that has tested our community in extraordinary ways. Yet they continued forward, supported by their families, educators, and the people who believed in them along the way. To the Class of 2026, congratulations on all you have accomplished. Whether your next step is college, the military, a trade, the workforce, or something else entirely, I hope you pursue it with courage, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning. On behalf of your Congressional Office and from me personally, congratulations to every graduate across the Commonwealth. We are proud of you and excited to see what comes next.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/dignity-honest-work-saipan-southern-high-school", "title": "The Dignity of Honest Work at Saipan Southern High School", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Image\n\nI wrapped up my week and time back in the CNMI speaking to the graduates of Saipan Southern High School, where I had the honor of celebrating with the Class of 2026 during the final high school graduation ceremony of the season. After attending multiple graduations, I noticed many speakers shared a similar message about resilience. My view was a little different. These graduates have lived through two super typhoons, a pandemic, and now the disruptions caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. They do not need to be told they are resilient. They have already proven it. Instead, I spoke about the dignity of honest work and the idea that a person's worth is not determined by a job title. I shared some of my own experiences working difficult jobs during challenging times and the lessons those experiences taught me about humility, perseverance, and contributing to something larger than yourself. My message to the graduates was that there is honor in effort, dignity in all work, and when life does not go according to plan, there is nowhere to go but forward.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/joining-stakeholders-updates-dow-activities-marianas", "title": "Joining Stakeholders for Updates on DoW Activities in the Marianas", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week, I had the opportunity to join Governor Apatang and Commonwealth officials for a CNMI Stakeholders Meeting with senior leaders from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Joint Task Force–Micronesia, and Joint Region Marianas. The discussion covered a wide range of issues affecting our islands, including military exercises, infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, biosecurity, and future planning efforts across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. These meetings are important because they provide an opportunity for the Commonwealth to engage directly with military leadership, share community perspectives, and ensure that the needs and concerns of our islands remain part of the conversation as activities in the region continue to grow.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/looking-beyond-reef-marianas-high-school", "title": "Looking Beyond the Reef at Marianas High School", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Image\n\nI had the honor of speaking to the graduating Class of 2026 at Marianas High School during a commencement ceremony that came just weeks after one of the most difficult periods our islands have faced in recent memory. My message to the graduates was simple: do not let where you come from determine how big you are allowed to dream. I shared the story of an MHS student who wrote a letter to Elon Musk, not because success was guaranteed, but because he was willing to ask, willing to imagine a different possibility, and willing to hear \"no.\" We talked about innovation, technology, and the opportunities available to a generation entering a world changing faster than ever before. Most of all, we talked about perspective. Our islands have always been shaped by the reef, but our future will depend on our willingness to look beyond it and toward the horizon. Congratulations again to the Marianas High School Class of 2026. Dream big, take your shot, and never let a small place create small dreams.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/seeking-clarity-cnmi-long-term-residents", "title": "Seeking Clarity for CNMI Long-Term Residents", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Following USCIS's response regarding CNMI Long-Term Resident EAD renewals, I wrote to the U.S. Department of Justice seeking guidance on alternative evidence of employment authorization for Long-Term Residents. USCIS has confirmed that CNMI Long-Term Residents remain employment authorized incident to status even if their EAD expires. At the same time, USCIS has stated that an expired EAD is no longer valid evidence of employment authorization. That leaves employers facing a difficult question. If a worker remains authorized to work, what documentation may an employer rely upon while an EAD renewal is pending, delayed, returned, or rejected? My letter asks the Department of Justice to provide clear guidance on alternative forms of documentation that employers may rely upon in good faith so that workers who remain authorized under the law are not placed at risk of losing employment because of uncertainty surrounding documentation requirements. Clear answers will help protect both CNMI Long-Term Residents and the businesses that depend on them.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/tenorio-celes-family-visit", "title": "Tenorio & Celes Family Visit", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week our D.C. office welcomed Juan and Rose Tenorio from Saipan, as well as their daughter Kim and her husband, Alfred Celes, who now live in Virginia. After visiting with the team in the D.C. office they set out on a tour of the Capitol. They visited all the historic chambers, from the Rotunda to the Crypt. Thank you for visiting and come again soon!", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://lahood.house.gov/2026/6/lahood-congratulates-gregory-gilmore-as-new-u-s-attorney-for-the-central-district-of-illinois", "title": "LaHood Congratulates Gregory Gilmore as New U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "lahood.house.gov", "scraper": "lahood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000585", "name": "Darin LaHood", "party": "Republican", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement in reaction to the swearing in of Gregory Gilmore as the U.S. attorney for the Central District of Illinois.\n\n\"Throughout his career, Gregory Gilmore has displayed tremendous integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the rule of law,\" said Rep. LaHood. \"He is an excellent choice to head the Central District of Illinois as U.S. Attorney and it was an honor to support his nomination for the role. I have the utmost confidence he will lead with fairness and work tirelessly to serve and protect the citizens of the Central District.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nGilmore has served the office since 1994 in a variety of roles including, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, and civil chief, criminal chief, and criminal supervisor of the Springfield division. He was nominated by President Trump on January 13th, confirmed by the Senate on May 18th, and sworn in on June 1st.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2769", "title": "Moran, McClellan, Blackburn, Schatz Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Combat Cyberflashing and AI-Generated Abuse", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Curbing Online Non-Consensual Sexually Explicit Nudity Transfers (CONSENT) Act to prohibit the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images across social media platforms and dating apps. This legislation gives Americans a legal path to fight back against unsolicited explicit content.\n\n“No one should be subject to online sexual harassment and exploitation,” said Congressman Moran. “The explosion of AI-generated abuse material has made the need to address cyberflashing more urgent than ever. The CONSENT Act will give victims in every state the ability to fight back. Artificial intelligence has raised the stakes, and it is time for Congress to rise to the moment to provide added protection from exploitation.”\n\n“As the technological landscape rapidly changes, lawmakers must prioritize the digital safety and security of the American people, especially women and children targeted by cyberflashing and other sexually exploitative practices,” said Congresswoman McClellan.“As a state legislator, I led the effort to criminalize cyberflashing in Virginia. Now, Congress must safeguard against cyberflashing abuses. The CONSENT Act will help provide a safer online environment while empowering survivors with a pathway to accountability.”\n\n“AI has opened the door for bad actors to produce explicit images quickly and cheaply to abuse or harass more victims, especially targeting young women,” said Senator Blackburn. “The bipartisan CONSENT Act would provide victims with a civil right of action and relief when they receive unwanted sexual images or videos on dating apps, text messages, and other forms of online communication.”\n\n“No one should fall victim to unwanted flashing, whether in real-life or online,” said Senator Schatz. “By providing a federal private right of action and imposing penalties, this bill will help prevent sexual harassment and hold perpetrators accountable.”\n\nWhat the bill does:\n\nEnsures a private right of action against individuals who knowingly send unsolicited, nonconsensual, sexually explicit visual images, whether they are unaltered or manipulated using machine learning or artificial intelligence.\n\nProvides that an individual may obtain either statutory damages (not more than $500) OR compensatory damages for emotional distress, reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees, and a temporary restraining order to cease receiving sexually explicit images from the sender.\n\nSafeguards the privacy of minors and allows a legal guardian to bring a civil action on their behalf and may elect to use the plaintiff’s initials in all further court proceedings.\n\nStakeholder Support:\n\nWhitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble: “For years, Bumble has championed efforts to criminalize cyberflashing and protect people from unsolicited explicit content online. While we are proud of the progress that has been made at the state level, millions of Americans, especially women, remain unprotected without a federal standard. That’s why we support the bipartisan CONSENT Act, which empowers individuals to take legal action against those who knowingly send nonconsensual explicit content. Congress has an opportunity to make it clear that these acts are unacceptable and that everyone deserves a safer, more respectful online experience. Thank you to the bill sponsors who are helping move this critical legislation forward.”\n\nThe CONSENT Act is endorsed by the online dating app Bumble, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA), the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline), and the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund (NWLC).\n\nRead the CONSENT Act bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405723", "title": "Griffith Bill to Reassert Legislative Branch Powers Passes House of Representatives", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) spoke on the House floor in support of his bill, H.R. 6028 – the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act. The U.S. House of Representatives then voted favorably for Congressman Griffith’s legislation. The bill will be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.\n\nThis bill received support from the Committee on House Administration:\n\n“The Library of Congress and Government Publishing Office are essential to our work in the Legislative Branch. I thank Representative Griffith for his tireless work to get this important Article One bill over the finish line.” – Chairman Bryan Steil, Committee on House Administration\n\nFollowing passage of his bill, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:\n\n“Accountability, clarity and good governance. That is what my pro-Article I bill delivers to help institutions serve Congress and the American people.\n\n“House passage of my Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act is a positive step for Congress and the U.S. Constitution. This bill helps reassert Congress’s Article I responsibilities as well as deliver clarity on the powers exercised by the Legislative and Executive Branches.\n\n“Thanks to the efforts of Chairman Steil, Ranking Member Morelle and the rest of my colleagues on the Committee on House Administration, Congress will be better suited to work closely with the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCongressman Griffith’s remarks in support of his bill can be found here.\n\nCongressman Griffith’s bill directs the formation of a bipartisan Congressional commission to appoint the Librarian of Congress and Director of the Government Publishing Office. Under current law, such appointments are made by the President of the United States, despite certain agencies being part of the Legislative Branch.\n\nThe Register of the Copyright Office will be appointed by the President with the consent of the U.S. Senate. An inspector’s general office possessing ample oversight authority is also established for the Copyright Office.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405724", "title": "Griffith Announces Nearly $1.6 Million in Disaster Relief for Buchanan and Dickenson Counties", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded two disaster related grants to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:\n\n$1,430,809 to support road restoration projects in Dickenson County\n\n$163,925 to support asphalt roads surface repair and replacement in Buchanan County\n\nIn response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“In early 2025, winter storms severely impacted transportation infrastructure in Southwest Virginia. This extreme weather event inflicted damage to roads that our communities routinely rely on for access.\n\n“I accordingly worked to urge federal partners to approve Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration and make additional federal resources available for Virginia’s Ninth District.\n\n“These FEMA grants for nearly $1.6 million show federal assistance is on the way to help Dickenson and Buchanan Counties rebuild road infrastructure in Southwest Virginia.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nFEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.\n\nThese grants are related to Virginia’s Major Disaster Declaration that President Trump approved in April 2025. The amended map of localities covered by the Declaration can be found here.\n\nCongressman Griffith worked with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to secure President Trump’s approval of Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397516", "title": "Nadler And Holyman-Sigal: \"Penn Station Belongs to New Yorkers\"", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "domain": "nadler.house.gov", "scraper": "nadler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000002", "name": "Jerrold Nadler", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "New York, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal sounded the alarm on the Trump administration's attempt to override the local authority of Penn Station by running a corrupt redevelopment process and pushing malicious legislation through Congress. Read their op-ed, published in Streetsblog, below:\n\nWe represent Penn Station.\n\nWe represent the riders who pass through it every day, the workers who keep it running, the businesses that depend on it, and the communities in Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown, and the surrounding Manhattan neighborhoods that live with the consequences of every decision made about its future.\n\nPenn Station is not an abstract national asset, a line item in a federal transportation plan, or a real estate opportunity for billionaires. It is essential local infrastructure at the center of New York City’s daily life.\n\nEvery day, more than 600,000 New Yorkers and regional commuters depend on Penn Station. Amtrak — the agency that owns this station and is now driving its redevelopment — serves just 7 percent of these riders; the MTA and NJ Transit serve 93 percent. And yet Amtrak, under the direction of the Trump White House, is making all the decisions. Without asking any of us.\n\nPenn Station was built to accommodate 200,000 passengers a day. It now handles more than three times that number. It is not just overcrowded — it is operating in a state of permanent crisis. New Yorkers deserve better. But the answer to that crisis cannot be a secret deal that hands the station’s future to politically connected developers while locking out the public.\n\nNo one disputes that Penn Station needs to be renovated — this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we want to see it done.\n\nBut not like this.\n\nThis is also the same president who froze $16 billion in Gateway Tunnel funding and demanded Penn Station be renamed after him in exchange for releasing it. His own White House confirmed it. New Yorkers haven’t forgotten.\n\nThe appointment of Penn Transformation Partners as the “master developer” for Penn Station was made behind closed doors. No full public request for proposals was released. No complete cost estimate was disclosed. No public hearings were held. New York City, New York State, local elected officials, and the communities most affected were sidelined. And all three shortlisted developer teams have direct ties to Trump donors — and all three lobbied the White House directly for this contract.\n\nThis was not a competitive process. It was a political favor dressed up as one.\n\nThe MTA — whose riders make up the overwhelming majority of Penn Station’s daily users — was given no meaningful seat at the table. The MTA holds legally binding leasehold rights at Penn Station, rights it has relied on to invest in the 33rd Street corridor and protect the rider experience it is responsible for. Those rights must not be quietly bargained away in a process the MTA was deliberately excluded from.\n\nAnd let us be direct about the money. Estimates put the total cost of this project up to $7 billion. The potential public shortfall is nearly $6 billion. Washington has committed just $43 million so far. Someone is going to be stuck with that bill. It will not be Donald Trump. It will not be the developers. It will be New York’s commuters — hit with surcharges on their MTA and NJ Transit tickets — and New York’s taxpayers, left absorbing costs they never agreed to fund.\n\nThere is also a dangerous piece of legislation moving through Congress that would make all of this worse. The McDowell and Moulton Amendment — adopted as part of the BUILD America 250 Act — would hand Amtrak sweeping new authority over development around intercity rail stations. It would allow Amtrak to own, lease, and enter into private development agreements around stations like Penn. It would let Amtrak-linked projects avoid state and local taxes, building codes, and zoning requirements.\n\nIn plain English: a federally controlled entity operating under Trump’s direction could gain the power to reshape land use around Penn Station while exempting itself from New York’s laws, weakening our tax base, and bypassing our communities. Not temporarily. Permanently.\n\nProperty taxes fund our schools, our public safety, our housing, and our basic services. Granting private developers exemption from those obligations — in one of the most valuable real estate markets in the world — is not transit-oriented development. It is a public giveaway on a breathtaking scale.\n\nWe are not against transit-oriented development. Done right — transparently, locally, in service of riders and communities — it can be a genuine public good. A real 24/7 neighborhood around Penn Station, with affordable housing, retail, and public spaces, would be transformative for this city. That is exactly the kind of vision New York deserves.\n\nBut that vision cannot be decided in a backroom deal between a president and his donors. It must be decided with the community, for the community.\n\nNew Yorkers deserve straight answers to basic questions. Who picked this developer and why? What will this project actually cost? Who will pay when the bill comes due? What happens to funding for subway repairs, accessibility upgrades, and state-of-good-repair work across the region? Will our tax base be protected? Will our zoning laws be respected?", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402003", "title": "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Dry Creek Bridge Replacement", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $5,833,000 in funding for the Dry Creek Bridge Replacement Project near Murtaugh, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n“Replacing the nearly 95-year-old Dry Creek Bridge is long overdue,” said Rep. Simpson. “Given the growth in Twin Falls County and throughout our state, improving and replacing this existing bridge will enhance public safety. I’ve spoken with the Idaho State Police, the Rock Creek Fire District, and several other local organizations, and there is a common consensus that this new bridge will serve the community and provide long-term stability.”\n\n“This is a needed project on US-30 as the Dry Creek Bridge serves communities, recreation, and commerce including our important agriculture industry. We are grateful for the consideration and attention from Representative Simpson on this project and look forward to completing it,” said Idaho Transportation Department District 4 Head Engineer Jesse Barrus.\n\nThis funding will be used to replace the Dry Creek Bridge, as it is nearing the end of its service life. The current narrow lanes and outdated design limit capacity and safety. Replacing it will widen and elevate the structure, improve sight distance, modernize guardrails, and improve the safety of the bridge\n\nDespite claims that CPF projects are \"wasteful earmarks,\" Community Project Funding gives Members of Congress like Congressman Simpson the opportunity to bring Idaho tax dollars back home for Idaho priorities. These projects fill a clear and present need in communities across Idaho and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Rather than that money going to fund projects in different states, CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.\n\nAs Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.\n\nThe Dry Creek Bridge Replacement Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/6/stanton-moves-to-redirect-billions-from-ice-rein-in-warehouse-detention", "title": "Stanton Moves to Redirect Billions from ICE, Rein In Warehouse Detention", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) today announced the introduction of three amendments to the House Republican reconciliation bill that would redirect funding from the $70 billion funding surge for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to bolster the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as hurricane season begins and add necessary oversight over the creation of detention facilities like the one under development in Surprise, AZ.\n\n\"The Republican reconciliation bill pours tens of billions of dollars into ICE, on top of the billions they already have on hand, while failing to provide the oversight and accountability communities deserve,\" said Rep. Stanton. \"My amendments attempted to redirect a portion of that funding to address urgent public safety and disaster response needs, while ensuring communities aren't sidelined when major federal detention facilities are proposed in their neighborhoods.\"\n\nStanton's first amendment prohibits the use of funds to acquire or convert facilities into immigration detention centers unless DHS first consults with local, state, and Tribal officials and routes actions through the General Services Administration. The amendment responds to DHS plans to hold 80,000 immigrants in warehouses nationwide, including in Surprise, Arizona. Stanton led the Arizona House delegation in demanding transparency on the Surprise facility and submitted nearly 7,000 constituent comments to DHS opposing its construction.\n\nAdditionally, as Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA, Stanton introduced two amendments to redirect funding for ICE to strengthen FEMA's operations.\n\nStanton’s second amendment would redirect $10 billion from ICE to ensure FEMA is fully staffed and prepared as hurricane season begins. FEMA faces significant staffing challenges at a time when communities across the country are experiencing increasingly severe and frequent natural disasters. The amendment prioritizes disaster readiness and emergency response capabilities over another blank check to ICE and CBP.\n\nStanton’s second amendment would redirect an additional $10 billion from ICE to help cover post-disaster infrastructure repair costs caused by delays in FEMA funding disbursements. These delays stemmed from a policy under former Secretary Kristi Noem that required her personal sign-off on expenditures over $100,000. The policy was rescinded after Noem's departure in April 2026.\n\nStanton also supported several other Democratic member efforts to amend the reconciliation bill, including amendments to redirect all of the funding for ICE to programs that support local law enforcement, protect immigrants from being arrested at courthouses, sensitive locations like schools and houses of worship, and Tribal facilities; limit short-term detention to 12 hours; and require body cameras and use-of-force standards for ICE agents.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/2026/6/reps-van-duyne-and-clarke-host-the-first-ever-creator-row-on-capitol-hill-as-co-chairs-of-the-house-creators-caucus", "title": "Reps. Van Duyne and Clarke Host the First-Ever Creator Row on Capitol Hill as Co-Chairs of the House Creators Caucus", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "vanduyne.house.gov", "scraper": "vanduyne", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000134", "name": "Beth Van Duyne", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Last week, Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Co-Chairs and Co-Founders of the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus, hosted the first-ever Creator Row: A Creator Economy Showcase on the Hill, bringing together more than 30 creators, eight digital platforms, and a university for a first-of-its-kind showcase highlighting the impact of the creator economy across the United States.\n\nThe event provided Members of Congress, congressional staff, creators, and industry leaders, with an opportunity to connect directly, exchange ideas, and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing one of the fastest-growing sectors of the modern economy.\n\nCreators traveled to Washington from across the country, demonstrating a key reality of the creator economy: every congressional district is home to creators who are building businesses, creating jobs, reaching global audiences, and contributing to local economic growth.\n\nAttendees heard remarks from Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX), House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV), Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI), and two creators. To watch these remarks click here.\n\n\"The creator economy is empowering opportunities in every corner of America. From small towns to major cities, America is filled with creators building their brands and businesses, hiring local talent, contributing to their communities, and reaching audiences around the world,\" said Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne. \"The first ever Creator Row demonstrated the value of bringing together creators, platforms, and policymakers to strengthen the future of the creator economy.\"\n\n“The creator economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors of our modern economy, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure creators have the resources, protections, and opportunities they need to succeed. As digital entrepreneurs continue to reach billions of people globally, their work is driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities here at home and abroad,\" said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. \"Through the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus, we’ve created a first-of-its-kind forum for creators, industry leaders, and policymakers to work in tandem on the opportunities and challenges facing this new generation of small business owners. Creators’ voices deserve to be part of the policymaking process, and my colleagues and I are committed to ensuring their experiences help shape policies that support their continued growth and success.”\n\n\"Creators are driving economic growth and innovation in congressional districts across the country. The Creator Economy Showcase on the Hill was an incredible opportunity for lawmakers to hear directly from creators about the unique opportunities and hurdles they face daily. We thank the House Creators Caucus for elevating these voices to ensure that future policies support the small businesses and independent workers who power the creator economy.\" – Alexandra Veitch, Senior Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy, Americas, YouTube\n\n“We appreciate the Creator Caucus for allowing creators to share the challenges they face everyday - and to demonstrate how innovative tools like our AI glasses help them overcome these challenges. Conversations, like these, allow leaders to understand how new technology is helping small businesses thrive by streamlining tasks and making more time for creativity.” – Andrea Vega Yudico, Innovation Policy Lead, Meta\n\n“Creator Row was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when creators have a seat at the table. Patreon came to Capitol Hill with our creators front and center. This is a constituency that deserves recognition, and watching members of Congress engage directly with creators’ work and stories made that even clearer. We’re proud to have been part of this moment alongside the Congressional Creators Caucus and look forward to what comes next.” – Courtney Duffy, Head of External Affairs & Chief of Staff, Patreon\n\n“Adobe was honored to join the Congressional Creators Caucus at Creator Row to hear directly from creators around the country about the opportunities and concerns that they see in a rapidly evolving creative landscape. Our fundamental mission is empowering everyone to create, and we are grateful to Representatives Van Duyne, Clarke and the Creators Caucus for their leadership in working to protect the interests and livelihoods of the creative economy.” – Karen Robinson, Senior Vice President, Adobe\n\n“We are proud to showcase TikTok’s thriving creator community to the Congressional Creator Caucus. Across the United States, TikTok enables creators to share their passions, build communities, and turn creativity into opportunity, while helping 8.5 million U.S. businesses reach customers and grow. We are grateful to the Caucus for recognizing the important economic impact these entrepreneurs bring to the American economy.” – Nicole Nason, Head of Public Policy, TikTok U.S.\n\n“The Creator Economy Showcase demonstrated what's possible when Congress moves fast and meets the moment with technology, media and policy. Creators are the small business owners of the present and the future. Substack is committed to empowering creators and working with the Creators Caucus to protect their livelihoods. This is the way.” – Catherine Valentine, Head of Politics, Substack\n\n“Creators and their independent voices are essential to today’s digital ecosystem. Rumble was built to empower, support, and amplify these voices, with a commitment to free expression and fair monetization. We commend the Creators Caucus for fostering the growth of the creator economy through initiatives like Creator Row.” Abbie Sumbrum, Director of Government Affairs, Rumble\n\n“Syracuse University is committed to preparing students for fields that are evolving in real time—a philosophy underscored by our work building the trailblazing Center for the Creator Economy. We are honored to be the only university invited by the Congressional Creators Caucus to participate in the Creator Row event, a dynamic opportunity to showcase the potential of the creator economy. Thank you to Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke for recognizing the important role higher education plays in this national conversation. Through the Center for the Creator Economy, Syracuse University is proud to help students build the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to shape what comes next.” – Mark J. Lodato, Dean, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University\n\n“The U.S. entertainment industry has entered a new era. People no longer need to move to the coasts to make it – they can build a media career from their hometown in Arkansas, North Carolina, Vermont or Texas. Local economies across the country are sharing in the $110 billion-plus opportunity from the creator economy as creators launch media careers, employ teams, and build studios in every state.” – Carly Munnelly, Head of Public First’s U.S. Practice, Public First's June 2026 Report\n\n“As someone who educates healthcare content creators on ways to use social media to inform the public about health information, I was excited to share my work with legislators. They listened and were curious about the need for healthcare content creators to feel protected and supported while countering health misinformation online. They also validated the need for more formal education when helping younger content creators to navigate this industry safely and under the supervision of parents and caretakers in order to prevent negative outcomes. I felt hopeful about the future of the creator economy after this event. Creators are entitled to safe workplaces where they feel protected, respected and valued. This event gave me the reassurance that one day creator workplaces will be recognized as being just as valuable and essential as traditional workplaces.” – Dr. Judith Fiona Joseph, M.D., M.B.A\n\nBackground\n\nIn 2025, Representatives Van Duyne and Clarke launched the bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus to recognize, support, and empower the rapidly expanding creator economy. The caucus provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to engage with creators, platforms, and industry stakeholders while exploring policies that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity in the digital age.\n\nCreator Row represents the caucus’ first major signature event, highlighting the creators, creator-led small businesses, and institutions driving growth in communities across America.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/06/08/vindman-applauds-federal-funding-to-strengthen-head-start-programs-in-culpeper/", "title": "Vindman Applauds Federal Funding to Strengthen Head Start Programs in Culpeper", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Vindman Secures Key NDAA Wins for Virginia Service Members & Military Families\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), a U.S. Army veteran and member of the House...\n\nVindman Condemns Republican Move to Block Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Military Families\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after Republicans who...\n\nVindman Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Corruption, Ban Members of Congress from Lobbying\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Barry Moore...\n\nAfter Hearing from 800+ Virginians, Vindman Continues Call for Lower Utility Costs\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today renewed his call to bring down...\n\nVindman’s Office Returns $6 Million in Backlogged Dollars to Constituents\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today announced that his office has now returned more than...\n\nVindman Releases Statement After Devastating Crash on I-95\n\nWoodbridge, Va. – Today, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) released the following statement after monitoring the...\n\nAfter Hearing from 150+ Virginians, Vindman Leads on Lowering Costs, Addressing Rising Inflation\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today renewed his call to lower costs...\n\nU.S. House Passes Vindman-Led Bill to Increase Housing Supply & Lower Costs\n\nWashington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today advanced bipartisan legislation led by Congressman...\n\nVindman Votes to Keep Parents Involved\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after...\n\nVindman Announces New Legislative Package to Lower Utility Costs for Virginians\n\nWashington, D.C. — After the news that NextEra will attempt to acquire Dominion...\n\nVindman Releases Statement Calling for Lower Utility Bills for Virginians\n\n“When it comes to utilities, Virginians and I care about one thing: lowering costs.” Washington, D.C. —...", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-reintroduces-gun-safety-legislation-to-outlaw-gun-silencers", "title": "Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Gun Safety Legislation to Outlaw Gun Silencers", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "scraper": "watsoncoleman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000822", "name": "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. (June 8, 2026) – Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act, federal gun safety legislation to ban the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer and possession of gun silencers or suppressors.\n\n“Silencers are not tools of self-defense, they are tools of murder,” said Watson Coleman. “They have no legal application which is why law enforcement officials around the country have been calling for their elimination. The HEAR Act will save lives and is part of the common sense approach to firearms legislation that polls show has widespread support among voters on both sides of the aisle.”\n\nThis bill was first introduced in 2019 following the deadly Virginia Beach mass shooting, in which a gunman attached a suppressor to a .45-caliber handgun before opening fire in a local government office building where he killed 12 people and injured four more. Instead of passing comprehensive gun safety legislation to ensure this never happens again, in 2025, House Republicans tried to eliminate the registration and ownership requirements for silencers that have been in place since the National Firearms Act went into effect in 1934. While this effort was not successful, gun lobbyists were able to pass a bill eliminating the $200 tax on purchasing the devices.\n\nGun silencers and suppressors have become one of the fastest-growing segments of the gun industry, which pushed accessories as gun sales level off. While several states, including New Jersey, outlaw gun silencers, they are permitted under current federal law, but must be registered. In 2010, there were 285,087 registered silencers in the United States. Since April 2020, that number has increased to over 2 million. A nationwide ban on silencers would ensure the devices are not trafficked into states where bans are in place.\n\nThe Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act is endorsed by Newtown Action Alliance.\n\n“When gunfire erupts, every second matters,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. “Survivors know we should never make it harder to recognize danger or respond to violence. Silencers can delay recognition of gunfire and slow emergency response when lives are at stake. Newtown Action Alliance proudly supports the HEAR Act and thanks Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman for her leadership to keep our communities safe.”\n\nThe Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act is cosponsored by Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sean Casten (IL-06), and Ed Case (HI-01).\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-cosponsors-bipartisan-bill-to-cap-insulin-costs-at-35-a-month/", "title": "ALSOBROOKS COSPONSORS BIPARTISAN BILL TO CAP INSULIN COSTS AT $35 A MONTH", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "June 8, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today as one of four new cosponsors of the bipartisan INSULIN Act that would make life more affordable for Americans living with diabetes, bringing the total to 22 bipartisan Senators and representing over 1/5 of the Senate. Alongside Alsobrooks, U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) are backing the bipartisan bill led by Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Shaheen and Susan Collins (R-Maine), as well as Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and John Kennedy (R-La.).\n\nThe Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans on private and employer-sponsored insurance and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. In addition to Alsobrooks, Shaheen, Collins, Warnock, Kennedy, Ernst, Hickenlooper, and Cramer, the legislation is supported by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.).\n\nThe push to cap the monthly cost of insulin comes as the cost of health care continues to top Americans’ affordability concerns.\n\nThe INSULIN Act would directly address the root problems in the insulin market causing high list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition and broadening access to needed insulin products. Specifically, the INSULIN Act:\n\nLimits out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans must waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.\n\nMandates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100% of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices and help patients in the form of reduced premiums.\n\nPromotes generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs for patients.\n\nCreates a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs to identify uninsured diabetes patients and provide them with insulin at $35 a month.\n\nEstablishes an insulin resource center and hotline for uninsured diabetes patients to connect them with resources about diabetes and programs to help them secure insulin.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation is supported by the American Diabetes Association, Breakthrough T1D, the Endocrine Society, the National Kidney Foundation and others.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/08/bennet-hickenlooper-klobuchar-colleagues-urge-oversight-of-prediction-markets/", "title": "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Klobuchar, Colleagues Urge Oversight of Prediction Markets", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee with jurisdiction over prediction markets, and John Hickenlooper joined Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and 13 of their colleagues in calling on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to strengthen oversight on prediction markets to reduce the potential for consumer harm, insider trading, and market manipulation.\n\n“These markets have a significantly higher proportion of retail participants than traditional derivatives markets, heightening customer protection concerns. At the same time, increasing reports of potential misconduct—including insider trading and market manipulation—have drawn increasing scrutiny from the broader public and from Congress. It is critical that the Commission provide additional guidance and regulation to address these concerns,” the Senators wrote.\n\nIn addition to Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Klobuchar, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-IlI.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-M.d.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) signed the letter.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Chairman Selig:\n\nWe write to provide comments on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s proposed rulemaking regarding prediction markets.\n\nThe volume of event contracts trading on prediction markets has grown exponentially over the past 18 months, and the number of Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) and Derivatives Clearing Organizations (DCOs) participating in these markets has also increased. These markets have a significantly higher proportion of retail participants than traditional derivatives markets, heightening customer protection concerns. At the same time, increasing reports of potential misconduct—including insider trading and market manipulation—have drawn increasing scrutiny from the broader public and from Congress. It is critical that the Commission provide additional guidance and regulation to address these concerns.\n\nGiven the dynamic and growing nature of the prediction markets, it is crucial that the Commission provide clear guidance to DCMs, DCOs, and other market participants to prevent the listing of event contracts susceptible to manipulation or abuse and to focus the industry’s efforts on listing contracts with clear economic use cases, rather than purely speculative offerings with limited hedging value. In addition, the Commission must prioritize its examination and review of DCMs and DCOs to ensure that they have appropriate policies, procedures, and resources to comply with this guidance—and in fact are doing so. Finally, the Commission should work to require DCMs and DCOs to ensure that the terms and conditions of event contracts are clear and designed to minimize potential areas for dispute as to resolution and payout.\n\nListing of Only Appropriate Event Contracts\n\nThe explosion in the number and diversity of contracts offered for trading creates challenges for oversight by both the Commission and the various self-regulatory organizations it relies on to oversee the derivatives markets, including both the National Futures Association and the various DCMs and DCOs. Many event contracts offered on Commission-regulated exchanges appear to violate core principles because they are structurally vulnerable to manipulation where outcomes may be influenced or controlled by a limited group of individuals.\n\nOther contracts relate to events the outcome of which is already known to one or more persons (or will be known prior to expiration), making them particularly vulnerable to insider trading (for example, mention markets, where traders can bet on whether certain words will be used during a speech or event). The Commission should provide staff with the ability to identify and restrict categories of contracts that present similar risks.\n\nThe Commission also should encourage DCMs and DCOs to limit the number of contracts being self-certified for trading or clearing to those with clear economic use cases for hedging legitimate risks related to economically valuable activities.\n\nAdequate Examination and Enforcement\n\nThe CEA’s principles-based regulatory framework relies on self-regulatory organizations to have and enforce their own rulebooks that implement the various core principles. We are concerned that, in the rush to expand prediction markets, DCMs and DCOs may not have adequately invested in compliance, surveillance, and enforcement functions. Recent steps by some platforms to enhance surveillance and address insider trading underscore how underdeveloped these functions were during a period of rapid growth.\n\nIt is imperative that the Commission examine DCMs and DCOs involved in prediction markets for compliance with the applicable core principles and ensure that they are meeting their obligations in practice. This requires both appropriate written policies and procedures, as well as sufficient resources, staffing, and prioritization by management.\n\nSelf-regulatory oversight should be complemented by active enforcement by the Commission. In particular, the Commission should prioritize targeted enforcement related to potential insider trading and market manipulation, including cases involving government employees and others in positions of trust with access to nonpublic information. Enforcement should also focus on novel cases that can help define clear boundaries for acceptable conduct.\n\nWell-Designed Contracts\n\nWell-designed contracts with clear terms and conditions can help minimize customer confusion and harm. Given the novel nature of many event contracts, additional vetting is needed, particularly regarding resolution and payout processes. While so-called “death contracts” like those relating to Ayatollah Khamenei raise a host of concerns, they also demonstrate the importance of clarifying a contract’s terms up front so as to avoid disputes at resolution. Sufficient resources should be devoted to anticipating and addressing such issues prior to contract listing, rather than after problems arise. The Commission should provide guidance to DCMs and DCOs to assist them in developing these processes.\n\n* * *\n\nWe urge you to consider these concerns as you develop rules and guidance for the prediction market industry. In particular, we encourage you to work proactively to prevent issues before they arise through enhanced listing standards, targeted compliance efforts, and rigorous contract design, backstopped by more robust surveillance and enforcement efforts. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/06/08/bennet-padilla-cortez-masto-goldman-crow-denounce-trump-administrations-nonpayment-for-legal-services-for-unaccompanied-minors-demand-payment/", "title": "Bennet, Padilla, Cortez Masto, Goldman, Crow Denounce Trump Administration’s Nonpayment for Legal Services for Unaccompanied Minors, Demand Payment", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legal Services Providers Have Not Received Payment Owed Since 2025\n\nDenver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), along with U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Jason Crow (D-Colo), and 70 lawmakers to demand that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) reimburse providers for work performed under their contract to furnish legal services to unaccompanied children. ORR has not issued reimbursements for services rendered since December 2025, despite Congress having appropriated funds for this purpose. The agency’s ongoing refusal to issue payments contravenes the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) requirements, appropriations directives, and the federal government’s contractual obligations.\n\n“ORR’s plain breach of contract threatens the viability of the nationwide network of nonprofit legal service providers that serve vulnerable unaccompanied children. These providers deliver critical legal representation, legal screenings, and Know Your Rights presentations to thousands of children across the country,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their work is essential to ensuring that children are protected from trafficking, exploitation, and other harms, and that they appear for and are able to meaningfully participate in their immigration proceedings. Nonprofit providers do not have the reserves necessary to absorb prolonged nonpayment at this scale. As a result, organizations may be forced to lay off staff, stop accepting new cases, or cease operations altogether. These outcomes would jeopardize thousands of children’s access to legal representation mid-case.”\n\nIn their letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the lawmakers also expressed concern about reports that ORR is conditioning reimbursement on the provision of additional, case-specific information not required under the terms of the contract. These demands are an administrative stall tactic and reportedly include identifying information about child clients that may implicate attorney-client privilege and ethical obligations governing confidentiality.\n\nThe lawmakers demanded that ORR immediately fulfill all pending invoices; provide an explanation of the basis for the payment delays; and confirm that ORR will not condition payment on the provision of information not required under the contract.\n\nIn December 2025, Bennet joined Senators John Hickenlooper and Cortez Masto, as well as 19 of their Senate Democratic colleagues to introduce the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act, legislation to reverse the provisions in Republicans’ so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” that harm children seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. In November 2025, Bennet joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and 48 bicameral colleagues to introduce the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, legislation to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. In March 2025, Bennet urged the Trump Administration to reinstate critical protections for unaccompanied migrant children following the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review’s (EOIR) decision to rescind the 2023 Memorandum on Children’s Cases in Immigration Court and reinstate 2017 guidelines. Bennet also urged the Trump Administration to ensure unaccompanied children in the immigration system receive legal representation.\n\nIn 2024, alongside Senate colleagues, Bennet called on Senate Appropriations leaders to ensure EOIR reports on the implementation of specialized children’s immigration courts. In 2023, Bennet and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced the Immigration Court Efficiency and Children’s Court Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a dedicated Children’s Court within EOIR. The legislation would combat the immigration court backlog and strengthen due process rights for unaccompanied migrant children.\n\nIn addition to Bennet, Padilla, Cortez Masto, Goldman, and Crow, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Angus S. King, Jr (I-Maine), Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maizie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D- Conn.), Christopher S. Murphy (D-Conn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Representatives Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-Ill.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-Texas), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Norma J. Torres (D-Calif.), Summer L. Lee (D-Pa.), Paul D. Tonko (D-N.Y.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Ted W. Lieu (D-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), James R. Walkinshaw (D-Va.), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), John B. Larson (D-Conn.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D-Va.), Robert J. Menendez (D-N.J.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.), and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) signed the letter.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nWe write with urgent concern regarding the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) failure to reimburse providers for work performed under its contract to furnish legal services to unaccompanied children. Based on available information, ORR has not issued reimbursements for services rendered since December 2025, despite Congress having appropriated—and ORR having obligated—funds for this purpose. These non-payments violate numerous laws and imminently threaten the continued provision of essential legal services to vulnerable children.\n\nAs you know, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that unaccompanied children have access to legal representation “to the greatest extent practicable.” For nearly two decades, ORR has fulfilled this mandate through a contract it administers that presently provides funding to nearly 100 legal services providers throughout the country. Successful implementation of that contract depends on timely reimbursement for services rendered. Indeed, bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations measures mandate that ORR fund services performed under the contract. The agency’s ongoing refusal to issue payments contravenes the TVPRA, appropriations directives, and the federal government’s contractual obligations.\n\nORR’s plain breach of contract threatens the viability of the nationwide network of nonprofit legal service providers that serve vulnerable unaccompanied children. These providers deliver critical legal representation, legal screenings, and Know Your Rights presentations to thousands of children across the country. Their work is essential to ensuring that children are protected from trafficking, exploitation, and other harms, and that they appear for and are able to meaningfully participate in their immigration proceedings. Nonprofit providers do not have the reserves necessary to absorb prolonged nonpayment at this scale. As a result, organizations may be forced to lay off staff, stop accepting new cases, or cease operations altogether. These outcomes would jeopardize thousands of children’s access to legal representation mid-case.\n\nWe are particularly troubled by reports that ORR is conditioning reimbursement on the provision of additional, case-specific information not required under the terms of the contract. The additional demands appear to be an administrative stall tactic that is wholly unjustified and unacceptable. Moreover, these new demands reportedly include identifying information about child clients that may implicate attorney- client privilege and ethical obligations governing confidentiality. Such requirements are inconsistent with longstanding legal ethics rules and raise serious additional concerns, particularly given existing information-sharing arrangements between HHS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which serves as opposing counsel in immigration proceedings. Legal services providers cannot—and must not—be compelled to violate ethical obligations to their clients as a condition of receiving payment. Conditioning reimbursement on such disclosures would represent a unilateral and improper modification of the contract.\n\nUltimately, we are concerned that these payment delays may be an attempt to circumvent requirements that ORR continue funding legal services for unaccompanied children. However, the federal government must meet its obligations under the law. Accordingly, we request the following:\n\nImmediately fulfill all pending invoices for legal services performed under the ORR contract;\n\nConfirm that ORR will not condition payment on the provision of information not required under the contract, not least where such requirements would implicate attorney-client privilege or ethical obligations;\n\nProvide a detailed explanation of the basis for the payment delays, including any internal directives or policy changes that led to this situation; and\n\nOutline the steps HHS will take to ensure timely reimbursement going forward, consistent with contractual and statutory requirements.\n\nGiven the urgency of this matter and its impact on vulnerable children and nonprofit providers nationwide, we request a response no later than June 5th, 2026. We appreciate your prompt attention to this issue and look forward to your response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/after-years-of-delay-blumenthal-demands-us-dot-finalize-rule-to-prevent-deaths-in-hot-cars", "title": "After Years of Delay, Blumenthal Demands U.S. DOT Finalize Rule to Prevent Deaths in Hot Cars", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal wrote to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation Sean Duffy urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to take immediate action to prevent deaths and injuries resulting from children being trapped in hot vehicles.\n\n“Every year, far too many children die when temperatures inside cars become lethally high, which can occur in mere minutes during the summer,” said Senator Blumenthal. “These deaths are deeply tragic – not only because of the heartbreak they cause countless families, but also because they are fundamentally preventable.”\n\nIn 2021, Blumenthal led the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in the Rear Seat (HOT CARS) Act which was enacted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This legislation requires a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard in all new vehicles sold or leased in the U.S. to prevent hot car fatalities by alerting drivers to check rear seats after turning off the engine. The law required NHTSA to publish a proposed rule by November 2023, but it has failed to do so as of June 2026.\n\nSince 1990, 1,177 children have died in hot cars in the United States and at least another 7,500 have survived with varying degrees of injury. Over 86% of children who have died are age 3 or younger.\n\n“I, along with auto safety advocates, are calling for a robust safety standard to require effective technology that can detect the presence of a child unattended in a vehicle,” Blumenthal continued. “This type of technology exists, is readily available, but is only being voluntarily included in a few makes and models on the market today. That is why the rulemaking is critically important for saving the lives of very young children.”\n\nAs unprecedented heatwaves in early 2026 signal a dangerous, long-term trend of rising temperatures, Blumenthal is demanding NHTSA to take immediate action to implement rules to protect children from vehicular heatstroke.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Duffy,\n\nI write to urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to take immediate action to prevent deaths and injuries resulting from children being trapped in hot vehicles. Every year, far too many children die when temperatures inside cars become lethally high, which can occur in mere minutes during the summer. These deaths are deeply tragic – not only because of the heartbreak they cause countless families, but also because they are fundamentally preventable.\n\nI was proud to champion the Helping Overcome Trauma for Children Alone in the Rear Seat (HOT CARS) Act, which was enacted as Section 24222 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed in 2021. The provision called for a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard intended to mitigate hot car fatalities by requiring technology in all new vehicles sold or leased in the U.S. NHTSA had a statutory deadline of November 15, 2023, to issue a related final rule. Yet today – more than two years after the deadline for a final rule – NHTSA has not even issued a proposed rule.\n\nI expect NHTSA to immediately recommit to finalizing the rulemaking as required by law. I also urge the agency to ensure any technology proposed is sufficient in mitigating death. Currently, many new vehicles are equipped with basic back seat reminder alerts that are triggered by a rear door being opened prior to driving. However, NHTSA has studied these reminders and found them to be inadequate in saving lives. In fact, Kids and Car Safety has documented at least 14 pediatric hot car deaths in vehicles equipped with end-of-trip reminders.\n\nI, along with auto safety advocates, are calling for a robust safety standard to require effective technology that can detect the presence of a child unattended in a vehicle. This type of technology exists, is readily available, but is only being voluntarily included in a few makes and models on the market today. That is why the rulemaking is critically important for saving the lives of very young children.\n\nIt is simply unacceptable that NHTSA has still not issued a proposed rule, and the consequences of delaying this rulemaking are dire. Since 1990, at least 1,177 children have died in hot cars in the United States, and at least another 7,500 survived with varying degrees of injury. Over eighty-six percent of children who have died in a hot car are age three or younger. Just last week, three babies died in a matter of 24 hours in the U.S. Moreover, recent, unprecedented heat waves in early 2026 saw nearly 20,000 daily U.S. records broken, indicating a dangerous, long-term trend of rising temperatures. As temperatures across the country continue to rise and we see more and more record heat days, the dangers of leaving kids in cars are only increasing.\n\nI urge you to direct NHTSA to act with haste and issue proposed and final rules to protect children from vehicular heatstroke deaths without further delay. Thank you for your attention to this critically important matter. I look forward to working with you further to ensure that we are doing all we can to protect children and families and eliminate these fully preventable tragedies.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-frost-introduce-the-right-to-record-act", "title": "Blumenthal & Frost Introduce the Right to Record Act", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) introduced the Right to Record Act, a bicameral bill to protect individuals’ First Amendment rights while engaging with federal law enforcement officers. The new legislation is being introduced as protests and public demonstrations continue outside New Jersey’s Delaney Hall detention center, where there are reports of agents harassing journalists, advocates, and community members who are trying to document the conditions of the facility.\n\n“Over the last year, I’ve investigated dozens of cases of Americans brutalized by agents of their own government, and across the board, video footage corroborated their testimony – showing the world what they experienced and making sure that justice was served. Without recordings, we wouldn’t know the truth of what happened to Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, Marimar Martinez, George Retes, and so, so many others,” Blumenthal said. “The right to bear witness has never been more important. I’m proud to work with Congressman Frost on bicameral legislation that will strengthen the right to record, observe, and peacefully protest – creating real enforcement tools for the protections of the First Amendment that lay the foundation for our democracy.”\n\n“The First Amendment defends the right to assemble, protest, and record government officials in public. That right has never been more important. In cases like the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, officials and their allies tried to paint the victims as threats despite evidence showing otherwise,” said Frost. “Without firsthand recordings, those false narratives might have become the official story, which is why the Right to Record Act is so important. It would protect the public’s ability to expose the truth without fear, giving individuals a legal path forward if an officer does violate their constitutional rights.”\n\nWhile the right to document and record federal law enforcement agents is enshrined in the First Amendment, these constitutionally protected rights have not always been enforced. The Right to Record Act would add new legal consequences for federal law and immigration enforcement officers who prevent or attempt to prevent a person from recording, observing, or peacefully protesting law enforcement activities. In addition, officers must not command that an individual stop recording, demand identification from an individual because they are recording, or retaliate against an individual for exercising their First Amendment rights, including by threatening them, pursuing them to a different location, or surveilling them.\n\nThe Right to Record Act has been endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).\n\n“The right to observe and record law enforcement is fundamental to our democracy,” said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel with the ACLU. “We can’t hold our government accountable if we can’t see for ourselves what they’re doing in our communities. Observing and filming allows people to create an independent record, share information with their communities, and demand better from our government. Protesting for what we believe in is a core American value, and observing and filming government activity can drive the protest movements that spark change. All of these rights are squarely protected by the First Amendment, and we're hopeful that Congress will codify them into law by enacting the Right to Record Act.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-announces-he-will-live-uc-and-force-amendment-votes-on-the-major-richard-star-act-this-week", "title": "Blumenthal Announces He Will Live UC & Force Amendment Votes On The Major Richard Star Act This Week", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today announced he will ask for unanimous consent this week to advance the Major Richard Star Act—bipartisan legislation to deliver 59,000 combat-injured veterans their full military benefits. He also announced he will force amendment votes on the legislation during the Senate Armed Services Committee markup on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bipartisan legislation has been blocked twice in the last year by Senate Republican leadership.\n\n“This week, I will again demand passage of the Major Richard Star Act on the Senate Floor, and plan on forcing votes on the legislation during the NDAA markup. Secretary Pete Hegseth supports the legislation. 79 Republican and Democrat Senators cosponsor it. 59,000 combat-injured men and women need it and deserve action— not excuses. Veterans should not be forced to sacrifice important VA benefits to correct this DOD injustice.”\n\nAt a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in April, Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth pledged the Department’s support for the Major Richard Star Act, following pressure from Blumenthal. “As I have said in the past to other organizations, we support the Richard Star Act,” said Hegseth at the hearing.\n\nThe Major Richard Star Act is bipartisan legislation to fix an injustice preventing combat-injured veterans from receiving their full military benefits. Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount of their DoD retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments—leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees.\n\nThis legislation has overwhelming support from the majority of both chambers of Congress, with 79 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate and 334 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. However, Senate Republican leadership has blocked two attempts from Blumenthal in October and March to advance this overwhelming bipartisan support, claiming our country cannot afford these benefits.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-directly-secures-900000-for-the-winston-county-commission/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures $900,000 for the Winston County Commission", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations, recently directly secured $900,000 for the Winston County Commission in the Fiscal Year (FY) 26 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This funding will support the replacement of a key drainage structure on County Road 54 at Quarter Creek north of Haleyville that collapsed during a flood in 2022 and has closed the road for over four years.\n\nPhoto of the collapsed drainage structure from the Winston County Commission\n\nThis funding will be used to replace a drainage structure which failed in 2022 when two 15-feet diameter pipes collapsed due to flooding from excessive rainfall. Replacement and refurbishment of the bridge and structure is imperative to avoid further damage to the road and residents. This project will also eliminate a 10-mile detour which affects emergency personnel when responding to emergency situations, 29 businesses, a local manufacturer, and residents.\n\n“Alabamians know strong infrastructure is the foundation for strong communities. That’s why I’m proud to have secured $900,000 in this appropriations bill for the Winston County Commission,” said Senator Britt. “This funding goes beyond just upgrading a critical drainage structure—it will help emergency services respond more rapidly when every second counts. I look forward to seeing how this commonsense investment results in a stronger and more resilient Winston County community.”\n\n“On behalf of the citizens and the Commission, I would like to thank Senator Britt and her dedicated staff in securing Homeland Security Appropriations Funding for this critical project for our County. If Senator Britt had not gotten involved, this project would have never happened due to the County’s limited resources. Thanks again for your support and commitment to the citizens of Winston County,” said Winston County Commission Chairman David Cummings.\n\nIn total, Senator Britt directly secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security appropriations funding.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-capito-addresses-west-virginia-girls-state", "title": "PHOTOS: Capito Addresses West Virginia Girls State", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ELKINS, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) traveled to Elkins, W.Va. to address participants of the Rhododendron Girls State at Davis and Elkins College. Started in 1941, Rhododendron Girls State is structured on the principles of Americanism, citizenship, and leadership.\n\n“Girls State is an event I look forward to participating in every year, and I’m so glad I had the chance to speak to this impressive group today. These women go above and beyond, exemplifying the programs core values of citizenship, leadership, and patriotism. I’m grateful to Girls State’s continued commitment to instilling the values we hold dear in West Virginia’s next generation and empowering them with the courage and confidence to become the future leaders of America,” Senator Capito said.\n\n“Rhododendron Girls State is honored to consider Senator Shelley Moore Capito as one of our own. Her tremendous contributions to the state of West Virginia would be difficult to quantify and the positive impact of her work has been transformative for the state. Her career has shown young women that standing up to be counted is important and finding your voice is not enough…you need to use it for good,” Rosemary Thomas, Director of Rhododendron Girls State, said.\n\nPhotos from the event are included below:\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) addresses Girls State at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. on Monday, June 8, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Rhododendron Girls State President Kaitlin Hall at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. on Monday, June 8, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Rhododendron Girls State participants at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. on Monday, June 8, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) meets with Rhododendron Girls State participants at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va. on Monday, June 8, 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-praises-growing-senate-support-for-insulin-act", "title": "Senator Collins Praises Growing Senate Support for INSULIN Act", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today praised the announcement of four new cosponsors for the bipartisan Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act. With Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) now supporting the bill, the legislation has 22 cosponsors.\n\nThe INSULIN Act, introduced by Senator Collins with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and John Kennedy (R-LA), would cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month for Americans with private and employer-sponsored insurance. It would also create a pilot program to make insulin available at the same cost to uninsured Americans, removing barriers to care and expanding access for millions of patients.\n\n“Tens of millions of Americans rely on insulin as part of their daily treatment, and for many, it is literally a matter of life and death. I have heard far too many stories from people in Maine and across the country who have been forced to ration their insulin because of the cost, and that is simply unacceptable,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would cap the cost of insulin at $35 and address underlying issues in the insulin market so that more patients—both insured and uninsured—can afford the medication they need. I am pleased to see growing support for this bill, which reflects a shared commitment to lowering costs and ensuring that no American is forced to go without lifesaving insulin.”\n\nThe INSULIN Act would directly address the root problems in the insulin market causing high list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition, and broadening access to needed insulin products.\n\nSpecifically, the INSULIN Act:\n\nLimits out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans must waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 or 25% of list price per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form;\n\nMandates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100% of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices, thereby helping patients through reduced premiums;\n\nPromotes generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs to patients;\n\nCreates a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs to identify people with diabetes who are uninsured and provide them with insulin at $35 per month; and\n\nEstablishes an insulin resource center and hotline for people with diabetes who are uninsured to connect them with resources about diabetes and programs to help them secure insulin.\n\nThe bipartisan INSULIN Act is supported by the American Diabetes Association, Breakthrough T1D, and the Endocrine Society.\n\nClick here to read the complete text of the legislation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-members-coons-reed-introduce-bill-to-require-human-safeguards-around-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-defense/", "title": "Ranking Members Coons, Reed introduce bill to require human safeguards around use of artificial intelligence in defense", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), ranking member for Defense Appropriations, and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation to establish a framework to guide the rapid adoption and use of artificial intelligence by the Department of Defense (DOD) while prioritizing safety and the rule of law. The legislation comes following attempts by DOD to blacklist and discriminate against certain AI companies for mandating safeguards on new and rapidly evolving technology and prohibiting their use for mass surveillance.\n\nThe Responsible Artificial Intelligence Defense (RAIDA) Act would require AI-enabled autonomous systems to be deployed in a way that ensures human operators are able to control, monitor, detect unintended behavior, and manually disengage or deactivate any deployed AI-enabled system, if necessary. It would prevent the use of AI for nuclear decision making and mass domestic surveillance of Americans. It would also instruct DOD to maximize AI adoption in defense, ensuring the United States leads in military AI quickly, safely, and lawfully.\n\n“The Department of Defense can use frontier AI models for rapid innovation to ensure that the United States maintains its military supremacy and edge in artificial intelligence without running roughshod over safety concerns,” said Ranking Member Coons. “Threatening our cutting-edge companies with legal and economic punishment when they balk at demands to perform illegal acts is not just un-American – it will stifle innovation, dissuade industry from collaborating with government, and allow China and our adversaries to build insurmountable leads in the field of AI. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to put in place necessary safeguards to prevent deadly accidents or misfires by autonomous weapons using new and evolving technologies, while also directing the Pentagon to utilize this cutting-edge technology to promote US national security.”\n\n“Artificial intelligence will continue to shape the battlespace of the future, and our military must be equipped with every tactical and technical advantage it needs to win in this complex environment,” said Senator Reed. “Simultaneously, we must ensure the Department of Defense has a comprehensive AI strategy that establishes sensible safeguards and provides a framework for other nations to ensure global military AI standards are adhered to. To begin, we should formalize international norms for military and civilian uses of AI to regulate areas where full human control over the technology is essential. The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Defense Act is a practical first step toward ensuring the United States military is a principled leader in AI use.”\n\nThe Responsible Artificial Intelligence Defense Act would:\n\nRequire human operators to retain the ability to monitor and manually deactivate autonomous systems\n\nDirect DOD to maximize use of AI and autonomous capabilities\n\nRequire impact assessments for higher-risk AI capabilities to safeguard civil liberties\n\nDirect DOD to conduct rigorous testing before putting these weapons into the field\n\nSenator Coons has been vocal about the importance of U.S. leadership in AI. Last year, he introduced legislation limiting the sale of frontier chips to China – the bipartisan SAFE Chips Act – and he has demanded answers from senior Trump administration officials about their plans to export advanced chips.\n\nIn 2024, Senator Reed and a bipartisan group of colleagues unveiled the first congressional framework to deal exclusively with the extreme risks posed by future developments in advanced AI models. The framework sought to establish federal oversight of frontier model hardware, development, and deployment to mitigate AI-enabled extreme risks from biological, chemical, cyber, and nuclear threats.\n\nIn addition to serving as ranking member for Defense Appropriations, Senator Coons is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Judiciary, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Ethics Committees.\n\nSenator Reed is also a leading member of the Appropriations Committee and the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee where he is working to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of America’s financial sector and people’s personal bank accounts amidst the growing risks of AI-enabled cyberattacks.\n\nThe one-pager is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-gop-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-combat-smash-and-grab-crimes/", "title": "Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to Combat ‘Smash-And-Grab’ Crimes", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and 17 of their Senate GOP colleagues in introducing the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act to address the dangerously high number of “smash-and-grab” thefts targeting gun dealers by enhancing penalties for criminals who steal firearms from federally licensed firearms and ammunition dealers:\n\n“Criminals who steal firearms from gun stores should be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would prevent gun thefts by strengthening the consequences for those who break the law, and I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to support it.”\n\nThis legislation is being led by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and is cosponsored by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported 4,046 FFL theft incidents from 2021 to 2025. During these burglary, larceny, and robbery incidents, a total of 23,319 firearms were stolen from Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). Texans have been directly impacted by these crimes as thieves have stolen 2,737 firearms from FFLs across the state during this same four-year period of 2021 to 2025.\n\nThe FFL Protection Act would:\n\nIncrease the statutory maximum penalty for knowingly stealing any firearm in an FFL’s business inventory from 10 to 20 years;\n\nImpose a mandatory minimum sentence of three years for burglary from an FFL and five years for robbery from an FFL;\n\nAnd criminalize the attempted theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-senate-democrats-in-pressing-trump-on-legal-basis-for-justifying-claim-that-hostilities-in-iran-have-terminated", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and 33 Senate Democrats, in refuting the Trump Administration’s claim in a May 1 letter to Congress that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, in Iran have “terminated.” Additionally, the Senators are requesting President Donald Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting this claim. In their letter to Trump, the Senators emphasize that the already unconstitutional war in Iran has violated its statutory deadline set by the War Powers Act and argue that the ongoing naval operations, bombings, blockades and strike campaigns that have been ongoing since February 28 continue to constitute hostilities.\n\n“Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators point out that the continued deployment of troops, ongoing strikes and an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz rebut the claim that hostilities have terminated after the April 7 ceasefire. Senators Duckworth and Durbin have joined Schiff, Kaine and several of their colleagues to force numerous votes in the Senate on the War Powers Resolution, including asserting the 60-day statutory clock, triggered by a notification to Congress, had run out on the president’s ongoing use of military force, in addition to being unconstitutional from the start.\n\n“Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires...It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Duckworth, Durbin, Schiff, Kaine and Schumer, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found below and on Senator Duckworth’s website and below.\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write to express our strong disagreement with the legal justification presented in your May 1, 2026, notification to Congress pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, regarding the authority to conduct war against Iran. The notification stands in sharp contrast with the text of the War Powers Resolution, the relevant legislative history, domestic and international law, and past interpretations made by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) and the State Department under Administrations of both parties. We also request that you make public the OLC opinion justifying the administration’s claim that U.S.-Iran hostilities were determined to be “terminated” for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, and any OLC opinion justifying the use of military force against Iran without congressional authorization.\n\nYour May 1 notification falsely stated that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.” This statement was repeated by Secretary Hegseth in his April 30 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee when he asserted that after the April 7 ceasefire announcement, the administration’s “understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.” This argument fails to account for the facts and actions of the parties to the conflict. The ongoing naval operations and related efforts to conduct a blockade against Iran constitute hostilities. Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations.\n\nAt that time, the President is compelled to promptly remove forces from the situation without Congressional intervention or a physical, domestic attack.\n\nFurthermore, legislative history demonstrates Congress’ clear intent for these terms (“hostilities” and “imminent involvement in hostilities”), which are to be understood broadly, to establish a low threshold for both the reporting and withdrawal provisions of the War Powers Resolution. The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s report on the Resolution explains that “the word hostilities was substituted for the phrase armed conflict during the subcommittee drafting process because it was considered to be somewhat broader in scope...hostilities encompasses a state of confrontation in which no shots have been fired but where there is clear and present danger of armed conflict.” That describes the Iran War starting on February 28, 2026, and continuing to today regardless of a declaration of ceasefire.\n\nGiven the discrepancy between the requirements of the War Powers Resolution and the continued use of American forces in the Strait of Hormuz and throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, it is critical for Congress to understand the Executive Branch’s legal basis for its exceedingly narrow interpretation of “hostilities,” and “any use of armed forces.” Since February 28, 2026, your administration has maintained a force presence of thousands of U.S. servicemembers in the region, blockaded Iranian ports (including using military force to seize vessels), and continued to interrupt global supply chains and increase the cost of living on all Americans. On May 8, 2026, Central Command publicly confirmed that over 15,000 troops are forward deployed, and over 200 aircraft and 20 warships are enforcing an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Even after your notification to Congress indicating that hostilities had “terminated” on May 1, 2026, you accurately referred on May 4, 2026, to the war with Iran in the present tense, saying “we have a war right now.”\n\nWe have established that the United States and Iran’s continued posture of a state of military confrontation is itself sufficient to constitute ongoing hostilities under the text and legislative history of the War Powers Resolution. The Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual affirms that a declared ceasefire alone does not mean an end to war and hostilities, the current ceasefire “is not a partial or temporary peace; it is only the suspension of military operations to the extent agreed upon by the parties to the conflict. War as a legal state of hostilities between parties may continue, despite the conclusion of an armistice agreement.”\n\nMoreover, despite the stated ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange fire on several occasions since April 7. And even if they had not exchanged fire, the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in itself further constitutes hostilities. The Supreme Court, the Department of Defense, and OLC all have published opinions confirming that they unequivocally consider a blockade to be a belligerent act and an act of war. As the Supreme Court held in the Prize Cases in 1862, the “proclamation of blockade is itself official and conclusive evidence to the Court that a state of war exist[s].” The Commander of U.S. Central Command himself recently acknowledged in his May 14 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that an international armed conflict continued to exist due to the ongoing blockade.\n\nCongress has a recent and directly applicable legal opinion from your administration on how to interpret what it means for hostilities to cease. On April 21, 2026, the State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser published a statement that notes that, “any assessment of whether an armed conflict has ended must be fact-based, taking into account both the intentions and the actions of the parties to the conflict.” The Legal Adviser argued that the fact of ongoing ceasefire or peace negotiations did not in itself constitute the termination of hostilities. Instead, he stated that a credible intention to end hostilities, and an absence of parties planning or threatening further military engagements should diplomacy fail, is required to indicate an end to hostilities. Given that Secretary Hegseth has consistently argued that U.S. forces are “locked and loaded” and are “ready to go at the command of our President and at the push of a button,” it cannot be credibly argued that the current ceasefire meets the test set forward by the State Department’s Legal Adviser for constituting an end to hostilities.\n\nWe would not need to discuss the War Powers Resolution if this were a war authorized by Congress, but it is not. Our view, supported by law and history and consistent with even past Executive Branch practice taking a far broader view of the President’s authority, is that the current war violates our Constitution’s separation of powers. Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires.\n\nThe facts, history, and law affirm that the hostilities that began on February 28 are active and ongoing, in violation of international law and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. There is no justification to interpret military actions that would “restart,” “unpause,” or begin a new 60-day clock. Rather, hostilities have continued since February 28 and never terminated; the 60-day clock specified in the War Powers Resolution does not have a pause button. It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-leah-jean-boutique", "title": "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Leah Jean Boutique", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Leah Jean Boutique of Wright County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.\n\n“Leah Jean Boutique is a wonderful example of the dedication and community spirit that has become tailored to Iowa small businesses,” said Chair Ernst. “Through personalized service, thoughtfully curated products, and meaningful local involvement, Leah Jean Boutique has become a trusted destination for families across North Iowa.”\n\nFounded in 2018 by Brittany Leah Howieson and Donna Jean Ahrends, Leah Jean Boutique is a woman-owned small business offering children’s apparel, toys, gifts, accessories, and other family-oriented products. Established to help strengthen Clarion’s small-town Main Street, the boutique has become known for its welcoming atmosphere and “for moms, by moms” approach, with Brittany and Donna personally selecting products they trust and use themselves.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=365C4B24-BEC9-41DD-AC1E-7D6518CCE2A2", "title": "Fischer Celebrates Senate Passage of Bill Awarding Congressional Gold Medal to North Platte Canteen", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s (R-NE) legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals who volunteered or contributed to the North Platte Canteen during World War II.\n\n“This is the highest honor Congress can bestow upon civilians of this country, and everyone from the North Platte Canteen deserves it,” Fischer said. “The Canteen was a beacon of hope for soldiers during such a troubling and uncertain time. Over 55,000 people sustained this effort for over four years, and every soldier that passed through saw the very best of what Nebraska has to offer. I thank my colleagues for understanding the significance of the North Platte Canteen, and for working with me to give them the recognition they deserve.\"\n\nJames Griffin, Director of the Lincoln County Historical Museum, said, “We are so excited to learn that the United States Senate has passed the North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act today! This is well-deserved recognition for the 55,000 volunteers who served food to 6 million soldiers, sailors, and marines during World War II. The true effects of their selfless giving can't be quantified, but to the ordinary soldier who experienced the North Platte Canteen, they were nonetheless real. As real as bullets, tanks, and ships—and when the going got tough, it was the Canteen that buoyed their spirits. This bill would not have passed without the tireless efforts of Senator Deb Fischer. To her we want to say thank you—thank you on behalf of every volunteer of the North Platte Canteen and every member of the armed forces who visited the Canteen.”\n\nBrandon Kelliher, Mayor of North Platte, NE, said, “The Senate passage of the North Platte Canteen Congressional Medal Act is a proud and historic moment for our community, our region and our nation. This recognition honors the extraordinary generosity, patriotism, and unwavering spirit of the thousands of volunteers who showed America what service truly means. The legacy of the North Platte Canteen continues to inspire us, reminding future generations that compassion, sacrifice, and love of country can leave an impact far beyond our own time.”\n\nFischer’s legislation, the North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act, was cosponsored by 76 Senators, including Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE).\n\nRepresentative Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it is cosponsored by Reps. Mike Flood (NE-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02).\n\nThe House must now pass the bill before it is sent to the president to be signed into law.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe North Platte Canteen was a volunteer war effort at a railroad stop in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II. Volunteers offered hospitality and friendship to soldiers traveling through the area on their way to the front lines.\n\nAn estimated 55,000 people from 125 communities throughout Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas contributed food, money, or time to serve the Canteen’s estimated 6 million visitors.\n\nThe North Platte Canteen began on Christmas Day, 1941 and ended April 1, 1946. It was the largest community-based canteen in the U.S. and one of the largest volunteer efforts during World War II.\n\nFischer recently spoke on the Senate floor to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the North Platte Canteen. Watch her remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-calls-on-cdc-to-provide-updates-on-public-health-readiness-ahead-of-mass-travel-for-world-cup/", "title": "Gillibrand Calls On CDC To Provide Updates On Public Health Readiness Ahead Of Mass Travel For World Cup", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to provide updates to the public, providers, and Congress regarding public health readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.\n\nWith millions of international visitors expected across the country amid deadly outbreaks of hantavirus and Ebola abroad, Senator Gillibrand emphasized the importance of comprehensive plans to detect, identify, and respond to potential infectious diseases.\n\nIn a letter to Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya and ASPR Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response John Knox, Senator Gillibrand called out the dangers of disease spread at an event as massive as the World Cup, writing, “The scale of international travel associated with the World Cup presents unique public health challenges that warrant substantial coordination. Infectious diseases do not respect borders, and with millions of people expected to attend the World Cup, we must be proactive to safeguard our nation’s public health.”\n\nWith millions of travelers in international airports, public transit systems, hotels, stadiums, and other high-density settings providing opportunities for diseases to spread, Gillibrand pushed the CDC and ASPR to engage with “local, state, and national partners, in addition to international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) who is crucial to identifying and understanding threats, as well as monitoring and responding to potential outbreaks.”\n\nGillibrand closed by stressing the heightened risk that New Yorkers face during the tournament, writing that “as a major international hub and host city of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, New York State has a particular interest in ensuring the United States is fully prepared to respond to evolving infectious disease threats before they reach our communities. I urge CDC and ASPR to provide timely and transparent updates to the public, providers, and Congress regarding hantavirus and Ebola response efforts.”\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-and-mayor-spano-announce-over-1-million-for-yonkers-water-infrastructure-pushes-for-fy27-funding/", "title": "Senator Gillibrand And Mayor Spano Announce Over $1 Million For Yonkers Water Infrastructure, Pushes For FY27 Funding", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Gillibrand Celebrates $1.1M Secured for Forest Avenue Water Main Repair;\n\nAnnounces Push for Funding for Midland Avenue Project to Keep Water Flowing During Planned 2032 Suspension of Yonkers’ Connection to the Lower Catskill Aqueduct\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stood with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to announce a major federal investment in the city’s drinking water infrastructure. Gillibrand celebrated $1,092,000 she secured in the FY26 appropriations bill to repair the critical Forest Avenue water main. Additionally, Gillibrand announced her ongoing push to secure funding in the FY27 appropriations bill for the Midland Avenue Transmission Water Main project. This initiative is necessary to help prevent a massive water crisis ahead of federal deadlines for water quality compliance and a planned 2032 suspension, for repairs, of Yonkers’ connection to the Lower Catskill Aqueduct, which supplies 45% of the city’s daily domestic water and firefighting supply.\n\nThe Forest Avenue Transmission Main is an 8-inch cast iron water main running directly beneath the heavily traveled Interstate 87 (Major Deegan Expressway) near the Bronx border. It serves as a critical link between the west and east portions of Yonkers’ southern high-service distribution system. The existing century-old Midland Avenue water main is heavily obstructed and severely undersized, leaving the city vulnerable to upcoming regional infrastructure shutdowns.\n\n“Access to clean, reliable drinking water is a fundamental right, and we cannot allow aging infrastructure to put Yonkers families and businesses at risk,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to have secured over $1 million in federal funding to fix the critical water main breakdown at Forest Avenue, but our work isn’t done. I am fighting to secure additional funding for the Midland Avenue project. This funding is essential not only to meet federal environmental standards, but also to ensure that 18,000 residents, including thousands in underserved communities, have uninterrupted water and fire protection when the city’s connection to the Lower Catskill Aqueduct goes offline for repairs.”\n\n“Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for being a strong partner in helping Yonkers modernize critical infrastructure and ensure reliable water service for our families, businesses, and first responders,” said Mayor of Yonkers Mike Spano. “Reliable water service is something every Yonkers resident depends on, whether they think about it or not. Together, we can continue to advocate for the resources we need to protect our water supply, strengthen fire protection, and support the future growth of our city.”\n\n“Every person in our country should have peace of mind knowing their water is safe and clean every time they turn on the faucet. I’m proud to have secured $1,092,000 for the Forest Avenue project through the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process alongside Senator Gillibrand for the people of New York’s 16th District. I look forward to continuing this work for Yonkers in the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process, including through the $746,868 for the Midland Avenue project included in the House Appropriations Committee draft bill,” said Congressman George Latimer.\n\n“As our water infrastructure continues to age, it is critical that we invest in the health and safety of our residents to ensure that safe drinking water and fire protection is available to all, we thank the Senator for her continuous hard work in securing funding to complete these projects,” said Yonkers Department of Public Works Commissioner Thomas G. Meier.\n\nThe City of Yonkers relies entirely on the New York City Water Supply System, distributed through an aging network of cast iron pipes. Decades of wear have left the city’s water distribution system vulnerable, threatening the daily water supply and fire protection for thousands of residents, local healthcare facilities, and major commercial hubs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-pushes-to-protect-graduate-education-programs-that-create-critical-workforce-pipelines/", "title": "Senator Gillibrand Pushes To Protect Graduate Education  Programs That Create Critical Workforce Pipelines", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stood with Binghamton University President Dr. Anne D’Alleva to advocate for the protection of graduate education programs that fuel critical workforce pipelines. Gillibrand highlighted her upcoming Senate legislation, the Professional Student Degree Act, which would expand the statutory definition of a “professional degree” to include qualifying graduate programs currently excluded by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The bill would help ensure financial stability for students and universities while strengthening essential workforce pipelines.\n\nCurrently, the ED’s implementation of federal student loan provisions under H.R.1 creates an immediate “loan cliff” for certain graduate degrees. By narrowing the definition of a “professional degree” to just 11 eligible programs, the current framework severely limits financial access for graduate programs in fields already facing severe labor shortages. Students in these newly designated “non-professional” programs face annual student loan caps that are $30,000 lower, and aggregate limits $100,000 lower, than students in designated professional tracks.\n\nThe Professional Student Degree Act would correct this imbalance by adding several graduate programs in areas such as nursing, education, and public health to the federal list of professional degrees eligible for higher borrowing limits. The department’s current definition excludes these and other critical fields, limiting students’ ability to secure the federal loans needed to complete their education and threatening to worsen nationwide workforce shortages, particularly in healthcare.\n\n“The Professional Student Degree Act would ensure that students pursuing nursing, education, and public health degrees are no longer penalized with lower loan borrowing limits,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill would expand the definition of what constitutes a professional degree, giving students in these fields access to the financial resources they need to complete their education and begin their professional lives helping others.”\n\n“The Professional Student Degree Act is vital and necessary legislation to ensure that students have access to programs that produce qualified and skilled professionals in healthcare fields facing critical shortages,” said Binghamton University President Anne D’Alleva. “The University is proud to have talented faculty and staff who lead these programs and help develop the next generation of professionals to provide care to New Yorkers. I am grateful for Senator Gillibrand’s leadership on this issue as well as her longstanding support of Binghamton University and its commitment to learning, research, economic development, and community engagement,” said Binghamton University President Anne D’Alleva.\n\n“Without our healthcare workers, we would not be healthy nor would we have the important research to help our communities have a better quality of life. It is critical that we provide expanded opportunities for talented young people to start their journey in this profession. When we talk about maternal mortality and the impacts on marginalized communities, it is crucial that solutions are centered in addressing the disparities such as racial, gender, economic, and others that exist in the healthcare workforce. Ensuring financial stability for students and universities while strengthening essential workforce pipelines means that we can work towards closing these gaps and encourage more eager students to join the healthcare field,” said New York State Senator Lea Webb.\n\n“I would like to thank Senator Gillibrand for introducing the Professional Student Degree Act and for visiting our community today. Nursing, education, and public health are vitally important career paths that deserve to be part of the professional degree designation. At a time when New York and other states are facing workforce shortages in these fields, we should be removing barriers that play no useful purpose. I hope this bill gains the support it needs for passage,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.\n\nDespite receiving significant backlash during the public comment period, ED finalized the current borrower rules on April 30, 2026, and announced the caps on federal loans will go into effect on July 1, 2026, failing to account for workforce shortages, especially in healthcare. Without a statutory or legislative fix, students entering these costly but essential degree programs will be priced out of the workforce, further destabilizing already high-need professions.\n\nThe bill has been endorsed by the American Academy of Audiology, American Academy of Physician Associate, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Council on Education, American Institute of Architects, American Institute of Architecture Students, American Physical Therapy Association, Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Columbia University, Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities, Dominican University New York, National Architectural Accrediting Board, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, National Organization of Minority Architects, New York Medical College, Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), Physician Assistant Education Association, Yale University, and Binghamton University, State University of New York.\n\nRepresentative Mike Lawler (R-NY) currently leads the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-visits-the-mt-van-hoevenberg-olympic-sports-complex-reaffirms-new-york-states-interest-in-pursuing-olympic-bid-2/", "title": "Senator Gillibrand Celebrates $1 Million For Arts Center Lake Placid", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Federal Funding Will Expand the 50-Year-Old Campus into a State-of-the-Art Creative Hub and Early Childhood Education Complex\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stood with officials to celebrate the $1 million she secured for the institution in the FY2026 Agriculture-Rural Development funding bill. The $1 million will be used to modernize and expand the center’s 50-year-old annex facility to create a new arts and early childhood education complex.\n\n“I am proud to have secured more than $250 million in funding for essential projects across New York State, including $1 million for Arts Center Lake Placid,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will directly benefit North Country residents and the entire arts community who know the center to be at the forefront of arts programming and exhibitions. I look forward to seeing the center’s new expanded space and programming, and I will continue to work tirelessly to make sure families, workers, artists, and businesses in New York State have what they need to succeed.”\n\n“Senator Gillibrand continues to be a champion for the North Country and Arts Center Lake Placid (formally Lake Placid the Center for the Arts). In addition to the $1 million appropriation from 2025, Senator Gillibrand and her team helped to secure an additional $1 million for LPCA from the Northern Border Regional Commission. The $2 million in funds will be transformational to the region and our organization, allowing us to expand access to quality arts and early childhood education to local residents and protect the incredible cultural heritage of the North Country. Senator Gillibrand’s leadership continues to underscore the essential role that arts and culture play in strengthening communities—simultaneously creating lucrative economic advancements while fostering expression, learning, and support for artists and organizations alike,” said James Lemons, Executive Director of Arts Center Lake Place.\n\nArts Center Lake Placid is a year-round community arts center that serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the Adirondack region, offering a diverse range of programming and educational opportunities. This funding will be used to renovate and build out the center’s facilities, bolstering its already robust live entertainment offerings that include theater productions, music concerts, dance performances, and film screenings. The renovation will also include a new education complex that will house early childhood education classrooms, arts education studios, and office workspace for additional nonprofits.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-blanche-nomination", "title": "Grassley Statement on Blanche Nomination", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released the following statement:\n\n“Today, the Senate received President Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche to be United States Attorney General. Maintaining the Department of Justice’s ability to protect Americans from crime and hold criminals accountable is essential for the safety of American families. I’ve worked well with Acting Attorney General Blanche for more than a year and appreciate his commitment to transparency and support for law enforcement. Blanche is well-qualified and has shown his dedication to restoring law and order across our country. The Senate Judiciary Committee’s work to process Blanche’s nomination is underway.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-rubio-and-hegseth-warn-of-devastating-fisa-expiration-call-on-democrats-to-support-bipartisan-cotton-grassley-reauthorization-bill", "title": "ICYMI: Rubio and Hegseth Warn of ‘Devastating’ FISA Expiration, Call on Democrats to Support Bipartisan Cotton-Grassley Reauthorization Bill", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Ahead of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s (FISA) expiration date on June 12, senior administration officials are urging Capitol Hill to take immediate action to pass the bipartisan Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chairmen of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, respectively, in close collaboration with Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Mark Warner (D-Va.).\n\nThe Cotton-Grassley bill reauthorizes FISA for three years, allowing the federal government to continue to collect foreign intelligence information while enacting key changes that protect Americans’ privacy. The legislation includes all six reforms passed by the House of Representatives in April, in addition to further accountability measures. The Trump administration endorsed the bill last week.\n\nFISA is a critical component in the U.S.’s counterterrorism and national security efforts. Grassley and Cotton wrote to Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio over the weekend urging the administration to prepare in the event of a lapse in FISA authorities due to Democrat obstruction.\n\nHere’s what administration officials are saying in response:\n\nSecretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio:\n\n“Despite the strong reforms that congressional Democrats helped craft, I am deeply disappointed to see them walk away from the legislation over political differences. This Administration has gone above and beyond in implementing every reform in 2024 reauthorization, and there is no evidence of any political abuse or misuse of Section 702 under President Trump. This Administration—and every single appointee—is committed to protecting Americans’ constitutional rights both in current law and through the additional safeguards contained in your legislation.\n\n“You know that allowing Section 702 to lapse will be devastating to our national security; your Democrat colleagues know that too. The security and constitutional rights of the American people are too important to be subject to partisan politics. I urge Senate Democrats to put partisanship aside and join you in reauthorizing Section 702 before it is too late.”\n\nSecretary of War Pete Hegseth: “The bipartisan Senate reauthorization strengthens both security and civil liberties by adding new safeguards, increasing transparency, expanding congressional oversight, imposing criminal penalties for misuse, and enhancing protections for Americans’ constitutional rights.\n\n“Democrats are choosing to halt action on reauthorization, undermining national security and putting politics ahead of the safety of the American people. At a time of growing threats around the world, Congress should be strengthening the tools that protect our nation—not weakening them. We call on Senator Schumer and Senator Warner to bring Senate Democrats back to the table with Senate Republicans and pass this critical piece of legislation.\n\n“Reauthorizing Section 702 is about protecting Americans’ privacy and protecting Americans’ security. We can—and must—do both.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-hassan-cassidy-and-colleagues-introduce-historic-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-child-literacy", "title": "Senators Hassan, Cassidy, and Colleagues Introduce Historic Bipartisan Bill to Improve Child Literacy", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development (READ) Act to improve all children’s ability to read, empowering them to achieve the American Dream.\n\n“In the greatest country in the world, we cannot resign ourselves to the fact that many children still struggle to read at grade level and that only one in three students leave high school as proficient readers,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill will build on the extensive research that shows how students learn to read most effectively and will help make those tools available for teachers to use in their classrooms. We must come together to prioritize our children’s success, and I urge my colleagues to work with me on this bipartisan effort.”\n\n“Capable students are dropping out of high school simply because they were never taught how to read. Children with dyslexia are extremely bright, but without early testing and proper resources, they are being left behind,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s learn from states like Louisiana and implement proven reforms so every child has the power to read and reach their full potential.”\n\n“There's no skill more fundamental than reading,” said Senator Hickenlooper. \"Literacy programs are some of the best investments we can make for kids, and for Colorado's future.”\n\n“Literacy is one of the most valuable tools in life we can give students, but our nation is seeing a decline in reading outcomes,” said Senator Scott. “The READ Act strengthens federal literacy grants and helps our education system return to proven, evidence-based reading practices, which is especially important for kids growing up in low-income communities like I did. This bill is about making sure our youth have the high-quality education they deserve to succeed in life and unlock their God-given potential.”\n\n“I am the product of a good public education, and every kid deserves that. If we want our kids to get ahead, we need to invest in the teachers, parents, and schools helping them get there,” said Senator Kelly. “This bill is a step towards every kid having an opportunity to succeed, whether they want to join the military, go into public service, or just a build a good life.”\n\nThis legislation aims to address the national literacy crisis by strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction, requiring early literacy screening, and empowering states, local communities, and parents with more resources.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nRead the full one-pager here.\n\nRead the full section-by-section here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-op-ed-reca-compensation-soars-past-100-million-overdue-justice-for-missourians/", "title": "Hawley Op-Ed: RECA Compensation Soars Past $100 Million, Overdue Justice for Missourians", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) authored the following op-ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch following a major milestone for his expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which began paying out benefits to survivors and their families in Missouri last year. Read the full op-ed here or below.\n\nOur state just passed a major milestone. The federal government has now paid out more than $100 million to the Missouri families poisoned by their government’s reckless handling of nuclear waste. Nothing can make up for the pain and suffering that radiation survivors have endured at the hands of their own government. But this compensation, made possible by the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), provides a measure of relief— and a measure of justice. The application window is still open, and my office stands ready to assist survivors with their claims.\n\nMissourians from across the St. Louis region who have received RECA compensation – often a lump sum payment of $50,000 – have shared their experiences with my office. One constituent from St. Charles wrote to me recently to describe the difference RECA has made in her life: “The RECA payment is helping with paying for my cancer treatment that Medicare doesn’t cover. I am no longer so stressed knowing I have the extra money so when I do finally leave this Earth, I hopefully won’t leave my husband with a boatload of debt for my cancer care.” Another from Warrenton called it “a true blessing to my income to comfortably live out my final years.” Survivors have waited a long time for this relief.\n\nThe story of RECA begins between World War II and the end of the Cold War, when the U.S. government oversaw a sprawling network of nuclear research, production, and waste sites. Because these were spread across the country, dozens of communities from Alaska to Tennessee were affected and have suffered huge spikes in cancer and other radiation-related diseases.\n\nMissouri was one such place. It played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project— nearly all the uranium that was used for the first atomic bombs was dumped in downtown St. Louis in the 1940s. Over the years, it leached out, contaminating the environment and poisoning local residents. For generations, Missourians in affected parts of St. Louis and St. Charles counties have suffered from dramatically elevated rates of cancer as a result.\n\nThe worst part? The federal government refused to acknowledge its wrongdoing. For decades, the government covered up the harms that it had done to Missourians and citizens across the nation. Meanwhile, the residents of St. Louis were living in contaminated homes and sending their children to contaminated schools.\n\nIt wasn’t until 1990 that Congress started to remedy this injustice. Senator Orrin Hatch’s Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) passed that year, establishing a fund to compensate Americans who had been poisoned. This was an important accomplishment—but it was only a first step. Coverage was limited to certain counties in the Southwest that had been exposed to fallout from nuclear tests. Not included were the other places where radioactive material had been improperly processed, stored, and ultimately disposed.\n\nCongress finally passed my expanded version of RECA in July of last year covering Missouri and other states that had been left out of the original program. As a result, residents from our state who have struggled for decades with radiation-linked disease and–in some tragic cases–watched their loved ones pass away now qualify for compensation.\n\nThis issue goes beyond politics. A RECA claimant from the area wrote me, “I don’t think I could disagree with you more on most political issues. That being said, I can’t thank you enough for your support for extending the RECA claims to Missouri.” He continued to explain that his wife recently had a double mastectomy and is currently undergoing chemo treatments. “Because of her age, breast cancer is an anomaly because she has no family history of it,” he wrote, “But she grew up in Ferguson next to Coldwater Creek. This was most likely the cause of her cancer.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/schiff-kaine-schumer-lead-35-senate-democrats-in-pressing-trump-on-legal-basis-for-justifying-claim-that-hostilities-in-iran-have-terminated", "title": "Schiff, Kaine, Schumer Lead 35 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 35 Senate Democrats are refuting the Trump administration’s claim in a May 1 letter to Congress that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 in Iran have “terminated” and requesting President Donald Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting this claim.\n\nThe Senators emphasize that the already unconstitutional war in Iran has violated its statutory deadline set by the War Powers Act and argue that the ongoing naval operations, bombings, blockades, and strike campaigns that have been ongoing since February 28 continue to constitute hostilities.\n\n“Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators point out that the continued deployment of troops, ongoing strikes, and an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz rebut the claim that hostilities have terminated after the April 7 ceasefire. Senators Schiff and Kaine, joined by several of their colleagues, have forced numerous votes in the Senate on the War Powers Resolution, including asserting the 60-day statutory clock, triggered by a notification to Congress, had run out on the president’s ongoing use of military force, in addition to being unconstitutional from the start.\n\n“Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires...It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Schiff, Kaine, and Schumer the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write to express our strong disagreement with the legal justification presented in your May 1, 2026, notification to Congress pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, regarding the authority to conduct war against Iran. The notification stands in sharp contrast with the text of the War Powers Resolution, the relevant legislative history, domestic and international law, and past interpretations made by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) and the State Department under Administrations of both parties. We also request that you make public the OLC opinion justifying the administration’s claim that U.S.-Iran hostilities were determined to be “terminated” for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, and any OLC opinion justifying the use of military force against Iran without congressional authorization.\n\nYour May 1 notification falsely stated that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.” This statement was repeated by Secretary Hegseth in his April 30 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee when he asserted that after the April 7 ceasefire announcement, the administration’s “understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.” This argument fails to account for the facts and actions of the parties to the conflict. The ongoing naval operations and related efforts to conduct a blockade against Iran constitute hostilities. Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations.\n\nAt that time, the President is compelled to promptly remove forces from the situation without Congressional intervention or a physical, domestic attack.\n\nFurthermore, legislative history demonstrates Congress’ clear intent for these terms (“hostilities” and “imminent involvement in hostilities”), which are to be understood broadly, to establish a low threshold for both the reporting and withdrawal provisions of the War Powers Resolution. The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s report on the Resolution explains that “the word hostilities was substituted for the phrase armed conflict during the subcommittee drafting process because it was considered to be somewhat broader in scope...hostilities encompasses a state of confrontation in which no shots have been fired but where there is clear and present danger of armed conflict.” That describes the Iran War starting on February 28, 2026, and continuing to today regardless of a declaration of ceasefire.\n\nGiven the discrepancy between the requirements of the War Powers Resolution and the continued use of American forces in the Strait of Hormuz and throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, it is critical for Congress to understand the Executive Branch’s legal basis for its exceedingly narrow interpretation of “hostilities,” and “any use of armed forces.” Since February 28, 2026, your administration has maintained a force presence of thousands of U.S. servicemembers in the region, blockaded Iranian ports (including using military force to seize vessels), and continued to interrupt global supply chains and increase the cost of living on all Americans. On May 8, 2026, Central Command publicly confirmed that over 15,000 troops are forward deployed, and over 200 aircraft and 20 warships are enforcing an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Even after your notification to Congress indicating that hostilities had “terminated” on May 1, 2026, you accurately referred on May 4, 2026, to the war with Iran in the present tense, saying “we have a war right now.”\n\nWe have established that the United States and Iran’s continued posture of a state of military confrontation is itself sufficient to constitute ongoing hostilities under the text and legislative history of the War Powers Resolution. The Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual affirms that a declared ceasefire alone does not mean an end to war and hostilities, the current ceasefire “is not a partial or temporary peace; it is only the suspension of military operations to the extent agreed upon by the parties to the conflict. War as a legal state of hostilities between parties may continue, despite the conclusion of an armistice agreement.”\n\nMoreover, despite the stated ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange fire on several occasions since April 7. And even if they had not exchanged fire, the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in itself further constitutes hostilities. The Supreme Court, the Department of Defense, and OLC all have published opinions confirming that they unequivocally consider a blockade to be a belligerent act and an act of war. As the Supreme Court held in the Prize Cases in 1862, the “proclamation of blockade is itself official and conclusive evidence to the Court that a state of war exist[s].” The Commander of U.S. Central Command himself recently acknowledged in his May 14 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that an international armed conflict continued to exist due to the ongoing blockade.\n\nCongress has a recent and directly applicable legal opinion from your administration on how to interpret what it means for hostilities to cease. On April 21, 2026, the State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser published a statement that notes that, “any assessment of whether an armed conflict has ended must be fact-based, taking into account both the intentions and the actions of the parties to the conflict.” The Legal Adviser argued that the fact of ongoing ceasefire or peace negotiations did not in itself constitute the termination of hostilities. Instead, he stated that a credible intention to end hostilities, and an absence of parties planning or threatening further military engagements should diplomacy fail, is required to indicate an end to hostilities. Given that Secretary Hegseth has consistently argued that U.S. forces are “locked and loaded” and are “ready to go at the command of our President and at the push of a button,” it cannot be credibly argued that the current ceasefire meets the test set forward by the State Department’s Legal Adviser for constituting an end to hostilities.\n\nWe would not need to discuss the War Powers Resolution if this were a war authorized by Congress, but it is not. Our view, supported by law and history and consistent with even past Executive Branch practice taking a far broader view of the President’s authority, is that the current war violates our Constitution’s separation of powers. Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires.\n\nThe facts, history, and law affirm that the hostilities that began on February 28 are active and ongoing, in violation of international law and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. There is no justification to interpret military actions that would “restart,” “unpause,” or begin a new 60-day clock. Rather, hostilities have continued since February 28 and never terminated; the 60-day clock specified in the War Powers Resolution does not have a pause button. It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-cassidy-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-child-literacy/", "title": "Kelly, Cassidy, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Child Literacy", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development (READ) Act to improve all children’s ability to read.\n\nThe legislation is a part of Kelly’s efforts to protect public education for all students, no matter what zip code they live in. Earlier this year, Kelly introduced the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act after warning the country about Arizona’s costly and unaccountable private school voucher program.\n\n“I am the product of a good public education, and every kid deserves that. If we want our kids to get ahead, we need to invest in the teachers, parents, and schools helping them get there,” said Kelly. “This bill is a step towards every kid having an opportunity to succeed, whether they want to join the military, go into public service, or just a build a good life.”\n\n“Capable students are dropping out of high school simply because they were never taught how to read. Children with dyslexia are extremely bright, but without early testing and proper resources, they are being left behind,” said Cassidy. “Let’s learn from states like Louisiana and implement proven reforms so every child has the power to read and reach their full potential.”\n\n“In the greatest country in the world, we cannot resign ourselves to the fact that many children still struggle to read at grade level and that only one in three students leave high school as proficient readers,” said Hassan. “This bipartisan bill will build on the extensive research that shows how students learn to read most effectively and will help make those tools available for teachers to use in their classrooms. We must come together to prioritize our children’s success, and I urge my colleagues to work with me on this bipartisan effort.”\n\n“There’s no skill more fundamental than reading,” said Hickenlooper. “Literacy programs are some of the best investments we can make for kids, and for Colorado’s future.”\n\n“Literacy is one of the most valuable tools in life we can give students, but our nation is seeing a decline in reading outcomes,”saidScott. “The READ Act strengthens federal literacy grants and helps our education system return to proven, evidence-based reading practices, which is especially important for kids growing up in low-income communities like I did. This bill is about making sure our youth have the high-quality education they deserve to succeed in life and unlock their God-given potential.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development (READ) Act aims to address declining literacy rates by strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction, requiring early literacy screening, and empowering states, local communities and parents with more available resources.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-joins-democratic-colleagues-in-pressing-trump-on-legal-basis-for-claim-that-hostilities-in-iran-have-terminated/", "title": "Kelly Joins Democratic Colleagues in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 34 other Senate Democrats in refuting the Trump administration’s claim that the hostilities in Iran have “terminated” and request President Donald Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting this claim.\n\nThe Senators emphasized that the already unconstitutional war in Iran has violated its statutory deadline set by the War Powers Resolution and argue that the ongoing naval operations, bombings, blockades, and strike campaigns that have been ongoing since February 28 continue to constitute hostilities.\n\n“Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations,” the senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators pointed out that the continued deployment of troops, ongoing strikes, and an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz rebut the claim that hostilities terminated after the April 7 ceasefire.\n\n“Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude—including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs—without authorization from Congress as Article I requires. […] It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner,” the senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Kelly, Schiff, Kaine, and Schumer, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-warren-press-trump-admin-to-support-american-workers-by-reinstating-port-fees-on-chinese-ships/", "title": "Kelly, Warren Press Trump Admin to Support American Workers by Reinstating Port Fees on Chinese Ships", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“A strong domestic shipping industry is essential for our national security, especially in moments of global conflict.”\n\nRead in Bloomberg: Democrats Press Trump to Hike Port Fees on Chinese Ships\n\nSenators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) urged United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to protect American workers and promote domestic ship manufacturing by reinstating the Trade Act of 1974’s Section 301 port fees on Chinese ships.\n\nLast year, Kelly and Senator Todd Young (R-IN), alongside Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), introduced the SHIPS for America Act to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. Warren is a co-sponsor of the legislation.\n\nThe letter comes on the heels of Kelly and Young, alongside Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Tim Scott (R-SC), calling on President Trump to stand strong on shipbuilding and not offer concessions to China in his summit with President Xi.\n\n“Section 301 port fees are critical to revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding. Presidents of both parties have long recognized the serious threat that Chinese shipbuilding dominance poses to the United States, and…[these] fees and restrictions on Chinese vessels would have protected American shipbuilding businesses and workers,” wrote the senators.\n\nIn 2000, China produced less than 5 percent of commercial ships. Last year, Chinese ships accounted for more than half of commercial ships produced worldwide. At the same time, U.S. shipyard production accounted for only 0.1% of global production, leaving America’s economy reliant on Chinese ships.\n\nPresidents of both parties have acted to counter Chinese shipbuilding dominance, investigating China’s targeting of maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding. As a result of a Biden-era investigation, the Trump administration initially proposed fees on Chinese-owned and operated ships. The prospect of these fees led to a 23.5 percent decrease in orders at Chinese shipyards in just nine months.\n\nBut President Trump’s reckless trade war reversed this progress. China imposed its own fees on U.S. ships and massive tariffs on critical minerals used in military technology and semiconductors. As a result, the Trump administration made several concessions—including suspending the shipping fees and restrictions for one year—so China would drop its restrictions on critical minerals. Within days, the backlog of orders on hand at Chinese ports rose 25 percent.\n\nEven since suspending the fees, the Trump administration has reiterated the need to “reclaim America’s maritime strength” and generate “demand for U.S.-built ships, shipyards, and mariners.”\n\n“The dire consequences of this consolidation have only become more evident since President Trump launched his war in Iran. […] Without significant investment in domestic shipbuilding capacity, the U.S. will find itself in the same position in future global conflicts. A strong domestic shipping industry is essential for our national security, especially in moments of global conflict,” concluded the senators.\n\nIn their letter, the senators urged Ambassador Greer to reinstate the fees and restrictions on Chinese ships entering U.S. ports, commit to keeping them in place, explain how the pause on fees is affecting American workers, and reveal whether the Trump administration secured any meaningful concessions from China for pausing the fees and restrictions.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-praises-chickasaw-nation-governor-anoatubby-on-retirement-after-four-decades-of-leadership/", "title": "Lankford Praises Chickasaw Nation Governor Anoatubby on Retirement After Four Decades of Leadership", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement following Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby’s announcement of his retirement.\n\n“Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation are both better today because of the service of Bill Anoatubby,” said Lankford. “For over four decades, he has led with honor, integrity, and the mantra of ‘what is good for the state of Oklahoma is good for the Chickasaw Nation and what is good for the Chickasaw Nation is good for the state of Oklahoma’. During Governor Anoatubby’s time in office, the Chickasaw Nation has utilized its sovereign authority to put in place countless health, educational, and economic resources benefiting not only the Chickasaw people but all Oklahomans. I’m grateful that during my time in office, I have been able to count Governor Anoatubby as a friend and someone I could call upon to talk through important issues impacting our state. He and Janice have more than earned this retirement together, and I know they look forward to many happy days together with the grandkids.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9BB8D1A8-19DD-4B09-B503-C7CDD8C57132", "title": "Graham Pushes Legislation to Strengthen Election Integrity, Stop Illegal Aliens from Voting", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) introduced the Election Security Partnership Act that would incentivize states to take action to prevent illegal aliens from voting in federal elections.\n\nUnder this legislation, states that submit their voter registration lists to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would receive supplemental federal funding. Through its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, DHS can identify non-citizens and other ineligible individuals listed on state voter rolls. Currently, twenty-six states, including South Carolina, have opted into the SAVE program. The Graham-Blackburn bill seeks to expand participation among outstanding states.\n\n“Free, fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our republic. However, Democrat-led states across the country have failed to enact common-sense election integrity measures to combat fraud and cheating,” said Senator Graham.\n\n“After millions of illegal aliens invaded our country during the Biden years, Americans want to know that only U.S. citizens are voting in our elections. I’m pleased to join Senator Blackburn in introducing this legislation to strengthen the integrity of and confidence in our elections.”\n\nThis legislation is a continuation of Graham’s efforts to bolster election integrity in South Carolina and around the country. Graham is an original cosponsor of the original SAVE Act and the updated SAVE America Act that requires voter ID and proof of citizenship in order to vote in federal elections. As Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Graham secured a vote on his SAVE America Act amendment during the Senate’s consideration of the Secure America Act.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-joins-schiff-kaine-schumer-34-senate-democrats-in-pressing-trump-on-legal-basis-for-justifying-claim-that-hostilities-in-iran-have-terminated/", "title": "Luján Joins Schiff, Kaine, Schumer, 34 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 34 Senate Democrats in refuting the Trump administration’s claim in a May 1 letter to Congress that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 in Iran have “terminated” and requesting President Donald Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting this claim.\n\nThe Senators emphasize that the already unconstitutional war in Iran has violated its statutory deadline set by the War Powers Act and argue that the ongoing naval operations, bombings, blockades, and strike campaigns that have been ongoing since February 28 continue to constitute hostilities.\n\n“Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators point out that the continued deployment of troops, ongoing strikes, and an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz rebut the claim that hostilities have terminated after the April 7 ceasefire. Senator Luján has joined Senator Schiff, Senator Kaine, and colleagues in numerous votes in the Senate on the War Powers Resolution, including asserting the 60-day statutory clock, triggered by a notification to Congress, had run out on the president’s ongoing use of military force, in addition to being unconstitutional from the start.\n\n“Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires…It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Luján, Schiff, Kaine, and Schumer the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write to express our strong disagreement with the legal justification presented in your May 1, 2026, notification to Congress pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, regarding the authority to conduct war against Iran. The notification stands in sharp contrast with the text of the War Powers Resolution, the relevant legislative history, domestic and international law, and past interpretations made by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) and the State Department under Administrations of both parties. We also request that you make public the OLC opinion justifying the administration’s claim that U.S.-Iran hostilities were determined to be “terminated” for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, and any OLC opinion justifying the use of military force against Iran without congressional authorization.\n\nYour May 1 notification falsely stated that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.” This statement was repeated by Secretary Hegseth in his April 30 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee when he asserted that after the April 7 ceasefire announcement, the administration’s “understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.” This argument fails to account for the facts and actions of the parties to the conflict. The ongoing naval operations and related efforts to conduct a blockade against Iran constitute hostilities. Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations.\n\nAt that time, the President is compelled to promptly remove forces from the situation without Congressional intervention or a physical, domestic attack.\n\nFurthermore, legislative history demonstrates Congress’ clear intent for these terms (“hostilities” and “imminent involvement in hostilities”), which are to be understood broadly, to establish a low threshold for both the reporting and withdrawal provisions of the War Powers Resolution. The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s report on the Resolution explains that “the word hostilities was substituted for the phrase armed conflict during the subcommittee drafting process because it was considered to be somewhat broader in scope…hostilities encompasses a state of confrontation in which no shots have been fired but where there is clear and present danger of armed conflict.” That describes the Iran War starting on February 28, 2026, and continuing to today regardless of a declaration of ceasefire.\n\nGiven the discrepancy between the requirements of the War Powers Resolution and the continued use of American forces in the Strait of Hormuz and throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, it is critical for Congress to understand the Executive Branch’s legal basis for its exceedingly narrow interpretation of “hostilities,” and “any use of armed forces.” Since February 28, 2026, your administration has maintained a force presence of thousands of U.S. servicemembers in the region, blockaded Iranian ports (including using military force to seize vessels), and continued to interrupt global supply chains and increase the cost of living on all Americans. On May 8, 2026, Central Command publicly confirmed that over 15,000 troops are forward deployed, and over 200 aircraft and 20 warships are enforcing an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Even after your notification to Congress indicating that hostilities had “terminated” on May 1, 2026, you accurately referred on May 4, 2026, to the war with Iran in the present tense, saying “we have a war right now.”\n\nWe have established that the United States and Iran’s continued posture of a state of military confrontation is itself sufficient to constitute ongoing hostilities under the text and legislative history of the War Powers Resolution. The Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual affirms that a declared ceasefire alone does not mean an end to war and hostilities, the current ceasefire “is not a partial or temporary peace; it is only the suspension of military operations to the extent agreed upon by the parties to the conflict. War as a legal state of hostilities between parties may continue, despite the conclusion of an armistice agreement.”\n\nMoreover, despite the stated ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange fire on several occasions since April 7. And even if they had not exchanged fire, the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in itself further constitutes hostilities. The Supreme Court, the Department of Defense, and OLC all have published opinions confirming that they unequivocally consider a blockade to be a belligerent act and an act of war. As the Supreme Court held in the Prize Cases in 1862, the “proclamation of blockade is itself official and conclusive evidence to the Court that a state of war exist[s].” The Commander of U.S. Central Command himself recently acknowledged in his May 14 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that an international armed conflict continued to exist due to the ongoing blockade.\n\nCongress has a recent and directly applicable legal opinion from your administration on how to interpret what it means for hostilities to cease. On April 21, 2026, the State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser published a statement that notes that, “any assessment of whether an armed conflict has ended must be fact-based, taking into account both the intentions and the actions of the parties to the conflict.” The Legal Adviser argued that the fact of ongoing ceasefire or peace negotiations did not in itself constitute the termination of hostilities. Instead, he stated that a credible intention to end hostilities, and an absence of parties planning or threatening further military engagements should diplomacy fail, is required to indicate an end to hostilities. Given that Secretary Hegseth has consistently argued that U.S. forces are “locked and loaded” and are “ready to go at the command of our President and at the push of a button,” it cannot be credibly argued that the current ceasefire meets the test set forward by the State Department’s Legal Adviser for constituting an end to hostilities.\n\nWe would not need to discuss the War Powers Resolution if this were a war authorized by Congress, but it is not. Our view, supported by law and history and consistent with even past Executive Branch practice taking a far broader view of the President’s authority, is that the current war violates our Constitution’s separation of powers. Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires.\n\nThe facts, history, and law affirm that the hostilities that began on February 28 are active and ongoing, in violation of international law and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. There is no justification to interpret military actions that would “restart,” “unpause,” or begin a new 60-day clock. Rather, hostilities have continued since February 28 and never terminated; the 60-day clock specified in the War Powers Resolution does not have a pause button. It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-scott-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-june-6th-as-national-naloxone-awareness-day", "title": "Senators Markey, Scott Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing June 6th as National Naloxone Awareness Day", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington (June 8, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) today led their Senate colleagues to introduce a bipartisan resolution designating June 6, 2026, as National Naloxone Awareness Day.\n\nIn addition to designating a national day for awareness, the resolution also states, “naloxone is a safe and effective medication that can reverse opioid overdoses and save lives when administered promptly” and “increasing access to naloxone can improve the chances of recovery for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder and support a future free from the grip of opioid use disorder.”\n\n“Too many families know the pain of losing a loved one to overdose. Naloxone is a vital tool that can save lives when people know where to get it, can afford it, and know how to use it. I’m proud once again to join my colleagues in recognizing June 6 as Naloxone Awareness Day. Today we redouble our commitment to getting this lifesaving medication to every community,” said Senator Markey.\n\n“America’s drug epidemic spares no party, family, or state. We all know someone who has been impacted by the heartbreak of losing a family member or friend to drugs, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Naloxone saves lives. The more we can do to increase awareness, access, and training for it, the more we can do to keep Americans alive and help them pull themselves out of the brutal cycle of substance abuse and addiction. Too many have lost brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters, and Congress should be focused on finding real solutions to combat this crisis,” said Senator Scott.\n\nAdditional cosponsors include Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Angus King (I-Maine), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev).\n\nRead the resolution text HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-we-have-the-tools-to-eradicate-the-new-world-screwworm/", "title": "Senator Marshall: We Have the Tools to Eradicate the New World Screwworm", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Newsmax’s Wake Up America with Sharla McBride and Marc Lotterto discuss eradicating the New World Screwworm, funding DHS and Border Patrol, and the work being done to support Kansas agriculture and lower input costs.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn passing funding for DHS and Border Patrol:\n\n“Well, Marc, we don’t have a choice — we need to fund Homeland Security, as well as ICE. I mean, we’re still having the repercussions of millions of people coming across that border illegally under Joe Biden. Not only does this stop the humans from coming across, but it funds border patrol, and that’s how we stop the fentanyl and all the illegal goods coming in. So, we don’t have a choice, they are getting really short on money, and I got confidence in the Speaker over there. He’ll get this across the finish line.”\n\nOn containing the New World Screwworm:\n\n“Yeah, Sharla, well we got this. We’ve been through this before — we eradicated the screwworm in 1966 and we’ll talk about this. But this is another thing we can thank Joe Biden for — that when millions of people came out of Central America, they brought this screwworm with them. It was on their pets, maybe on their flesh as well, but we had it contained to Central America. So, the good news is we got great treatments for this — ivermectin works on it, we’ve been through this before. But ultimately, what we have to do is raise more of these worms: sterile screwworm flies is what it amounts to. A female screwworm fly can only mate one time — this is kind of deep here — but they only mate one time and they die. So, what you do is you fill the environment with sterile males to do that, if that makes sense. So, we’ve known this for over a year, that it was headed this way. We’re making these flies in Central America now, and we have new labs going up in Texas and Mexico as well.”\n\nOn the screwworm’s impact on beef supply:\n\n“So, here’s the challenge before us — you’re right, the lowest cattle herd we’ve ever had in my lifetime, anyway, mainly due to the drought. But usually we import about a million live cattle from Mexico every year, so we shut down the borders because we saw this screwworm creeping this way. So, we harvest maybe 13 million — so maybe 1/13 of our beef supply comes from Mexico and fills our feedlots, and we’ve always inspected it. There’s no possibility that this screwworm can hurt humans, it requires live flesh to survive; I want to reemphasize that as well. So, what we have to do is get the screwworm under control, and then be able to let those cattle come across the border, because right now we’re missing about 1/13 of our supply of cattle.”\n\nOn Senator Marshall’s work to support Kansas agriculture:\n\n“Well, I think that the biggest challenge right now in farmland and rural America are the input costs — it’s fertilizers, and it’s also the price of diesel as well. But I just want to emphasize that we’re trying to do things to bring down the price of fertilizer, the White House is doing that, we could go through that list if you would like to. The diesel prices, we know is all tied to Iran, and the President is, you know, stuck between a rock and a hard place. But this president has done more for American agricultural, rural America than any president I’ve ever seen it — and with Republican-only votes. You think what we accomplished in the Working Family Tax Cuts bill — we added $65 billion to crop insurance and crop protection as well, we added $50 billion to a rural health transformation fund, we gave the farmers permanency on protection on a 199 tax deduction, as well as being able to write off interest and capital depreciation, as well — bonus depreciation. So, we’ve done a lot for the farmer, they’re still in need; we’ve given them $43 billion of farm aid so far, and we’re going to have to look at some more money to help them get through this trial because of the fertilizer prices. And by the way, one simple thing we could do is pass E15 year-round. It wouldn’t cost the federal government anything, and it would consume an extra 2 billion bushels of corn.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-murray-demand-trump-administration-restore-key-blm-roles/", "title": "Wyden, Merkley, Murray Demand Trump Administration Restore Key BLM Roles", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Oregon and Washington senators sound alarm on reassignment of Public Information Officers ahead of wildfire season\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., today demanded the Trump administration immediately reinstate 13 federal employees in Oregon and Washington state who received “reassignment letters” terminating their roles at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in May, with no apparent plan at the start of fire season to replace them.\n\nThe employees worked in BLM district offices as Public Affairs Officers or Public Information Officers often tasked with communicating life-saving information to communities about fire conditions and evacuations. Some of the employees were also designated ‘red card’ holders, qualifying them to support wildland firefighting operations.\n\n“It is extremely concerning that there are now zero on-the-ground, district level personnel to communicate critical public safety information to our constituents, the media, and local officials,” the senators wrote to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “Removing these employees…at the very start of fire season with no apparent plan to replace them leaves communities across our states without the information and resources they need to stay safe during fires; this may have life-threatening consequences.”\n\nWith record low snowpack and worsening drought, Oregon and Washington are facing a potentially historic wildfire season. Budget and staffing cuts by the Trump administration have left much of the West without the necessary resources and firefighting personnel it needs to prepare for and battle fires. These most recent cuts will make it even harder for local communities across Oregon and Washington to get up-to-date information about fires and evacuation notices.\n\nIn the words of one whistleblower, “As a long serving, fire-qualified member of the wildland fire community, I am deeply concerned by the loss of experienced, on-the-ground communicators from BLM district offices at the start of fire season. Public Affairs Specialists and Public Information Officers are not simply media contacts, they are trained members of the incident response system who help ensure communities receive timely evacuation notices, safety information, and updates during rapidly evolving emergencies.\n\nRemoving experienced fire-qualified personnel from these roles means losing decades of institutional knowledge, local relationships, and wildfire response experience when those skills are needed most. As Oregon and Washington face the potential for another severe fire season, reducing the capacity to communicate critical public safety information risks leaving communities less informed and less prepared during emergencies. Public information is a core component of wildfire response and weakening that capability has real consequences for public safety.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-colleagues-call-on-dot-inspector-general-to-open-investigation-into-secretary-sean-duffys-corporate-sponsored-great-american-road-trip/", "title": "Senator Murray, Colleagues Call on DOT Inspector General to open Investigation into Secretary Sean Duffy’s Corporate Sponsored “Great American Road Trip”", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), in sending a letter to call on the Department of Transportation Inspector General to open an official investigation into Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s involvement in the “Great American Road Trip” reality show which was paid for by the same corporations he is tasked with regulating.\n\nSenator Murray’s call to investigate comes after Secretary Duffy’s appearance at last month’s Senate Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing where he refused to answer basic questions about the arrangement. In May, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed a complaint against Secretary Duffy, contending that Duffy’s reality show production may have violated federal gift and travel rules.\n\n“We write to request that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) open an investigation into potential misconduct and violations of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy’s participation in ‘The Great American Road Trip’ reality show,” wrote the senators. “We respectfully request that you review new information that was raised during a U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on May 19, 2026. Specifically, during testimony before the Committee, Secretary Duffy suggested that ‘The Great American Road Trip’ was an official activity. Secretary Duffy stated: ‘This was officially part of America 250 and you all sanctioned America 250.’”\n\n“Secretary Duffy’s insistence that his participation in the ‘The Great American Road Trip’ was part of his official duties raises serious questions about use of funds and potential misconduct. A non-profit called the Great American Road Trip, Inc. organized and paid for ‘gas, lodging, car rentals, and other production costs’ associated with the show,” the senators continued. “We are concerned with this potential mix between personal and professional activities. If the road trip was personal, then it appears a Cabinet official spent several days over multiple months taking and filming a road trip that should have been paid for by the Secretary, but instead the Secretary accepted gas, lodging, and other travel expenses from a non-profit funded by the very companies the Secretary regulates. If it was official—as Secretary Duffy suggested before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee—then a number of DOT-regulated companies financed an official activity of the United States government through a non-profit pass-through.”\n\n“Many of the companies listed as sponsors are actively doing business with DOT or are directly regulated by DOT. As one company that declined the sponsorship opportunity put it, ‘you’re paying for access.’ Furthermore, the agreement between DOT and the non-profit was signed in December 2025, months after the filming for the series began in September 2025. It is important to know: what specific business did any of these sponsors have before DOT during this period? Who, if anyone, screened the sponsor list for potential conflicts?” The senators concluded. “We support celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, and encourage all Americans to explore our national parks, historical landmarks, and museums across the country this year and every year. Our concern lies with the sponsorship of the Secretary’s road trip and the serious questions it raises.”\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Behm:\n\nWe write to request that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) open an investigation into potential misconduct and violations of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy’s participation in “The Great American Road Trip” reality show.\n\nIn addition to the potential violations outlined in the attached May 11, 2026, complaint from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), we respectfully request that you review new information that was raised during a U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on May 19, 2026. Specifically, during testimony before the Committee, Secretary Duffy suggested that “The Great American Road Trip” was an official activity. Secretary Duffy stated: “This was officially part of America 250 and you all sanctioned America 250. … This is an official partner of America 250. Also this body told me that I’m supposed to promote tourism and travel, and that’s what it does as well.” The Secretary later reiterated: “If I’m going to celebrate America 250. You gave me the ability to partner with America 250 and I did. You told me, this body said to celebrate tourism and travel and that’s what I’m doing.”\n\nFurther, in a frequently asked questions document about the show, DOT states twice that “celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary is part of Secretary Duffy’s official duties, and The Great American Road Trip is one aspect in support of those responsibilities.” Even the White House’s website dedicated to America’s 250th Anniversary touts that DOT “is aiding in coordination of The Great American Road Trip, a year long, multi modal journey featuring designated Freedom 250 destinations.” As CREW’s President and CEO recently said, “The reason why people have questions is because [Duffy] has mixed his work with this quasipersonal, quasi-official travel.\n\nSecretary Duffy’s insistence that his participation in the “The Great American Road Trip” was part of his official duties raises serious questions about use of funds and potential misconduct. A non-profit called the Great American Road Trip, Inc. organized and paid for “gas, lodging, car rentals, and other production costs” associated with the show. The Great American Road Trip, Inc. lists “sponsors powering America’s road trip” on its website, including Boeing, Toyota, Shell, Electronic Payments Coalition, CRH, Google, Royal Caribbean Group, Travel, American Bus Association, Comcast NBCUniversal, Enterprise, United Airlines, U.S. Travel Association, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Yellowstone Vacations, Grand Canyon, and Brand USA.\n\nWe are concerned with this potential mix between personal and professional activities. If the road trip was personal, then it appears a Cabinet official spent several days over multiple months taking and filming a road trip that should have been paid for by the Secretary, but instead the Secretary accepted gas, lodging, and other travel expenses from a non-profit funded by the very companies the Secretary regulates. If it was official—as Secretary Duffy suggested before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee—then a number of DOT-regulated companies financed an official activity of the United States government through a non-profit pass-through.\n\nWe understand that the DOT and the Great American Road Trip Inc. entered into a memorandum of agreement that states that the non-profit will receive “no compensation for the Gift, its use by DOT or any DOT-authorized third party, nor any favorable consideration for any future federal assistance, action, contract, or other financial award.” However, the companies and organizations that provided sponsorship funding to the non-profit of up to $1 million or in-kind contributions were not subject to the same terms. Many of the companies listed as sponsors are actively doing business with DOT or are directly regulated by DOT. As one company that declined the sponsorship opportunity put it, “you’re paying for access.” Furthermore, the agreement between DOT and the non-profit was signed in December 2025, months after the filming for the series began in September 2025. It is important to know: what specific business did any of these sponsors have before DOT during this period? Who, if anyone, screened the sponsor list for potential conflicts?\n\nWe support celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, and encourage all Americans to explore our national parks, historical landmarks, and museums across the country this year and every year. Our concern lies with the sponsorship of the Secretary’s road trip and the serious questions it raises.\n\nWe respectfully request that you promptly investigate this matter and complete the investigation by September 30, 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-pushing-to-protect-georgias-specialty-crop-growers-from-unfair-imports-from-mexico/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Pushing to Protect Georgia’s Specialty Crop Growers from Unfair Imports from Mexico", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is pushing the Trump Administration to protect Georgia’s specialty crop growers from unfair imports from Mexico.\n\nSen. Ossoff is urging United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to address unfair labor and environmental practices in Mexican agriculture that force Georgia growers into unfair competition during this year’s U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) Review.\n\nA 2024 report from the University of Georgia observed “the fruits and vegetables industries face an additional challenge from cheaper imports from Mexico and South American countries produced during Georgia’s growing seasons.”\n\nAdditionally, agricultural wage rates in the United States are “five times to 14 times the average hourly agricultural wage in Mexico.”\n\n“Deplorable labor and environmental practices in Mexican agriculture exploit workers, damage the environment, risk food safety, and force conscientious American growers into unfair competition. I urge you to take all possible actions to address this issue during USMCA’s review to ensure that growers in Georgia and across the country can compete fairly in the global market,” Sen. Ossoff wrote.\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgia agriculture.\n\nLast month, Sen. Ossoff introduced the Farm Disaster Tax Cut Act to provide eligible farmers with a tax cut after natural disasters, revenue losses, or pest outbreaks.\n\nIn March, Sens. Ossoff and Ashley Moody (R-FL), alongside Rev. Raphael Warnock and Rick Scott (R-FL), introducedthe bipartisan Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026 to improve research and development for advanced agricultural technologies, including mechanization technology.\n\nAlso in March, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock announced more than $531 million in Hurricane Helene Federal relief for Georgia’s farmers after Sen. Ossoff successfully fought to pass a bipartisan disaster relief package in December 2024 that included $21 billion in agricultural disaster funding to help Georgia farmers recovering from the disastrous impacts of Hurricane Helene and farmers nationwide impacted by natural disasters.\n\nEarlier this year, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan Buying American Cotton Act of 2025 to incentivize retailers to sell products made with U.S. cotton to boost demand for cotton grown in the U.S., becoming the first Senate Democrat to back the bill.\n\nIn November 2025, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan Securing American Agriculture Act to decrease dependence on China for agricultural imports.\n\nIn September 2025, Sen. Ossoff joined lawmakers across the aisle to urge the United States Trade Representative to prioritize American pecan producers in ongoing trade negotiations with India.\n\nIn August 2025, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan United States Citrus Protection Act alongside Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) to support and protect Georgia’s citrus growers by banning imports of fresh citrus from China, which can often undercut domestic citrus producers and hurt the rapidly growing citrus industry in Georgia.\n\nIn 2024, Sen. Ossoff and Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) introduced the Protecting Our Produce Act to boost resources and support for Georgia specialty crop growers facing unfairly priced imports.\n\nClick here to read Sen. Ossoff’s inquiry.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-whitehouse-colleagues-sound-alarm-on-trump-administration-use-of-election-crimes-prosecutions-to-interfere-in-midterm-elections/", "title": "Padilla, Durbin, Whitehouse, Colleagues Sound Alarm on Trump Administration Use of Election Crimes Prosecutions to Interfere in Midterm Elections", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators call out DOJ’s quiet removal of long-standing election prosecution manual ahead of 2026 midterms\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights, led 21 Senate colleagues in demanding answers over the Trump Administration’s decision to remove the most recent version of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) website without explanation.\n\nIn their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators highlighted the alarming actions taken by the Administration regarding election interference, emphasizing that the removal of the manual from the DOJ website further prompts questions of President Trump’s election interference efforts. Of particular concern, the previous edition of the manual dating from 2017 stated that DOJ prosecutors should not seize voting materials until after an election had been certified.\n\n“The manual published by the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division has been easily publicly accessible on the Department’s Election Crimes Branch website in both Democratic and Republican Administrations,” wrote the Senators. “During President Trump’s first term, the manual was accompanied by a memorandum describing the Department’s longstanding election non-interference policy. While the manual underscores the importance of deterrence as the objective served by federal prosecutions of individuals who commit federal crimes in connection with an election, it also makes clear that ‘this deterrence is achieved by public awareness of the Department’s prosecutive interest in, and prosecution of, election fraud—not through interference with the process itself.’”\n\nThe Senators questioned Acting Attorney General Blanche on the Administration’s motivations for removing the manual from the DOJ website and any efforts to restore it. They further requested clarification from the Administration to understand any outside influences or partisan political motives. The oversight letter asked whether revisions will be included and if Trump’s allies will contribute to those revisions.\n\nThe removal of this DOJ guidance comes as the Administration has threatened election takeover efforts which will result in voter suppression across the country, especially in this year’s midterm elections. The Senators further warned that the removal of the manual paves the way for politically motivated legal actions by the Trump Administration in advance of the midterm elections.\n\n“While the Department’s ongoing voter roll lawsuits are failing across the country, we are concerned that those efforts, which were calculated to compel states into inaccurately purging voters, may be the pretext for more meritless pre- and post-election challenges, including interfering with election certification,” continued the Senators. “Similarly, unsubstantiated claims by DOJ leadership of ‘tens of thousands noncitizens on voter rolls’ are reckless, as time and again, those claims have been refuted by findings that many individuals are falsely identified as noncitizens, and the extremely rare appearance of noncitizen registrants on the voter rolls or the even more extremely rare cases of noncitizen voters are often due to bureaucratic errors or misunderstandings about eligibility, as opposed to intentional fraud.”\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Durbin, and Whitehouse, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, Padilla has consistently challenged the Trump Administration’s illegal election takeover efforts. Padilla introduced the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, which would place restrictions on the Administration’s attempts to implement any unlawful voter restrictions. In February, Padilla held a spotlight forum on stopping Trump’s attempts to take over federal elections, the third in the series titled “Protecting the Future of American Democracy.”\n\nThe full letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nWe write regarding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ or Department) decision to remove the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual, now in its eighth edition, from the Department’s website without explanation.\n\nIn the context of other alarming actions taken by the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice, including pursuing politically-motivated investigations at the direction of the White House; implementing drastic changes to the longstanding mission of the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section; suing 30 states for unrestricted access to their voter rolls; and making unprecedented demands for ballots, election equipment, and names of election workers, the removal of this manual continues to raise the alarm about DOJ’s involvement in the upcoming midterm elections for partisan political purposes. We urge you to confirm the Department’s adherence to the principles outlined in the manual and be transparent about what, if any, changes the Department is making to this longstanding policy to protect elections from political interference.\n\nThe manual published by the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division has been easily publicly accessible on the Department’s Election Crimes Branch website in both Democratic and Republican Administrations. During President Trump’s first term, the manual was accompanied by a memorandum describing the Department’s longstanding election non-interference policy. While the manual underscores the importance of deterrence as the objective served by federal prosecutions of individuals who commit federal crimes in connection with an election, it also makes clear that “this deterrence is achieved by public awareness of the Department’s prosecutive interest in, and prosecution of, election fraud—not through interference with the process itself.” The Amundson Memo similarly provides clear directives reaffirming guidance provided under former Attorney General William Barr that prosecutors and investigators “may never select the timing of public statements (attributed or not), investigative steps, criminal charges, or any other action in any matter or case for the purpose of affecting any election, or for the purpose of giving an advantage or disadvantage to any candidate or political party.”\n\nThe manual is also still cited in the Justice Manual, a critical reference guide for U.S. Attorneys and other DOJ prosecutors, which states:\n\nWhere a criminal or national security investigation during an election cycle is at issue, the Department must also be careful to adhere to longstanding policies regarding the timing of charges or taking overt investigative steps. See, e.g., U.S. Dept. of Justice, Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses 8-9, 84–85 (8th ed. 2017).\n\nRecent reports have indicated that the number of attorneys in DOJ’s Public Integrity Section has been reduced from 36 to two. In addition, in early April, former Republican congressman Dan Bishop was appointed as the Department’s chief election fraud prosecutor with nationwide authority to pursue the President’s debunked claims of widespread voting fraud. Around that same time, you hired 2020 election conspiracist Joe DiGenova as Counsel to pursue politically motivated prosecutions, who has in turn apparently hired Kurt Olsen, a former White House election czar previously sanctioned for misleading courts in election cases.\n\nFollowing these developments, we need to better understand the extent to which the Department’s investigations are being influenced by partisan political motives. Given Department leadership’s public enthusiasm for working with Republicans in Congress on issues related to elections, including agreeing to demands that DOJ bring legal action to force states to redraw congressional lines, even after citizens in their states have already voted, we expect complete answers to the following straightforward questions:\n\nWhy was the most recent edition of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual taken down? Will you commit to restoring it to the DOJ website?\n\nIf withdrawn for revisions, what revisions are being contemplated? Who at the Department is leading that process? What is the estimated date of completion?\n\nHas any DOJ employee, political appointee, or contractor involved in revising the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual met with, including in a “personal capacity,” White House political staff, former White House political staff, Republican party officials, or outside organizations that work on election policy? If so, which ones, for which purposes?\n\nThe Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual reaffirmed that “the federal prosecutor has no authority to send FBI Special Agents or Deputy U.S. Marshals to polling places,” and that “Department and FBI policy requires that any investigative action that involves intrusion by federal investigators into the area immediately surrounding an open polling place be approved by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.” Will the Public Integrity Section still have a role in reviewing any potential deployment of the FBI or U.S. Marshals to areas immediately surrounding polling locations in the upcoming midterm elections? If not, who at the Department will have a role in reviewing such deployments and under what standards?\n\nWhile the Department’s ongoing voter roll lawsuits are failing across the country, we are concerned that those efforts, which were calculated to compel states into inaccurately purging voters, may be the pretext for more meritless pre- and post-election challenges, including interfering with election certification. Similarly, unsubstantiated claims by DOJ leadership of “tens of thousands” noncitizens on voter rolls” are reckless, as time and again, those claims have been refuted by findings that many individuals are falsely identified as noncitizens, and the extremely rare appearance of noncitizen registrants on the voter rolls or the even more extremely rare cases of noncitizen voters are often due to bureaucratic errors or misunderstandings about eligibility, as opposed to intentional fraud.\n\nTo be clear, any attempts by DOJ to file lawsuits to stop eligible voters from voting, their votes from being counted, or elections from being certified, will fail, but any attempts are still corrosive to public trust and confidence in our election administration and invite threats against nonpartisan election workers.\n\nAgainst this backdrop, the absence of guidance from the Public Integrity Section on election noninterference appears to clear the way for politically-motivated legal actions by DOJ itself in the lead-up to and aftermath of the midterm elections. Accordingly, we request that you immediately confirm the Department’s adherence to longstanding, bipartisan policy of noninterference and comply with this request no later than June 22, 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-introduce-bill-to-create-permanent-specialty-crop-disaster-assistance-program/", "title": "Padilla, Schiff Introduce Bill to Create Permanent Specialty Crop Disaster Assistance Program", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) introduced the Ensuring Disaster Recovery and Resilience for Specialty Crops Act, which would establish a permanent relief program to provide support for farmers who lost specialty crops due to natural disasters, economic crises, and market disruptions. As Congress routinely provides relief for farmers impacted by natural disasters, the lack of a permanent program has resulted in bureaucratic hurdles that make access to funding difficult for specialty crop growers.\n\n“California’s farming communities are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters,” said Senator Padilla. “After a disaster strikes, our growers, producers, and consumers need and deserve relief quickly. Our bill would strengthen the safety net for America’s food producers to help them get back on their feet in the wake of a disaster.”\n\n“California continues to lead the way in specialty crops, growing nearly half of the nation’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts,” said Senator Schiff. “As California’s first senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in over 30 years, I’m fighting to address the needs of specialty crop farmers, which are very different than those of the commodity crops of the Midwest and the South. I’m proud to introduce this bill to expand federal funding and bolster programs to better serve farmers in the Golden State.”\n\nThe Ensuring Disaster Recovery and Resilience for Specialty Crops Act would establish a permanent disaster program tailored to specialty crops. USDA and Congress have repeatedly had to provide disaster relief to growers on an ad hoc basis. A permanent program would allow growers to receive relief through a consistent application process. Farmers and ranchers across the country have long had access to a plethora of disaster programs, but specialty crop farmers deserve a dedicated program that works well for them as well.\n\nCalifornia is the fifth largest supplier of food in the world — home to a $61 billion agriculture industry producing over 400 commodities, growing more than a third of the nation’s vegetables and three-quarters of its fruit and nut crops. Last month, Padilla condemned the House-passed Farm Bill and stressed the urgency for a farm bill that supports farmers, growers, ranchers, and consumers across the nation. In August 2023, Padilla, alongside the late Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04) and Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.-01), introduced the Agriculture Emergency Relief Act to create a permanent structure at the Department of Agriculture to provide relief for farmers who lost crops due to natural disasters.\n\nThe bill text is availablehere.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-slotkin-statement-on-nomination-of-michael-martin-to-the-eastern-district-of-michigan", "title": "Peters, Slotkin Statement on Nomination of Michael Martin to the Eastern District of Michigan", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin released the following statements after returning their blue slips for Michael Martin, a nominee for the Eastern District of Michigan. The nominee was chosen as part of Michigan's longstanding judicial nominations process, with the bipartisan Judicial Nominations Advisory Committee carefully vetting, interviewing, and providing feedback on applicants for this vacancy.\n\n“After years working as both a federal prosecutor and criminal attorney helping to defend our national security, Michael Martin has the experience and integrity necessary to serve on the federal bench,” said Senator Peters. “During the entire nomination process and throughout our in-depth conversations, Mr. Martin has made it clear that he will exercise independent, forward thinking judgment. I believe he has the temperament and character necessary to impartially serve Michiganders and the American people.”\n\n“I take this responsibility very seriously,” said Senator Slotkin. “I met with Mr. Martin, a 20-year career prosecutor who has worked through both Democratic and Republican Administrations and asked him direct questions that speak directly to whether he will uphold our democratic process, regardless of external pressure. From making clear Joe Biden won the 2020 election, to the attack on the Capitol on January 6th, to being clear that President Trump can’t run for a third term, these answers were important factors for me, and fundamentally different from President Trump’s judicial nominees to date. I look forward to Mr. Martin conveying the same during his confirmation hearing, and to his service on the federal bench if confirmed.”\n\nBackground on Martin:\n\nMr. Martin has served as a career federal prosecutor for over two decades, including in roles as Criminal Chief, Chief of the National Security Unit, Deputy Criminal Chief, and Executive Assistant US Attorney. He has led the prosecution of a wide range of complex cases, including terrorism, espionage, export control violations, and violent crime. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Martin served as a trial attorney in the Counterespionage Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. Earlier in his career, he clerked for the Honorable Hugh H. Bownes of the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the Honorable Edward F. Harrington of the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and was an analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-colleagues-press-trump-on-legal-basis-for-justifying-claim-that-hostilities-in-iran-have-terminated", "title": "Reed & Colleagues Press Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have ‘Terminated’", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and 34 Senate Democrats are refuting the Trump Administration’s claim in a May 1 letter to Congress that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 in Iran have “terminated” and requesting President Donald Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting this claim.\n\nThe Senators emphasize that the already unconstitutional war in Iran has violated its statutory deadline set by the War Powers Act and argue that the ongoing naval operations, bombings, blockades, and strike campaigns that have been ongoing since February 28 continue to constitute\n\nhostilities.\n\n“Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations,” the 38 U.S. Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators point out that the continued deployment of troops, ongoing strikes, and an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz rebut the claim that hostilities have terminated after the April 7 ceasefire. Senate Democrats have forced numerous votes in the Senate on the War Powers Resolution, including asserting the 60-day statutory clock, triggered by a notification to Congress, had run out on the president’s ongoing use of military force, in addition to being unconstitutional from the start.\n\nFor the first time, a similar effort passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week, by a vote of 215 to 208 – leading to President Trump lashing out.\n\n“Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires...It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Schiff, Kaine, Reed, and Schumer the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write to express our strong disagreement with the legal justification presented in your May 1, 2026, notification to Congress pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, regarding the authority to conduct war against Iran. The notification stands in sharp contrast with the text of the War Powers Resolution, the relevant legislative history, domestic and international law, and past interpretations made by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) and the State Department under Administrations of both parties. We also request that you make public the OLC opinion justifying the administration’s claim that U.S.-Iran hostilities were determined to be “terminated” for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, and any OLC opinion justifying the use of military force against Iran without congressional authorization.\n\nYour May 1 notification falsely stated that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.” This statement was repeated by Secretary Hegseth in his April 30 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee when he asserted that after the April 7 ceasefire announcement, the administration’s “understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.” This argument fails to account for the facts and actions of the parties to the conflict. The ongoing naval operations and related efforts to conduct a blockade against Iran constitute hostilities. Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations.\n\nAt that time, the President is compelled to promptly remove forces from the situation without Congressional intervention or a physical,\n\ndomestic attack.\n\nFurthermore, legislative history demonstrates Congress’ clear intent for these terms (“hostilities” and “imminent involvement in hostilities”), which are to be understood broadly, to establish a low threshold for both the reporting and withdrawal provisions of the War Powers Resolution. The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s report on the Resolution explains that “the word hostilities was substituted for the phrase armed conflict during the subcommittee drafting process because it was considered to be somewhat broader in scope...hostilities encompasses a state of confrontation in which no shots have been fired but where there is clear and present danger of armed conflict.” That describes the Iran War starting on February 28, 2026, and continuing to today regardless of a declaration of ceasefire.\n\nGiven the discrepancy between the requirements of the War Powers Resolution and the continued use of American forces in the Strait of Hormuz and throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, it is critical for Congress to understand the Executive Branch’s legal basis for its exceedingly narrow interpretation of “hostilities,” and “any use of armed forces.” Since February 28, 2026, your administration has maintained a force presence of thousands of U.S. servicemembers in the region, blockaded Iranian ports (including using military force to seize vessels), and continued to interrupt global supply chains and increase the cost of living on all Americans. On May 8, 2026, Central Command publicly confirmed that over 15,000 troops are forward deployed, and over 200 aircraft and 20 warships are enforcing an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Even after your notification to Congress indicating that hostilities had “terminated” on May 1, 2026, you accurately referred on May 4, 2026, to the war with Iran in the present tense, saying “we have a war right now.”\n\nWe have established that the United States and Iran’s continued posture of a state of military confrontation is itself sufficient to constitute ongoing hostilities under the text and legislative history of the War Powers Resolution. The Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual affirms that a declared ceasefire alone does not mean an end to war and hostilities, the current ceasefire “is not a partial or temporary peace; it is only the suspension of military operations to the extent agreed upon by the parties to the conflict. War as a legal state of hostilities between parties may continue, despite the conclusion of an armistice agreement.”\n\nMoreover, despite the stated ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange fire on several occasions since April 7. And even if they had not exchanged fire, the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in itself further constitutes hostilities. The Supreme Court, the Department of Defense, and OLC all have published opinions confirming that they unequivocally consider a blockade to be a belligerent act and an act of war. As the Supreme Court held in the Prize Cases in 1862, the “proclamation of blockade is itself official and conclusive evidence to the Court that a state of war exist[s].” The Commander of U.S. Central Command himself recently acknowledged in his May 14 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that an international armed conflict continued to exist due to the ongoing blockade.\n\nCongress has a recent and directly applicable legal opinion from your administration on how to interpret what it means for hostilities to cease. On April 21, 2026, the State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser published a statement that notes that, “any assessment of whether an armed conflict has ended must be fact-based, taking into account both the intentions and the actions of the parties to the conflict.” The Legal Adviser argued that the fact of ongoing ceasefire or peace negotiations did not in itself constitute the termination of hostilities. Instead, he stated that a credible intention to end hostilities, and an absence of parties planning or threatening further military engagements should diplomacy fail, is required to indicate an end to hostilities. Given that Secretary Hegseth has consistently argued that U.S. forces are “locked and loaded” and are “ready to go at the command of our President and at the push of a button,” it cannot be credibly argued that the current ceasefire meets the test set forward by the State Department’s Legal Adviser for constituting an end to hostilities.\n\nWe would not need to discuss the War Powers Resolution if this were a war authorized by Congress, but it is not. Our view, supported by law and history and consistent with even past Executive Branch practice taking a far broader view of the President’s authority, is that the current war violates our Constitution’s separation of powers. Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires.\n\nThe facts, history, and law affirm that the hostilities that began on February 28 are active and ongoing, in violation of international law and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. There is no justification to interpret military actions that would “restart,” “unpause,” or begin a new 60-day clock. Rather, hostilities have continued since February 28 and never terminated; the 60-day clock specified in the War Powers Resolution does not have a pause button. It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-launches-7th-annual-support-local-gems-initiative/", "title": "Risch Launches 7th Annual Support Local Gems Initiative", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.risch.senate.gov", "scraper": "risch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000584", "name": "James E. Risch", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Invites Idahoans to Support Local Small Businesses on Friday, June 12, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and the Idaho Department of Commerce launched the seventh annual Support Local Gemsinitiative, encouraging Idahoans to show their appreciation for small businesses in their community.\n\nOn Friday, June 12, 2026, Idahoans are invited to Support Local Gems by shopping at Main Street retailers, dining at their favorite restaurants, purchasing gift cards, writing online reviews, or saying “thank you” to an Idaho small business they love.\n\n“Small businesses and the people behind them are the lifeblood of the Gem State,” said Risch. “They not only employ our neighbors and friends, but reflect our shared Idaho values of hard work and ingenuity. On Friday, June 12, I invite all Idahoans to join me in supporting the small businesses that keep our economy and state strong.”\n\nAs we celebrate the seventh annual Support Local Gems initiative, Idahoans are encouraged to once again give their full support to the small businesses that make Idaho a special place to live and work.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Risch and the Idaho Department of Commerce launched the Support Local Gems initiative in 2020 to help small businesses facing unprecedented hardships during the pandemic. As supply chain disruptions and other challenges continue, support for Idaho’s small businesses through Support Local Gems remains essential.\n\nIf your organization or small business would like to get involved in the Support Local Gems initiative, visit www.risch.senate.gov\n\n​", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/06/08/rosen-ricketts-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-visa-processing-capacity-support-international-tourism/", "title": "Rosen, Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Visa Processing Capacity, Support International Tourism", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced a bill to strengthen the State Department’s visa processing capacity. The bipartisan Expanded Consular Fellow Act would authorize the State Department to hire Consular Fellows in limited non-career appointments for eight years – an increase from the current maximum of five years. The Consular Fellows Program recruits personnel to process visa applications for people to come to the United States for tourism, to study, or to work. Fellows also assist U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad and support efforts to address consular fraud. Extending the program’s duration would allow the State Department to retain an experienced and highly trained workforce while reducing recruitment and training costs.\n\n“The consular workforce plays a key role in sustaining America’s travel economy by processing visa applications and making it easier for tourists to visit. With the FIFA World Cup just a week away, the Olympics in 2028, and several other major events coming to the U.S. in the coming years, it is critical that the State Department has the workforce necessary to match increasing tourism demands,” said Senator Rosen. “I am proud to introduce my bipartisan Expanded Consular Fellows Act to expand this capacity, and I’ll continue doing everything I can to support the country’s tourism industry.”\n\n“Consular Fellows are a vital, first line of defense for America’s national and economic security. They ensure the State Department can vigorously screen foreign travelers and stop fraud before it reaches our shores, while keeping our economy moving by enabling legitimate travel to the United States,” said Senator Ricketts. “This bill would allow the State Department to extend limited non-career appointments that are essential for international travel, supporting Americans abroad, and ensuring those entering our country are doing it legally.”\n\n“International travel is a critical driver of the U.S. economy, and a strong consular workforce is essential to meeting global demand for travel to the United States,” said Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, U.S. Travel Association. “This proposal provides the State Department with a practical, cost-effective tool to retain experienced Consular Fellows who help reduce visa wait times, facilitate legitimate travel, strengthen national security and support U.S. citizens abroad. A more stable and experienced consular workforce will strengthen America’s ability to welcome legitimate visitors, support economic growth and uphold the integrity of the visa process. We thank Senators Rosen and Ricketts for their leadership in advancing this important legislation.”\n\n“This bill puts forward a practical solution using existing resources to a challenge that is becoming more dire by the day for international exchange programs. This summer, BridgeUSA programs like Camp Counselor and Summer Work Travel have seen significant challenges in getting interviews due to bandwidth constraints and heavier workloads in Consular offices worldwide,” said Mark Overmann, Executive Director, Alliance for International Exchange. “These programs bring significant economic boost to communities where participants are and also fill gaps in the U.S. labor market that would otherwise go unfilled. This bill provides a workable way to give consular offices the support they need to ensure J-visa applicants get timely appointments.”\n\nSenator Rosen has fought to protect America’s tourism industry. She recently led Senate Democrats in demanding that the Trump Administration reverse a rule authorizing the State Department to conduct social media screenings of visitors because of concerns that it will harm international tourism. This year, Senator Rosen also called for a Senate hearing to examine the state of the American tourism industry following a year of Trump’s reckless economic and immigration policies. Additionally, Senator Rosen introduced the bipartisan American Decade of Sports Act, which aims to boost tourism to the U.S. through major sporting events, such as the World Cup.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/06/08/rosen-successfully-helps-block-taxpayer-funding-for-trumps-ballroom/", "title": "Rosen Successfully Helps Block Taxpayer Funding for Trump’s Ballroom", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and her Democratic Senate colleagues successfully stopped Senate Republicans from funneling $1 billion in taxpayer money to Donald Trump’s White House ballroom. Despite Donald Trump’s assurances that his gold-plated ballroom will be entirely privately funded, Senate Republicans attempted to attach $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to the first version of their ICE funding bill – and only backed down under pressure from Democrats, which included Senator Rosen’s proposed amendments that would have redirected the ballroom funding to critical public safety programs. The final version of Republicans’ bill, which passed the Senate early Friday morning, included zero taxpayer dollars for Trump’s ballroom.\n\n“Washington Republicans helped Donald Trump kick Americans off Medicaid and take away food stamps from millions of families in order to give billionaires more tax breaks. Then, they tried to use $1 billion of taxpayer dollars for Trump’s ballroom – while they’ve still done nothing to help American families afford the rising cost of living,” said Senator Rosen. “Senate Democrats said ‘hell no’ to that plan, and we successfully forced Washington Republicans to strip all taxpayer funding for Trump’s ballroom out of their budget bill. Nevadans work hard for their money, and I’m proud to have stood up against a terrible misuse of their tax dollars.”\n\nSenator Rosen has been outspoken against Donald Trump and Washington Republicans’ attempts to misuse taxpayer money on wasteful vanity projects. After outlining better uses of $1 billion than Trump’s ballroom – including funding programs that help local law enforcement hire and retain police officers and helping Nevadans afford everyday essentials like groceries, housing, and health care – she announced two amendments that would have redirected that money to fund public safety programs. As Trump and his Justice Department attempted to create a $1.8 billion slush fund to pay out Trump’s political allies and January 6 rioters who brutalized police officers, Senator Rosen announced three forthcoming bills to redirect the funding to Medicaid, SNAP, and programs to support law enforcement.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-reports-of-tribal-citizens-being-questioned-and-detained-schatz-durbin-demand-answers-from-trump-administration-on-immigration-enforcement-targeting-of-native-people", "title": "Following Reports Of Tribal Citizens Being Questioned And Detained, Schatz, Durbin Demand Answers From Trump Administration On Immigration Enforcement, Targeting Of Native People", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today demanded answers from the Trump administration on concerning reports that some immigration enforcement personnel have refused to recognize Tribal IDs and unnecessarily questioned and detained Tribal citizens.\n\n“It is well-established law that Tribal citizens born within the United States are U.S. citizens, yet many Tribal citizens have met resistance from DHS personnel when attempting to establish their citizenship using their Tribal IDs,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “We urge DHS promptly to adopt formal guidance that recognizes Tribal IDs as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, ensure immigration personnel are trained on such guidance, and share such guidance externally with Tribes.”\n\n“Tribes have a trust and treaty relationship with the United States rooted in the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and court decisions. Federal agencies are obligated to establish clear policies and engage in meaningful government-to-government consultation whenever federal decision-making affects Tribes. Despite this obligation, DHS has not engaged in meaningful consultation with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship, nor, as DHS carries out expanded immigration enforcement efforts, how the agency will work with Tribes to respect Tribal inherent sovereignty over their lands and communities. We urge DHS to consult with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs and expanded immigration enforcement activities, and to integrate Tribal feedback into agency guidance, training, and policies affecting Tribes,” the senators continued.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found below and is available here.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin and Secretary Burgum:\n\nWe write to advise you of our deep concerns over reports that immigration enforcement personnel have detained, or attempted to detain, enrolled Tribal citizens. During these encounters with Tribal citizens, Tribal government-issued identification (Tribal ID) was not consistently treated as valid proof of U.S. citizenship, despite a Dear Tribal Leader letter issued by Secretary Noem indicating a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) position to the contrary. This raises questions regarding whether DHS personnel are properly trained to process Tribal IDs as proof of U.S. citizenship in light of the aforementioned agency policy on Tribal IDs. We are also concerned that efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate its civil immigration enforcement responsibilities to non-federal law enforcement agencies raise the potential for the inappropriate exercise of federal civil authorities on Tribal lands. Recent actions by the agency exemplify DHS’s lack of Tribal consultation on federal actions that affect Tribes and their citizens, which has created confusion and implementation concerns. We urge you to direct DHS and ICE to promptly engage in meaningful and robust Tribal consultation on these policies and any other new federal actions that have Tribal implications.\n\nThere is no requirement in law for U.S. citizens to carry identification to avoid arbitrary arrest and detention. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) gives immigration officials limited authority to question individuals whom an official has reason to believe are noncitizens as to their right to be or remain in the United States. This authority allows such officials to briefly stop and question an individual and inquire about immigration status. If the person establishes that they are a U.S. citizen, they must be free to go after a brief encounter. It is well-established law that Tribal citizens born within the United States are U.S. citizens, yet many Tribal citizens have met resistance from DHS personnel when attempting to establish their citizenship using their Tribal IDs. ICE’s responses to congressional and Tribal inquiries on these matters have been vague and, as a result, it is unclear whether ICE is making any efforts to develop guidance on Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship for immigration enforcement purposes. DHS appears to lack a clear policy on Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship other than the aforementioned unsigned Dear Tribal Leader letter from former Secretary Noem. Accordingly, we urge DHS promptly to adopt formal guidance that recognizes Tribal IDs as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, ensure immigration personnel are trained on such guidance, and share such guidance externally with Tribes.\n\nTribes have a trust and treaty relationship with the United States rooted in the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and court decisions. Federal agencies are obligated to establish clear policies and engage in meaningful government-to-government consultation whenever federal decision-making affects Tribes. Despite this obligation, DHS has not engaged in meaningful consultation with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship, nor, as DHS carries out expanded immigration enforcement efforts, how the agency will work with Tribes to respect Tribal inherent sovereignty over their lands and communities. We urge DHS to consult with Tribes on the use of Tribal IDs and expanded immigration enforcement activities, and to integrate Tribal feedback into agency guidance, training, and policies affecting Tribes.\n\nWe are also concerned that ICE has reportedly attempted to enter into agreements with Tribal entities to engage in civil immigration enforcement activities. To date, we are unaware of any Tribe or Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement agency that has entered into an INA section 287(g) or 25 U.S.C. 2804(e) law enforcement agreement; nor is any such entity listed on ICE’s website as participating in such agreements. Nonetheless, Tribes have reported pressure from ICE to sign such agreements, particularly as states and counties are increasingly party to section 287(g) agreements across the country in regions with Tribal lands and in major cities where Tribal citizens live. We are deeply concerned that these agreements may allow for the inappropriate exercise of civil immigration authorities on Tribal lands. We seek additional transparency on agreements between DHS, ICE, and Tribes to ensure the laws that protect Tribal sovereignty and Tribal citizens are upheld.\n\nAccordingly, we request that DHS, ICE, and the BIA provide written responses to the following questions. Please provide a complete written response to each question no later than 30 days.\n\nPlease describe the guidance and training provided to DHS (both ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection) agents and officers regarding Tribal citizenship and Tribal IDs.\n\nWhat guidance does DHS provide to agents and officers regarding Tribal IDs as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship?\n\nDid DHS consult or work with Tribal entities to develop this guidance?\n\nIs DHS, any component of DHS, and/or the BIA actively encouraging Tribes to enter into INA section 287(g) agreements? If so, please identify the legal basis for that position, including by providing any legal opinions, memorandums, or interpretive guidance.\n\nAre DHS and/or the BIA encouraging Tribes or local BIA law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements to conduct immigration enforcement for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law on Tribal lands? If so, please identify the number of BIA law enforcement agencies and/or Tribes party to such agreements and the authority for such agreement.\n\nHas DHS directed or otherwise informed state and/or local authorities operating under section 287(g) agreements that they are not authorized to exercise federal immigration authority on Tribal lands without being separately cross-deputized or authorized by the relevant Tribe?\n\nPlease describe the training DHS provides to state or local authorities operating under agreements to conduct civil immigration enforcement, including in P.L. 280 states, including regarding their authority to conduct such enforcement on Tribal lands.\n\nSecretary Mullin committed during the nomination process that, once confirmed, he would ensure Tribal citizenship status is verified quickly and accurately with clear guidance and oversight. Please describe ICE’s policies, training, and operational safeguards designed to quickly and accurately verify the U.S. citizenship of enrolled Tribal citizens with valid Tribal identification under Secretary Mullin’s leadership.\n\nHas DHS or ICE housed, detained, or transported arrested individuals to facilities on Tribal lands, or provided funding for construction of such facilities on Tribal lands, pursuant to authority and funding enacted as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?\n\nHas DHS and/or ICE allocated any of these funds for pending Tribal agreements under section 287(g), Title 25, or any other authority? If so, how much? Please disaggregate funding amounts by agreement.\n\nHas DHS or ICE allocated any of these funds to reimburse states, localities, or Tribes for immigration enforcement expenses on Tribal lands? If so, how much? Please disaggregate funding amounts by agreement.\n\nWill DHS commit to engage in Tribal consultation before the Department deploys border infrastructure on Tribal or adjacent federal lands?\n\nPlease describe the Tribal consultations that DHS and BIA have conducted (or plan to conduct) regarding DHS and/or ICE efforts to expand civil immigration enforcement on or near Indian Country (including section 287(g) agreements) and how it is incorporating Tribal feedback on its efforts.\n\nWill DHS and ICE require full consent from the applicable Tribal government(s) before conducting immigration enforcement activities or building and operating immigration detention facilities on Tribal lands?\n\nWhat is the BIA protocol —\n\nFor working with DHS when Tribal members are detained, arrested, or questioned;\n\nFor coordinating with DHS to notify relevant Tribes when Tribal members are detained, arrested, or questioned;\n\nFor advocating for the proper processing of Tribal IDs as proof of citizenship by DHS; and\n\nFor encouraging DHS to conduct Tribal consultations on its immigration enforcement efforts and policies?\n\nWe look forward to your prompt response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-schiff-introduces-comprehensive-legislation-to-enact-commonsense-guardrails-for-defense-departments-use-of-ai/", "title": "NEWS: Schiff Introduces Comprehensive Legislation to Enact Commonsense Guardrails for Defense Department’s Use of AI", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Schiff introduced new legislation to codify commonsense and necessary guardrails to protect against the risks of, and create accountability for, autonomous and semi-autonomous lethal strikes and domestic mass surveillance that use artificial intelligence ahead of consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation is the result of extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, defense experts, and international humanitarian organizations.\n\nThe Human Authority in Lethal Operations (HALO) Act of 2026 would codify key safety requirements into statute, including mandating a clear chain of command with a designated human commander responsible for exercising ultimate discretion regarding use of force with autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems, instituting a clear review structure before the development and fielding of a covered weapon system, and establishing critical, ongoing testing and evaluation requirements.\n\n“The past few months have shown us that there is an urgent need for commonsense guardrails to ensure the Defense Department’s use of AI is in line with Americans’ national security and privacy priorities,” said Senator Adam Schiff. “There are good reasons to use AI technology to advance our national security, however – just as with any tool, we cannot depend on technology alone to guide to us, particularly when the risks of harm can be fatal. My legislation would protect Americans from unlawful domestic surveillance, ensure that humans in the chain of command exercise responsibility for the use of any lethal technology, and maintain strong ethical protections in the deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous weapons.”\n\nSpecifically, Schiff’s HALO Act would:\n\nEstablish and expand existing core Defense Department safety and ethical requirements, including mandating a clear chain of command where a designated commander maintains ultimate discretion over the use of force through any autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems that utilize AI capabilities; and Require that the Department maintain detailed records of decision logic and target selection for post-engagement review.\n\nEnsure a full review structure before development and fielding of a lethal autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon system, and an updated review if AI capabilities within covered systems are materially modified.\n\nProhibit uses of AI drawn from the Defense Department’s National Security Memorandum (NSM) on AI, such as using AI to profile or monitor individuals based solely on their exercise of constitutional rights, removing a human from the decision-making chain for initiating or terminating nuclear weapons employment, and purchasing personal data from third-parties if the acquisition would violate the Act. The bill also extends these prohibitions to DoD logistics, intel, and operational support to other federal agencies.\n\nEstablish whistleblower protections drawn from the NSM on AI, ensuring personnel can report AI misuse, civil liberties concerns, and safety violations without fear of reprisal, with anonymous and confidential reporting procedures.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be viewed HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-kaine-schumer-lead-35-senate-democrats-in-pressing-trump-on-legal-basis-for-justifying-claim-that-hostilities-in-iran-have-terminated/", "title": "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Kaine, Schumer Lead 35 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 35 Senate Democrats are refuting the Trump administration’s claim in a May 1 letter to Congress that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 in Iran have “terminated” and requesting President Donald Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting this claim.\n\nThe Senators emphasize that the already unconstitutional war in Iran has violated its statutory deadline set by the War Powers Act and argue that the ongoing naval operations, bombings, blockades, and strike campaigns that have been ongoing since February 28 continue to constitute hostilities.\n\n“Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators point out that the continued deployment of troops, ongoing strikes, and an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz rebut the claim that hostilities have terminated after the April 7 ceasefire. Senators Schiff and Kaine, joined by several of their colleagues, have forced numerous votes in the Senate on the War Powers Resolution, including asserting the 60-day statutory clock, triggered by a notification to Congress, had run out on the president’s ongoing use of military force, in addition to being unconstitutional from the start.\n\n“Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires…It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Schiff, Kaine, and Schumer the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write to express our strong disagreement with the legal justification presented in your May 1, 2026, notification to Congress pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, regarding the authority to conduct war against Iran. The notification stands in sharp contrast with the text of the War Powers Resolution, the relevant legislative history, domestic and international law, and past interpretations made by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) and the State Department under Administrations of both parties. We also request that you make public the OLC opinion justifying the administration’s claim that U.S.-Iran hostilities were determined to be “terminated” for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, and any OLC opinion justifying the use of military force against Iran without congressional authorization.\n\nYour May 1 notification falsely stated that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.” This statement was repeated by Secretary Hegseth in his April 30 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee when he asserted that after the April 7 ceasefire announcement, the administration’s “understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.” This argument fails to account for the facts and actions of the parties to the conflict. The ongoing naval operations and related efforts to conduct a blockade against Iran constitute hostilities. Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations.\n\nAt that time, the President is compelled to promptly remove forces from the situation without Congressional intervention or a physical, domestic attack.\n\nFurthermore, legislative history demonstrates Congress’ clear intent for these terms (“hostilities” and “imminent involvement in hostilities”), which are to be understood broadly, to establish a low threshold for both the reporting and withdrawal provisions of the War Powers Resolution. The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s report on the Resolution explains that “the word hostilities was substituted for the phrase armed conflict during the subcommittee drafting process because it was considered to be somewhat broader in scope…hostilities encompasses a state of confrontation in which no shots have been fired but where there is clear and present danger of armed conflict.” That describes the Iran War starting on February 28, 2026, and continuing to today regardless of a declaration of ceasefire.\n\nGiven the discrepancy between the requirements of the War Powers Resolution and the continued use of American forces in the Strait of Hormuz and throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, it is critical for Congress to understand the Executive Branch’s legal basis for its exceedingly narrow interpretation of “hostilities,” and “any use of armed forces.” Since February 28, 2026, your administration has maintained a force presence of thousands of U.S. servicemembers in the region, blockaded Iranian ports (including using military force to seize vessels), and continued to interrupt global supply chains and increase the cost of living on all Americans. On May 8, 2026, Central Command publicly confirmed that over 15,000 troops are forward deployed, and over 200 aircraft and 20 warships are enforcing an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Even after your notification to Congress indicating that hostilities had “terminated” on May 1, 2026, you accurately referred on May 4, 2026, to the war with Iran in the present tense, saying “we have a war right now.”\n\nWe have established that the United States and Iran’s continued posture of a state of military confrontation is itself sufficient to constitute ongoing hostilities under the text and legislative history of the War Powers Resolution. The Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual affirms that a declared ceasefire alone does not mean an end to war and hostilities, the current ceasefire “is not a partial or temporary peace; it is only the suspension of military operations to the extent agreed upon by the parties to the conflict. War as a legal state of hostilities between parties may continue, despite the conclusion of an armistice agreement.”\n\nMoreover, despite the stated ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange fire on several occasions since April 7. And even if they had not exchanged fire, the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in itself further constitutes hostilities. The Supreme Court, the Department of Defense, and OLC all have published opinions confirming that they unequivocally consider a blockade to be a belligerent act and an act of war. As the Supreme Court held in the Prize Cases in 1862, the “proclamation of blockade is itself official and conclusive evidence to the Court that a state of war exist[s].” The Commander of U.S. Central Command himself recently acknowledged in his May 14 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that an international armed conflict continued to exist due to the ongoing blockade.\n\nCongress has a recent and directly applicable legal opinion from your administration on how to interpret what it means for hostilities to cease. On April 21, 2026, the State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser published a statement that notes that, “any assessment of whether an armed conflict has ended must be fact-based, taking into account both the intentions and the actions of the parties to the conflict.” The Legal Adviser argued that the fact of ongoing ceasefire or peace negotiations did not in itself constitute the termination of hostilities. Instead, he stated that a credible intention to end hostilities, and an absence of parties planning or threatening further military engagements should diplomacy fail, is required to indicate an end to hostilities. Given that Secretary Hegseth has consistently argued that U.S. forces are “locked and loaded” and are “ready to go at the command of our President and at the push of a button,” it cannot be credibly argued that the current ceasefire meets the test set forward by the State Department’s Legal Adviser for constituting an end to hostilities.\n\nWe would not need to discuss the War Powers Resolution if this were a war authorized by Congress, but it is not. Our view, supported by law and history and consistent with even past Executive Branch practice taking a far broader view of the President’s authority, is that the current war violates our Constitution’s separation of powers. Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires.\n\nThe facts, history, and law affirm that the hostilities that began on February 28 are active and ongoing, in violation of international law and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. There is no justification to interpret military actions that would “restart,” “unpause,” or begin a new 60-day clock. Rather, hostilities have continued since February 28 and never terminated; the 60-day clock specified in the War Powers Resolution does not have a pause button. It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-join-representatives-desaulnier-and-lofgren-to-voice-opposition-to-any-reopening-of-federal-correctional-institution-fci-dublin/", "title": "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Join Representatives DeSaulnier and Lofgren to Voice Opposition to Any Reopening of Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) joined U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) to announce that they led a public comment letter to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) highlighting significant environmental and safety concerns at FCI Dublin in Dublin, California and voicing strong opposition to the reopening of FCI Dublin to detain noncitizens. This public comment comes after BOP released its Environmental Assessment (EA) of FCI Dublin as part of efforts to permanently deactivate and close the facility.\n\n“We support the decision to permanently close FCI Dublin and recognize the EA’s findings that the property is unsafe, environmentally compromised, and would require substantial public investment to restore it to habitable condition. At the same time, although the EA evaluates the impacts of BOP ceasing operations at the facility, identifying numerous significant environmental hazards and unresolved contamination concerns, it does not sufficiently assess what is reasonably foreseeable to occur after closure, including continued vacancy, transfer, redevelopment, demolition, or repurposing of the site. Nor does it adequately address the environmental and public health implications associated with those potential outcomes,” the lawmakerswrote.\n\nGiven the substantial evidence of contamination, environmental degradation, and unresolved data gaps identified throughout the EA, it would be irresponsible and scientifically unsound for BOP to proceed to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) without additional environmental review and mitigation planning. Instead, due to previously stated reasons, as well as the long history of staff sexual misconduct at the facility, we support demolishing FCI Dublin. We also strongly oppose any efforts to transfer ownership of the facility to an entity that will utilize it for immigration detention.”\n\nIn addition to requesting that the BOP address deficiencies in the report, the lawmakersurged that, “[t]o ensure that the proposed action complies with NEPA and adequately protects public health and environmental safety, we respectfully urge BOP to:\n\nPause the current timeline for issuance of any Finding of No Significant Impact pending additional environmental review;\n\nConduct further environmental investigation regarding unresolved contamination concerns, including unexploded ordnance, radiological hazards, underground storage tanks, and sewer system contamination;\n\nPrepare a comprehensive Mitigation Action Plan addressing demolition, remediation, containment, and long-term environmental monitoring;\n\nFully analyze reasonably foreseeable post-closure outcomes, including prolonged vacancy, transfer, redevelopment, demolition, or repurposing of the facility;\n\nEvaluate the potential environmental and community impacts associated with future reuse of the site, including potential conversion to another detention facility or immigration detention center; and\n\nEvaluate demolition of the facility and full remediation of the property as a reasonable alternative under NEPA.”\n\nThe letter was also signed by Representatives Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.-13), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (Washington, D.C.-At Large), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-07), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-30), and Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Facilities Management Officials:\n\nAs elected members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, we are charged with conducting oversight over the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and federal properties and facilities. As such, we write to submit formal public comment regarding the BOP Environmental Assessment (EA) concerning the proposed permanent deactivation and closure of Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin in Dublin, California.\n\nWe support the decision to permanently close FCI Dublin and recognize the EA’s findings that the property is unsafe, environmentally compromised, and would require substantial public investment to restore it to habitable condition. At the same time, although the EA evaluates the impacts of BOP ceasing operations at the facility, identifying numerous significant environmental hazards and unresolved contamination concerns, it does not sufficiently assess what is reasonably foreseeable to occur after closure, including continued vacancy, transfer, redevelopment, demolition, or repurposing of the site. Nor does it adequately address the environmental and public health implications associated with those potential outcomes.\n\nGiven the substantial evidence of contamination, environmental degradation, and unresolved data gaps identified throughout the EA, it would be irresponsible and scientifically unsound for BOP to proceed to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) without additional environmental review and mitigation planning. Instead, due to previously stated reasons, as well as the long history of staff sexual misconduct at the facility, we support demolishing FCI Dublin. We also strongly oppose any efforts to transfer ownership of the facility to an entity that will utilize it for immigration detention.\n\nWe respectfully urge BOP to address the following deficiencies.\n\nThe EA Does Not Adequately Address Recognized Environmental Conditions in the Sanitary Sewer System\n\nThe EA references a 2002 Sanitary Sewer System Evaluation identifying contaminants within the sewer system and deteriorated piping conditions constituting a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC)1 . However, while the EA states that contaminants will be removed, it does not explain how BOP intends to identify, remediate, contain, or monitor contamination within the sewer infrastructure.\n\nThe absence of a remediation plan is particularly concerning given the deteriorated condition of the underlying piping system and the potential for continued environmental release during closure, transfer, or future redevelopment activities. BOP should provide a detailed assessment of the sewer system contamination, including proposed remediation measures, monitoring protocols, and timelines for implementation.\n\nThe EA Fails to Address Ongoing Environmental Risks Associated with Recognized Environmental Conditions at Camp Parks\n\nThe EA acknowledges that Camp Parks contains multiple Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (CRECs) associated with decades of military activity, including radiological laboratory operations, fire training areas, underground storage tanks, landfills, fuel spill sites, wash racks, and arsenic disposal areas. However, despite identifying these active contamination concerns and land-use restrictions, the EA does not meaningfully analyze how these environmental hazards will be managed following closure of the facility. Instead, the proposed action discussion appears limited to the handling and removal of routine maintenance materials from FCI Dublin’s prison use, such as janitorial supplies, paint, detergents, and similar substances.\n\nThe EA’s conclusion that closure “is not expected to result in the release of contaminants into the environment” is insufficiently supported given the acknowledged presence of ongoing contamination concerns across the broader Camp Parks property. The EA should include a comprehensive analysis of how BOP will prevent the release, migration, or disturbance of contaminants during closure, vacancy, or any future transfer of the site.\n\nGiven the extensive contamination history identified in the EA, BOP should also evaluate demolition and comprehensive remediation of the property as a reasonable alternative.\n\nSignificant Data Gaps Remain Unresolved\n\nThe EA repeatedly acknowledges significant environmental data gaps associated with the historical military use of the property from the 1940s through the 1970s. These unresolved uncertainties raise serious concerns regarding whether the environmental conditions of the site have been adequately characterized. For example, the Environmental Data Report identifies adjoining areas within an unexploded ordnance (UXO) zone associated with Camp Parks. The EA concedes that it remains unclear whether UXO may also be present on the FCI Dublin property itself. However, the EA does not identify any plan for additional investigation, testing, or remediation related to potential UXO hazards.\n\nSimilarly, the EA references historical radiation experiments conducted at Camp Parks between 1958 and 1980, including at least one experiment conducted on land now incorporated into the FCI Dublin property5 . The record states that “thorough substantiation that adequate testing was conducted must be verified to assure that no radiation hazard exists,” including coordination with the U.S. Army and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Yet the EA does not document whether any such follow-up investigation or verification occurred.\n\nThe EA also identifies two underground storage tanks (USTs) on the property — including a 20,000-gallon diesel UST and a 4,000-gallon diesel UST — while simultaneously acknowledging that the locations and conditions of these tanks remain unknown6 . These unresolved uncertainties present clear contamination and public health concerns, particularly if future redevelopment activities disturb compromised tanks.\n\nBOP should conduct additional environmental investigation sufficient to resolve these data gaps before proceeding with closure and should publicly disclose the results of those investigations. Given the extensive contamination history identified in the EA, BOP should also evaluate demolition and comprehensive remediation of the facility as a reasonable alternative.\n\nThe EA Does Not Adequately Address Business Environmental Risks Associated with Future Site Use\n\nThe EA identifies numerous Business Environmental Risks (BERs), including confirmed asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, roof deterioration, and radioactive concerns. The EA further acknowledges that these conditions may create “potential environmental liabilities for future site use and redevelopment.” Despite identifying these substantial hazards, the EA does not sufficiently analyze how closure alone mitigates these risks, nor does it provide a remediation framework for future site conditions. Closure without demolition, remediation, or enforceable long-term management measures risks leaving future occupants, workers, and surrounding communities exposed to hazardous conditions.\n\nAt minimum, BOP should evaluate demolition and comprehensive remediation as a reasonable alternative within the NEPA process.\n\nRecommendations\n\nTo ensure that the proposed action complies with NEPA and adequately protects public health and environmental safety, we respectfully urge BOP to:\n\nPause the current timeline for issuance of any Finding of No Significant Impact pending additional environmental review;\n\nConduct further environmental investigation regarding unresolved contamination concerns, including unexploded ordnance, radiological hazards, underground storage tanks, and sewer system contamination;\n\nPrepare a comprehensive Mitigation Action Plan addressing demolition, remediation, containment, and long-term environmental monitoring;\n\nFully analyze reasonably foreseeable post-closure outcomes, including prolonged vacancy, transfer, redevelopment, demolition, or repurposing of the facility;\n\nEvaluate the potential environmental and community impacts associated with future reuse of the site, including potential conversion to another detention facility or immigration detention center; and\n\nEvaluate demolition of the facility and full remediation of the property as a reasonable alternative under NEPA.\n\nThank you for considering these comments. We urge BOP to ensure that any final environmental review meaningfully addresses the substantial contamination concerns and unresolved environmental risks identified throughout the EA before proceeding with closure of the facility, and reiterate our continued opposition to reopening FCI Dublin for any purpose, including to incarcerate people in ICE custody.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-on-president-trumps-nomination-of-todd-blanche-as-attorney-general/", "title": "STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff on President Trump’s Nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General:\n\n“At every turn, Todd Blanche has been unable to put aside his role as Donald Trump’s criminal defense lawyer and represent the American people instead.\n\n“He has allowed the President to abuse the Department of Justice to go after his political enemies with absurd seashells cases, engaged in the most blatant self-dealing by representing both Trump and his government in an IRS scam, and blessed a corrupt slush fund for cop beaters.\n\n“This is hardly the stuff of Attorney Generals.\n\n“The Senate must vigorously oppose his confirmation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-announces-4-new-cosponsors-of-bipartisan-bill-to-cap-monthly-insulin-costs-at-35-bringing-total-to-22-bipartisan-senators", "title": "Shaheen Announces 4 New Cosponsors of Bipartisan Bill to Cap Monthly Insulin Costs at $35, Bringing Total to 22 Bipartisan Senators", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "**Eleven Senators from each party now cosponsor the Shaheen-led bill to lower insulin costs for Americans with and without insurance**\n\n(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today announced four new cosponsors of the bipartisan INSULIN Act that would make life more affordable for Americans living with diabetes, bringing the total to 22 bipartisan Senators and representing over 1/5 of the Senate. U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) are backing the bipartisan bill led by Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Shaheen and Susan Collins (R-ME), as well as Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and John Kennedy (R-LA).\n\nThe Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans on private and employer-sponsored insurance and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. In addition to Shaheen, Collins, Warnock, Kennedy, Ernst, Hickenlooper, Cramer and Alsobrooks, the legislation is supported by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jim Justice (R-WV) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).\n\nThe push to cap the monthly cost of insulin comes as the cost of health care continues to top Americans’ affordability concerns.\n\nThe INSULIN Act would directly address the root problems in the insulin market causing high list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition and broadening access to needed insulin products. Specifically, the INSULIN Act:\n\nLimits out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans must waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.\n\nMandates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100% of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices and help patients in the form of reduced premiums.\n\nPromotes generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs for patients.\n\nCreates a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs to identify uninsured diabetes patients and provide them with insulin at $35 a month.\n\nEstablishes an insulin resource center and hotline for uninsured diabetes patients to connect them with resources about diabetes and programs to help them secure insulin.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation is supported by the American Diabetes Association, Breakthrough T1D, the Endocrine Society, the National Kidney Foundation and others.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-mccormick-urge-hud-to-speed-up-waiver-process-delaying-affordable-housing-construction", "title": "Shaheen, McCormick Urge HUD to Speed Up Waiver Process Delaying Affordable Housing Construction", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) are sending a bipartisan letter urging U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to make commonsense reforms to the Build America, Buy America (BABA) process that will support the new construction and preservation of affordable housing across America. The Senators note that the current BABA waiver system for products that are not produced in sufficient quantities in the U.S. has created huge delays and, in some cases, insurmountable barriers to the construction of new affordable housing in communities. With housing costs continuing to be a top concern for Americans, the bipartisan duo calls for HUD to Improve communication around the BABA waiver process, act faster on completed waiver requests and assess the availability of BABA-compliant housing products.\n\nThe Senators wrote, in part: “We write regarding a persistent challenge regarding the Build America, Buy America (BABA) process at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We strongly support the goals of BABA, which was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 to ensure that federally funded projects, including construction, support domestic production of iron and steel, construction materials, and manufactured products. As you know, BABA requirements include the option for HUD and other agencies to grant waivers if certain products are not produced in sufficient quantities in the U.S. and in other specified circumstances. Unfortunately, for years dating back through the previous Administration, HUD has not fully developed its process for reviewing waiver requests, nor has it properly worked to assess housing components where there are persistent shortages or insufficient domestic production capacity. As a result, we have heard of requests for waivers that take months or even more than a year to process.”\n\nThey continued: “Buy America requirements have played a valuable role in supporting domestic production and jobs in certain infrastructure projects for decades and support American supply chain resilience and good paying jobs [...] Unfortunately, we have heard concerns from affordable housing developers that they are facing long and uncertain delays in getting waiver determinations […] We urge you to accelerate timelines for processing, publishing, and making a determination on waiver requests for specific projects to ensure development of much needed housing units is not held up, and to clearly communicate expectations with housing finance agencies, public housing authorities and other developers ahead of time. Doing so will not only reduce delays and costs in housing construction, it will also provide more clear information to American manufacturers of products that are currently unavailable.”\n\nThey concluded: “As we work in a bipartisan fashion in Congress to advance housing reforms which will support new construction and preservation of affordable housing, we believe this is a step HUD can implement quickly to make continued progress on expanding housing supply. We recognize that these steps should have been taken years ago, but request that HUD improve communication around the BABA waiver process, act faster on completed waiver requests, and begin assessing the availability of BABA-compliant housing products. We also know you have heard from housing and labor stakeholders with suggestions and hope you will work with them to address this challenge. We believe swift action can lead to meaningful progress in supporting homeownership and underscore the bipartisan commitment to supporting housing that is affordable and attainable for all Americans.”\n\nA copy of the full letter can be read HERE.\n\nSenator Shaheen is leading efforts in the Senate to lower housing costs and increase the supply of affordable units for families struggling to find a place to call home. Earlier this year, Shaheen secured three commonsense provisions—the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act, Streamlining Rural Housing Act and the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative in Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act in the landmark 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act to expand supply of affordable housing, streamline construction and lower costs in the Granite State and across the country. Recently, Shaheen also reintroduced her Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act to incentivize manufactured home park owners to sell the park to community residents or nonprofits, rather than another developer or landlord. In the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured upwards of $9 million in federal funding for affordable housing in New Hampshire. Recently, as part of her Affordability Action Tour, Senator Shaheen visited both West Lebanon and Laconia to discuss policy solutions to lower housing costs for communities across the state.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-tim-sheehy-soft-on-crime-judges-need-consequences-the-jail-act-delivers/", "title": "ICYMI: SENATOR TIM SHEEHY: Soft-on-crime judges need consequences. The JAIL Act delivers", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sheehy.senate.gov", "scraper": "sheehy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001232", "name": "Tim Sheehy", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Tim Sheehy penned an opinion piece for FOX News highlighting the JAIL Act, a bill that would eliminate judicial immunity for federal and state judges whose leniency towards repeat offenders leads to new violent crimes.\n\nIn case you missed it…\n\nSENATOR TIM SHEEHY: Soft-on-crime judges need consequences. The JAIL Act delivers\n\nSenator Tim Sheehy\n\nJune 8, 2026\n\nFOX News\n\nOver and over again, radical judges and government officials in liberal cities put law-abiding Americans at risk by allowing dangerous criminals to roam freely on our streets. Instead of holding criminals behind bars to protect our communities, these soft-on-crime judges release violent repeat offenders on bail, giving them the opportunity to commit more crimes.\n\nYou see it in the news nearly every week: A deranged criminal commits a violent crime against an innocent member of society, and before you know it, stories are coming out about how the offender had been arrested a dozen times previously and should never have been out on our streets in the first place.\n\nMany remember the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed on the Charlotte, North Carolina, Blue Line train in August 2025. Decarlos Brown Jr. has been charged with her murder and also faces federal charges, but his competency to stand trial is in question. He is a man with a history of mental illness and who’d been arrested and released at least 14 times before allegedly killing Iryna, including on charges for armed robbery, felony larceny, breaking and entering and assault.\n\nIn May 2025, 22-year-old Logan Federico, a young woman studying education at South Piedmont Community College who hoped to become a teacher, was murdered during a home invasion while visiting friends in Columbia, S.C. The man who allegedly took her life, Alexander Dickey, had been previously arrested 39 times with 25 felonies.\n\nLast September, a 19-year-old repeat offender allegedly killed a man while out on three separate bonds and on probation. Johnnie Lillie was charged with shooting and killing Jermarkus Johnson in Houston, Texas. Lillie had allegedly violated his bond at least half a dozen times after his release from jail – if on any occasion his probation or bond had been revoked, Lillie would not have been on the streets and Johnson would likely be alive today.\n\nEarlier this year, in February, Abdul Jalloh – an illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone – was charged with murder after allegedly brutally stabbing to death a Virginia woman, Stephanie Minter, at a bus stop. He had been arrested more than 30 times, including on charges of “rape, malicious wounding, assault, drug possession, identity theft, trespassing, larceny, firing a weapon, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and pick pocketing,” according to Homeland Security.\n\nAnd just in May, a man was arrested for allegedly fatally stabbing 23-year-old Alyssa Paige along the Atlanta BeltLine and beating postal worker Monique Thomas with a rock. The suspect, Jahmare Brown, had been arrested previously, including in January for battery of another female victim. He was sentenced to undergo a mental health evaluation, anger management classes, and 120 days of confinement – but records show he was released after just around 60 days in jail.\n\nWhen is enough, enough? At what point do these judges learn from their past life-endangering mistakes and stop releasing dangerous violent criminals back into our communities? For the sake of justice and public safety, we cannot continue allowing radical judges to prioritize criminals over innocent Americans and our communities without consequence.\n\nTo break this devastating cycle of violent crime, we must shut the revolving door of the criminal justice system that allows repeat offenders to walk free and disregards the suffering of victims and their families. Victims, their families, and all Americans deserve true justice – not a system that minimizes violent crimes through early release, lenient bail, or lax probation.\n\nThat’s why I’ve introduced legislation to hold radical judges accountable for the often deadly consequences of their leniency towards dangerous criminals. The “Judicial Accountability for Irresponsible Leniency Act,” or JAIL Act, gets rid of judicial immunity for federal and state judges, allowing victims and their family members to sue judges and other government entities for releasing violent repeat offenders on bail should they go on to commit another violent crime.\n\nA government’s foremost responsibility is to safeguard its people. It’s long past time for Congress and our public officials to take a stand for Americans’ safety and make the stories of violent offenders being released to commit more crimes unthinkable. Let’s pass the JAIL Act and finally implement the accountability Americans are demanding.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/06/08/slotkin-peters-statement-on-nomination-of-michael-martin-to-the-eastern-district-of-michigan/", "title": "Slotkin, Peters Statement on Nomination of Michael Martin to the Eastern District of Michigan", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters released the following statements after returning their blue slips for Michael Martin, a nominee for the Eastern District of Michigan. The nominee was chosen as part of Michigan’s longstanding judicial nominations process, with the bipartisan Judicial Nominations Advisory Committee carefully vetting, interviewing, and providing feedback on applicants for this vacancy.\n\n“I take this responsibility very seriously,” said Senator Slotkin. “I met with Mr. Martin, a 20-year career prosecutor who has worked through both Democratic and Republican Administrations and asked him direct questions that speak directly to whether he will uphold our democratic process, regardless of external pressure. From making clear Joe Biden won the 2020 election, to the attack on the Capitol on January 6th, to being clear that President Trump can’t run for a third term, these answers were important factors for me, and fundamentally different from President Trump’s judicial nominees to date. I look forward to Mr. Martin conveying the same during his confirmation hearing, and to his service on the federal bench if confirmed.”\n\n“After years working as both a federal prosecutor and criminal attorney helping to defend our national security, Michael Martin has the experience and integrity necessary to serve on the federal bench,” said Senator Peters. “During the entire nomination process and throughout our in-depth conversations, Mr. Martin has made it clear that he will exercise independent, forward thinking judgment. I believe he has the temperament and character necessary to impartially serve Michiganders and the American people.”\n\nBackground on Martin:\n\nMr. Martin has served as a career federal prosecutor for over two decades, including in roles as Criminal Chief, Chief of the National Security Unit, Deputy Criminal Chief, and Executive Assistant US Attorney. He has led the prosecution of a wide range of complex cases, including terrorism, espionage, export control violations, and violent crime. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Martin served as a trial attorney in the Counterespionage Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. Earlier in his career, he clerked for the Honorable Hugh H. Bownes of the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the Honorable Edward F. Harrington of the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and was an analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=963EF55B-B715-4E6B-A8D9-B88B042DAF47", "title": "Thune: Republicans Thwart Democrats’ Pursuit of “Defund the Police 2.0”", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, sometimes I have to wonder if Democrats remember the last election – and how four years of record-breaking illegal immigration on President Biden’s watch helped hand the House, the Senate, and the White House to Republicans.\n\n“Because to watch the Democrat Party right now, you’d think that 2024 never happened.\n\n“Democrats not only haven’t rejected the open-borders philosophy of the Biden administration, they’ve doubled down.\n\n“At least we had the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Biden.\n\n“Now every Senate Democrat is on record as wanting to shut down those agencies.\n\n“That’s right.\n\n“Democrats voted to defund – to defund – the agents who stand guard on our nation’s borders and help prevent dangerous individuals from entering our country.\n\n“They voted to defund the agents who remove criminal illegal immigrants who do make their way into the United States.\n\n“And when I say defund, Mr. President, I mean defund.\n\n“Democrats opposed giving these agencies a single dollar.\n\n“And I hope – I really hope – that my Democrat colleagues are not going to attempt to defend themselves by claiming that they simply wanted reforms of these agencies, and that Republicans wouldn’t give them.\n\n“Because as the record amply – amply – reflects, Democrats were offered reforms again and again.\n\n“The White House not only made reforms on its own, it repeatedly offered Democrats a robust legislative package.\n\n“But Democrats weren’t interested.\n\n“Presumably because they somehow thought that ‘defund law enforcement’ and ‘abolish border security’ would play well for them in November.\n\n“Of course, I’m pretty sure most Americans don’t think we should eliminate security at our nation’s borders, or open the floodgates for unchecked illegal immigration.\n\n“But that hasn’t stopped Democrats from embracing Defund the Police 2.0.\n\n“Mr. President, I am happy to report that as of Friday, Democrats’ crusade to defund border security and law enforcement is well on its way to failure – for now, at any rate.\n\n“Senate Republicans passed legislation to fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the next three years, to ensure that Democrats can’t try defunding these agencies again this fall.\n\n“But, Mr. President, it is deeply disturbing that we are in this position – that we are having to use the reconciliation process just to get normal appropriations passed for border security and immigration enforcement.\n\n“The damage that Democrats caused in the 2026 fiscal year has been immense.\n\n“Two record-breaking government shutdowns.\n\n“Critical workers at DHS left for months without pay.\n\n“Government workers lined up at food banks.\n\n“TSA agents quitting in droves.\n\n“And that’s not to even mention what [could] be irreparable harm to the appropriations process here in the Senate.\n\n“And then there’s our subject today, Defund the Police 2.0 – Democrats’ resolute refusal to spend a single dollar protecting our nation’s borders or deporting criminals here in our country illegally.\n\n“It is absurd, Mr. President, that Republicans are having to act unilaterally to fund basic national security responsibilities.\n\n“What is the Democrat Party going to propose defunding next?\n\n“The DEA? The FBI? Our nation’s military?\n\n“Where exactly does this insanity end?\n\n“The Democrat leader has repeatedly attempted to cloud the issue – going so far as to make the insane suggestion that Congress somehow has to choose between our national security responsibilities and addressing the challenges facing hardworking Americans.\n\n“To which I say, not only can we walk and chew gum at the same time, but we have an obligation to do so.\n\n“It is our responsibility as members of Congress to work to alleviate not only the economic challenges facing Americans but to protect our nation’s security – and that includes securing our borders and attempting to ensure that criminals, drug traffickers, terrorists, and other dangerous individuals do not make their way into our country.\n\n“And that if they do make their way in, they are identified and deported.\n\n“Mr. President, as long as Republicans are in charge, we will be focused on both the economic challenges facing our country and on securing peace and safety for hardworking Americans.\n\n“On our watch, there will be agents at our borders to prevent terrorists, traffickers, and other dangerous individuals from making their way into our country, and there will be agents to take criminal illegal immigrants off of America’s streets.\n\n“I wish I could say the same of our Democrat colleagues.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/photo-release-tuberville-attends-ribbon-cutting-for-new-u-s-coast-guard-facility-in-birmingham/", "title": "PHOTO RELEASE: Tuberville Attends Ribbon-Cutting for New U.S. Coast Guard Facility in Birmingham", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“We’re here to welcome a new winner to our state.”\n\nBIRMINGHAM – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) attended the ribbon-cutting for the new U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Enlisted Training Center of Excellence at Birmingham-Southern College (BSC).\n\nExcerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his full remarks can be viewed here. Photos from the event can be viewed here.\n\n“We’re here to welcome a new winner to our state. We love winning. The State of Alabama loves winning. Folks, we just got a winner that joined the great State of Alabama—that’s the United States Coast Guard Academy. Birmingham Southern has been here a long time. And I want to thank Daniel—the first time I talked to him, I could hear it in his voice about how serious he was here about the future of Birmingham Southern. You can tell how much he cares about it. But this is not the end of Birmingham Southern. All we’re doing today—we’re changing the curriculum. […]\n\nI want to thank one person that people need to take their hat off to—his name is President Donald Trump. He is the reason this is here today—that we’re here. He believes in this country. He believes in law enforcement. He believes in military. He believes in national security. I’ve talked to him several times about this, and I want to say President Trump is a dealmaker. And by getting this property for the United States Coast Guard Academy, he basically stole it as a negotiator. It came at a very good price for our country. We saved hundreds of millions of dollars by having this facility already here, which if we’d had to built this facility…ten years from now, we might have been able to move into it. […]\n\nPresident Trump has done a lot of things since he’s been President for a year and a half—Space Command, building submarines in Muscle Shoals, Fannie Mae coming to Birmingham—just look at what’s going on. Now, we have this. […]”\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-lee-advocate-for-homeopathic-medicine-champion-maha-agenda/", "title": "Tuberville, Lee Advocate for Homeopathic Medicine, Champion MAHA Agenda", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality, and Transparency Act which would build a framework for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for homeopathic medicine to protect Americans’ access to natural health solutions. Their bill would provide a pathway for homeopathic medicinal products to gain approval from the FDA without needlessly banning safe products that do not fit into the same legal categories as traditional pharmaceuticals.\n\nThe Daily Caller first reported about this bill.\n\n“I’ve long been an advocate for homeopathic medicine,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The reality is that too many Americans today are hooked on pharmaceuticals when they could be using homeopathic remedies, which are often cheaper and can yield miraculous results. There’s no reason why the FDA shouldn’t be reviewing and approving some of these remedies to help Americans live healthier lives.”\n\n“Americans have a right to manage their own health and choose treatments that are right for them, including homeopathic methods,” said Sen. Lee. “The current federal regulatory framework is designed around traditional pharmaceuticals, but it is ill-equipped to review the safety and effectiveness of homeopathic products. So, we are building a new one. Our legislation answers the concerns of thousands of families across the country who have been calling on Washington to find a better way.”\n\nAmericans for Homeopathy Choice Action, MAHA Action, the CPAC Foundation, the National Health Federation, the Health Freedom Defense Fund, and the National Products Association endorsed the bill.\n\nRead full text of the bill here.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe FDA first recognized homeopathic medicines in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938 and regulated the manufacture and sale of homeopathic drugs for the following eighty years. However, in 2019 the FDA withdrew this regulatory framework for homeopathic products. This created legal and regulatory chaos for the industry as the viability of homeopathic medicine was brought into question.\n\nSpecifically, the Homeopathic Drug Product Safety, Quality, and Transparency Act would:\n\nFederally acknowledge that homeopathic drug products are distinct from other pharmaceutical products and, as such, require independent regulatory framework.\n\nCreate a standard definition for homeopathic drug products and clarifies that they are not a new drug.\n\nExempt homeopathic drugs from the traditional approval process established under Section 505 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.\n\nOutline a method for the Secretary to regulate homeopathy safety and quality standards separate from traditional drugs.\n\nExempt finished homeopathic drug products from the required laboratory test to evaluate strength of each active ingredient.\n\nClarify that homeopathic drug products must generally comply with traditional labeling requirements, but that homeopathic drugs may use descriptions/dosage units appropriate to homeopathy and that claims made in compliance with this Act shall not be considered a false advertisement.\n\nEstablish a Homeopathic Drug Product Advisory committee, which shall trigger consultation with the Secretary and provide recommendations on safety, quality, labeling, and regulatory approaches for homeopathy drug products.\n\nRequire the FDA to issue final Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations within three years after enactment.\n\nDeem any drug or supplement that is not homeopathic but uses the word homeopathy in its labeling as misbranded.\n\nApply federal standards for reporting serious adverse effects of nonprescription drugs to homeopathic drug products.\n\nClarify that homeopathic drug products shall not be classified as biosimilars.\n\nWithdraw the FDA’s 2022 guidance that significantly restricted the sale of homeopathic drug product.\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville Speaks to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. About MAHA Agenda\n\nTuberville, MAHA Caucus Celebrates FDA’s Decision to Ban Dangerous Red Food Dye No. 3 From Foods\n\nTuberville Joins Sens. Marshall in Launching Make America Healthy Again Caucus\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-clyburn-carson-delauro-johnson-khanna-nadler-lead-119-democrats-in-condemning-the-anti-muslim-sharia-free-america-caucus-and-harmful-legislation", "title": "Van Hollen, Clyburn, Carson, DeLauro, Johnson, Khanna, Nadler Lead 119 Democrats in Condemning the Anti-Muslim “Sharia-Free America Caucus” and Harmful Legislation", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chirs Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representatives James E. Clyburn (S.C.-06), Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, Andre Carson (Ind.-07), Rosa DeLauro (Conn.-03), Jerry Nadler (N.Y.-12), Hank Johnson (Ga.-07), and Ro Khanna (Calif.-17) led 119 Democratic Members in a letter condemning the establishment of the bicameral, anti-Muslim, self-styled “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” which would promote legislation that discriminates against the faith tradition of American Muslims. Ugly voices are growing louder and threatening to strip away our First Amendment rights to freely practice our faith and to violate the Constitutional prohibition of government picking one religion over another. We must oppose efforts to spread racist and xenophobic misrepresentations that sow more ignorance and hate.\n\nThe premise underlying this caucus and the measures associated with it reflects longstanding Islamophobic narratives and anti-Muslim sentiment rather than any demonstrated policy need.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers denounced the hateful caucus and urged leadership to speak clearly against initiatives that discriminate and stigmatize against any religious community.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, “To be clear, American Muslims serve this nation in every capacity and are entitled to the same constitutional protections as all other Americans. They are guided by both faith and civic responsibility to respect the U.S. Constitution, follow the law, and contribute positively to their communities and to the nation they call home. Congress must not legitimize anti-Muslim proposals that undermine those protections or foster division among the people we represent.\"\n\nThe lawmakers condemned the following legislation associated with the “Sharia-Free America Caucus”:\n\nPreserving a Sharia-Free America Act (H.R. 5722 / S. 3009)\n\nNo Shari’a Act (H.R. 5512 / S. 3008)\n\nProtecting Puppies from Sharia Act (H.R. 7611)\n\nThe lawmakers continued, “These proposals address no identifiable gap in U.S. law and raise serious constitutional concerns. The U.S. Constitution already makes clear that federal and state law govern civil and criminal matters, and courts have repeatedly invalidated measures that single out a particular religion for disfavored treatment.\n\n“Sharia, like Catholic canon law and Jewish Halakha, is a system of personal religious guidance developed through centuries of religious scholarship. For American Muslims, it primarily governs matters of faith and ethics, such as prayer, charity, honesty, family responsibilities, and service to others, and does not supersede U.S. law. Islamic teachings emphasize that Muslims should honor the laws of the country in which one resides.”\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, Leader Thune, and Leader Schumer:\n\nWe write as Members of Congress to express serious concern regarding the establishment of the bicameral, anti-Muslim, self-styled “Sharia-Free America Caucus” and its connection to anti-\n\nMuslim legislation that singles out the faith tradition of American Muslims, one of many faith traditions that have shaped the United States since its founding. The premise underlying this caucus and the measures associated with it reflects longstanding Islamophobic narratives and anti-Muslim sentiment rather than any demonstrated policy need.\n\nLegislation being advanced from members associated with this hateful caucus includes the:\n\nPreserving a Sharia-Free America Act (H.R. 5722 / S. 3009)\n\nNo Shari’a Act (H.R. 5512 / S. 3008)\n\nProtecting Puppies from Sharia Act (H.R. 7611)\n\nThese proposals address no identifiable gap in U.S. law and raise serious constitutional concerns. The U.S. Constitution already makes clear that federal and state law govern civil and criminal\n\nmatters, and courts have repeatedly invalidated measures that single out a particular religion for disfavored treatment. In Awad v. Ziriax (2013), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit\n\npermanently enjoined Oklahoma’s “Sharia ban” as a violation of the First Amendment. Congress faces urgent national priorities. Devoting floor time to legislation rooted in religious targeting would be a misuse of limited institutional resources. Leadership plays a decisive role in determining what legislation advances, and we respectfully urge that these measures not be scheduled for floor consideration.\n\nWe further urge leadership to speak clearly against initiatives that stigmatize a religious community. Legislation explicitly targeting Catholic Canon law or Jewish Halakha would rightly be rejected as discriminatory; proposals aimed at Islamic practices should be treated no differently. Allowing such efforts to proceed risks normalizing religious discrimination within Congress itself.\n\nFor these reasons, we respectfully request that House and Senate leadership:\n\nPublicly reaffirm Congress’s commitment to religious liberty and neutrality;\n\nReject efforts rooted in anti-Muslim bias; and\n\nRefrain from scheduling the above-referenced legislation for floor consideration.\n\nSharia, like Catholic canon law and Jewish Halakha, is a system of personal religious guidance developed through centuries of religious scholarship. For American Muslims, it primarily governs matters of faith and ethics, such as prayer, charity, honesty, family responsibilities, and service to others, and does not supersede U.S. law. Islamic teachings emphasize that Muslims should honor the laws of the country in which one resides.\n\nTo be clear, American Muslims serve this nation in every capacity and are entitled to the same constitutional protections as all other Americans. They are guided by both faith and civic responsibility to respect the U.S. Constitution, follow the law, and contribute positively to their communities and to the nation they call home. Congress must not legitimize anti-Muslim proposals that undermine those protections or foster division among the people we represent.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter and for your leadership in upholding the constitutional principles that unite our nation.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-padilla-durbin-whitehouse-colleagues-in-sounding-alarm-on-trump-administration-use-of-election-crimes-prosecutions-to-interfere-in-midterm-elections", "title": "Van Hollen Joins Padilla, Durbin, Whitehouse, Colleagues in Sounding Alarm on Trump Administration Use of Election Crimes Prosecutions to Interfere in Midterm Elections", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights, led 21 Senate colleagues in demanding answers over the Trump Administration’s decision to remove the most recent version of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) website without explanation.\n\nIn their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators highlighted the alarming actions taken by the Administration regarding election interference, emphasizing that the removal of the manual from the DOJ website further prompts questions of President Trump’s election interference efforts. Of particular concern, the previous edition of the manual dating from 2017 stated that DOJ prosecutors should not seize voting materials until after an election had been certified.\n\n“The manual published by the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division has been easily publicly accessible on the Department’s Election Crimes Branch website in both Democratic and Republican Administrations,” wrote the Senators. “During President Trump’s first term, the manual was accompanied by a memorandum describing the Department’s longstanding election non-interference policy. While the manual underscores the importance of deterrence as the objective served by federal prosecutions of individuals who commit federal crimes in connection with an election, it also makes clear that ‘this deterrence is achieved by public awareness of the Department’s prosecutive interest in, and prosecution of, election fraud—not through interference with the process itself.’”\n\nThe Senators questioned Acting Attorney General Blanche on the Administration’s motivations for removing the manual from the DOJ website and any efforts to restore it. They further requested clarification from the Administration to understand any outside influences or partisan political motives. The oversight letter asked whether revisions will be included and if Trump’s allies will contribute to those revisions.\n\nThe removal of this DOJ guidance comes as the Administration has threatened election takeover efforts which will result in voter suppression across the country, especially in this year’s midterm elections. The Senators further warned that the removal of the manual paves the way for politically motivated legal actions by the Trump Administration in advance of the midterm elections.\n\n“While the Department’s ongoing voter roll lawsuits are failing across the country, we are concerned that those efforts, which were calculated to compel states into inaccurately purging voters, may be the pretext for more meritless pre- and post-election challenges, including interfering with election certification,” continued the Senators. “Similarly, unsubstantiated claims by DOJ leadership of ‘tens of thousands noncitizens on voter rolls’ are reckless, as time and again, those claims have been refuted by findings that many individuals are falsely identified as noncitizens, and the extremely rare appearance of noncitizen registrants on the voter rolls or the even more extremely rare cases of noncitizen voters are often due to bureaucratic errors or misunderstandings about eligibility, as opposed to intentional fraud.”\n\nIn addition to Van Hollen, Padilla, Durbin, and Whitehouse, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nWe write regarding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ or Department) decision to remove the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual, now in its eighth edition, from the Department’s website without explanation.\n\nIn the context of other alarming actions taken by the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice, including pursuing politically-motivated investigations at the direction of the White House; implementing drastic changes to the longstanding mission of the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section; suing 30 states for unrestricted access to their voter rolls; and making unprecedented demands for ballots, election equipment, and names of election workers, the removal of this manual continues to raise the alarm about DOJ’s involvement in the upcoming midterm elections for partisan political purposes. We urge you to confirm the Department’s adherence to the principles outlined in the manual and be transparent about what, if any, changes the Department is making to this longstanding policy to protect elections from political interference.\n\nThe manual published by the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division has been easily publicly accessible on the Department’s Election Crimes Branch website in both Democratic and Republican Administrations. During President Trump’s first term, the manual was accompanied by a memorandum describing the Department’s longstanding election non-interference policy. While the manual underscores the importance of deterrence as the objective served by federal prosecutions of individuals who commit federal crimes in connection with an election, it also makes clear that “this deterrence is achieved by public awareness of the Department’s prosecutive interest in, and prosecution of, election fraud—not through interference with the process itself.” The Amundson Memo similarly provides clear directives reaffirming guidance provided under former Attorney General William Barr that prosecutors and investigators “may never select the timing of public statements (attributed or not), investigative steps, criminal charges, or any other action in any matter or case for the purpose of affecting any election, or for the purpose of giving an advantage or disadvantage to any candidate or political party.”\n\nThe manual is also still cited in the Justice Manual, a critical reference guide for U.S. Attorneys and other DOJ prosecutors, which states:\n\nWhere a criminal or national security investigation during an election cycle is at issue, the Department must also be careful to adhere to longstanding policies regarding the timing of charges or taking overt investigative steps. See, e.g., U.S. Dept. of Justice, Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses 8-9, 84–85 (8th ed. 2017).\n\nRecent reports have indicated that the number of attorneys in DOJ’s Public Integrity Section has been reduced from 36 to two. In addition, in early April, former Republican congressman Dan Bishop was appointed as the Department’s chief election fraud prosecutor with nationwide authority to pursue the President’s debunked claims of widespread voting fraud. Around that same time, you hired 2020 election conspiracist Joe DiGenova as Counsel to pursue politically motivated prosecutions, who has in turn apparently hired Kurt Olsen, a former White House election czar previously sanctioned for misleading courts in election cases.\n\nFollowing these developments, we need to better understand the extent to which the Department’s investigations are being influenced by partisan political motives. Given Department leadership’s public enthusiasm for working with Republicans in Congress on issues related to elections, including agreeing to demands that DOJ bring legal action to force states to redraw congressional lines, even after citizens in their states have already voted, we expect complete answers to the following straightforward questions:\n\nWhy was the most recent edition of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual taken down? Will you commit to restoring it to the DOJ website?\n\nIf withdrawn for revisions, what revisions are being contemplated? Who at the Department is leading that process? What is the estimated date of completion?\n\nHas any DOJ employee, political appointee, or contractor involved in revising the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual met with, including in a “personal capacity,” White House political staff, former White House political staff, Republican party officials, or outside organizations that work on election policy? If so, which ones, for which purposes?\n\nThe Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual reaffirmed that “the federal prosecutor has no authority to send FBI Special Agents or Deputy U.S. Marshals to polling places,” and that “Department and FBI policy requires that any investigative action that involves intrusion by federal investigators into the area immediately surrounding an open polling place be approved by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.” Will the Public Integrity Section still have a role in reviewing any potential deployment of the FBI or U.S. Marshals to areas immediately surrounding polling locations in the upcoming midterm elections? If not, who at the Department will have a role in reviewing such deployments and under what standards?\n\nWhile the Department’s ongoing voter roll lawsuits are failing across the country, we are concerned that those efforts, which were calculated to compel states into inaccurately purging voters, may be the pretext for more meritless pre- and post-election challenges, including interfering with election certification. Similarly, unsubstantiated claims by DOJ leadership of “tens of thousands” noncitizens on voter rolls” are reckless, as time and again, those claims have been refuted by findings that many individuals are falsely identified as noncitizens, and the extremely rare appearance of noncitizen registrants on the voter rolls or the even more extremely rare cases of noncitizen voters are often due to bureaucratic errors or misunderstandings about eligibility, as opposed to intentional fraud.\n\nTo be clear, any attempts by DOJ to file lawsuits to stop eligible voters from voting, their votes from being counted, or elections from being certified, will fail, but any attempts are still corrosive to public trust and confidence in our election administration and invite threats against nonpartisan election workers.\n\nAgainst this backdrop, the absence of guidance from the Public Integrity Section on election noninterference appears to clear the way for politically-motivated legal actions by DOJ itself in the lead-up to and aftermath of the midterm elections. Accordingly, we request that you immediately confirm the Department’s adherence to longstanding, bipartisan policy of noninterference and comply with this request no later than June 22, 2026.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-schiff-kaine-schumer-over-30-senate-democrats-in-pressing-trump-on-legal-basis-for-justifying-claim-that-hostilities-in-iran-have-terminated", "title": "Van Hollen Joins Schiff, Kaine, Schumer, Over 30 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump on Legal Basis for Justifying Claim that Hostilities in Iran Have Terminated", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and over 30 Senate Democrats are refuting the Trump administration’s claim in a May 1 letter to Congress that the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026 in Iran have “terminated” and requesting President Donald Trump release the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion supporting this claim.\n\nThe Senators emphasize that the already unconstitutional war in Iran has violated its statutory deadline set by the War Powers Act and argue that the ongoing naval operations, bombings, blockades, and strike campaigns that have been ongoing since February 28 continue to constitute hostilities.\n\n“Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators point out that the continued deployment of troops, ongoing strikes, and an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz rebut the claim that hostilities have terminated after the April 7 ceasefire. Senators Schiff and Kaine, joined by several of their colleagues, have forced numerous votes in the Senate on the War Powers Resolution, including asserting the 60-day statutory clock, triggered by a notification to Congress, had run out on the president’s ongoing use of military force, in addition to being unconstitutional from the start.\n\n“Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires...It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Van Hollen, Schiff, Kaine, and Schumer the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write to express our strong disagreement with the legal justification presented in your May 1, 2026, notification to Congress pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, regarding the authority to conduct war against Iran. The notification stands in sharp contrast with the text of the War Powers Resolution, the relevant legislative history, domestic and international law, and past interpretations made by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) and the State Department under Administrations of both parties. We also request that you make public the OLC opinion justifying the administration’s claim that U.S.-Iran hostilities were determined to be “terminated” for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, and any OLC opinion justifying the use of military force against Iran without congressional authorization.\n\nYour May 1 notification falsely stated that “the hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated.” This statement was repeated by Secretary Hegseth in his April 30 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee when he asserted that after the April 7 ceasefire announcement, the administration’s “understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.” This argument fails to account for the facts and actions of the parties to the conflict. The ongoing naval operations and related efforts to conduct a blockade against Iran constitute hostilities. Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations.\n\nAt that time, the President is compelled to promptly remove forces from the situation without Congressional intervention or a physical, domestic attack.\n\nFurthermore, legislative history demonstrates Congress’ clear intent for these terms (“hostilities” and “imminent involvement in hostilities”), which are to be understood broadly, to establish a low threshold for both the reporting and withdrawal provisions of the War Powers Resolution. The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s report on the Resolution explains that “the word hostilities was substituted for the phrase armed conflict during the subcommittee drafting process because it was considered to be somewhat broader in scope...hostilities encompasses a state of confrontation in which no shots have been fired but where there is clear and present danger of armed conflict.” That describes the Iran War starting on February 28, 2026, and continuing to today regardless of a declaration of ceasefire.\n\nGiven the discrepancy between the requirements of the War Powers Resolution and the continued use of American forces in the Strait of Hormuz and throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, it is critical for Congress to understand the Executive Branch’s legal basis for its exceedingly narrow interpretation of “hostilities,” and “any use of armed forces.” Since February 28, 2026, your administration has maintained a force presence of thousands of U.S. servicemembers in the region, blockaded Iranian ports (including using military force to seize vessels), and continued to interrupt global supply chains and increase the cost of living on all Americans. On May 8, 2026, Central Command publicly confirmed that over 15,000 troops are forward deployed, and over 200 aircraft and 20 warships are enforcing an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Even after your notification to Congress indicating that hostilities had “terminated” on May 1, 2026, you accurately referred on May 4, 2026, to the war with Iran in the present tense, saying “we have a war right now.”\n\nWe have established that the United States and Iran’s continued posture of a state of military confrontation is itself sufficient to constitute ongoing hostilities under the text and legislative history of the War Powers Resolution. The Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual affirms that a declared ceasefire alone does not mean an end to war and hostilities, the current ceasefire “is not a partial or temporary peace; it is only the suspension of military operations to the extent agreed upon by the parties to the conflict. War as a legal state of hostilities between parties may continue, despite the conclusion of an armistice agreement.”\n\nMoreover, despite the stated ceasefire, both sides have continued to exchange fire on several occasions since April 7. And even if they had not exchanged fire, the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in itself further constitutes hostilities. The Supreme Court, the Department of Defense, and OLC all have published opinions confirming that they unequivocally consider a blockade to be a belligerent act and an act of war. As the Supreme Court held in the Prize Cases in 1862, the “proclamation of blockade is itself official and conclusive evidence to the Court that a state of war exist[s].” The Commander of U.S. Central Command himself recently acknowledged in his May 14 testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that an international armed conflict continued to exist due to the ongoing blockade.\n\nCongress has a recent and directly applicable legal opinion from your administration on how to interpret what it means for hostilities to cease. On April 21, 2026, the State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser published a statement that notes that, “any assessment of whether an armed conflict has ended must be fact-based, taking into account both the intentions and the actions of the parties to the conflict.” The Legal Adviser argued that the fact of ongoing ceasefire or peace negotiations did not in itself constitute the termination of hostilities. Instead, he stated that a credible intention to end hostilities, and an absence of parties planning or threatening further military engagements should diplomacy fail, is required to indicate an end to hostilities. Given that Secretary Hegseth has consistently argued that U.S. forces are “locked and loaded” and are “ready to go at the command of our President and at the push of a button,” it cannot be credibly argued that the current ceasefire meets the test set forward by the State Department’s Legal Adviser for constituting an end to hostilities.\n\nWe would not need to discuss the War Powers Resolution if this were a war authorized by Congress, but it is not. Our view, supported by law and history and consistent with even past Executive Branch practice taking a far broader view of the President’s authority, is that the current war violates our Constitution’s separation of powers. Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires.\n\nThe facts, history, and law affirm that the hostilities that began on February 28 are active and ongoing, in violation of international law and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. There is no justification to interpret military actions that would “restart,” “unpause,” or begin a new 60-day clock. Rather, hostilities have continued since February 28 and never terminated; the 60-day clock specified in the War Powers Resolution does not have a pause button. It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-leads-33-senators-in-effort-to-protect-small-and-minority-contracting-programs/", "title": "Warnock Leads 33 Senators in Effort to Protect Small and Minority Contracting Programs", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Warnock is demanding that the Trump Administration reconsider its destabilizing attacks on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs\n\nThe Senator organized a majority of the Senate Democratic caucus to join his effort, highlighting the economic benefits of the DBE and ACDBE programs\n\nIn October, the Department of Transportation implemented an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that has sidelined more than 50,000 high-performing small businesses and approximately 500,000 workers as construction costs and labor shortages mount\n\nICYMI from Capital B News: Warnock Says Trump-Era Rollbacks Are Hurting Black Businesses in Georgia\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), alongside Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and 31 colleagues, is demanding U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy reconsider his destabilizing efforts to dismantle the successful Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs that help drive job growth and the nation’s transportation economy.\n\nThe DBE program is a historically bipartisan federal initiative administered by DOT that sets an aspirational nationwide goal for federal transportation funding recipients to collectively spend at least 10 percent of those funds on small and disadvantaged businesses. The ACDBE program specifically targets contracting with DBEs for airport concessions, requiring airports that receive federal funding to set aspirational goals for DBE participation in prime and subprime contracts for concession operations.\n\n“If the Department proceeds with its murky implementation of the IFR, it will be solely responsible for the chaos that follows,”said Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers.“As long as DBE and ACDBE small businesses remain sidelined, hardworking Americans will be faced with higher costs from reduced competition, increased traffic, longer commutes, and an incomplete transportation system that limits physical, social, and economic mobility.”\n\nIn October 2025, DOT declared the programs unconstitutional and issued an interim final rule to rewrite these programs. As part of the IFR, DOT paused the program until each previously participating small business can complete an impractical recertification process, including by describing “social and economic disadvantage” and past instances of discrimination without reference to racial and gender characteristics. The lengthy and subjective process of recertification has effectively sidelined 50,000 high-performing small businesses, at a time when transportation construction costs continue to outpace inflation, and workforce shortages are the leading cause of project delays. This decision by DOT breaks decades of judicial precedent that sustained the DBE and ACDBE programs, as well as the necessity of a race and gender-conscious remedy to address specific, identifiable discrimination and its lingering effects. Reports from the\n\nDepartment of Justice and Minority Business Development Agency found instances where small and minority businesses have been discriminated against, including minority contractors being called racial slurs, other contractors receiving feedback such as “I will never use a minority firm for the service that I do,” or that they were not selected for a subcontract due to their surname.\n\nThe Federal DBE and ACDBE programs are based on former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson’s robust minority contracting participation requirements for city contracts. Today, the programs support more than 4,000 small businesses embedded in the fabric of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the transportation network across Georgia.\n\n“The decision by DOT to declare the DBE and ACDBE programs unconstitutional and the department’s intention to rewrite programs so they fit the administration’s agenda is deeply concerning. These programs have proven to be effective, lowering costs for American commuters, increasing competition, driving new wealth creation, boasting exceptional returns on investments, and helping women- and minority-owned small businesses avoid pervasive discriminatory practices,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I express my utmost support for these two programs and hope Secretary Duffy and the Trump administration reconsider their position and work with Congress to ensure these programs continue to benefit all Americans.”\n\n“I am proud to partner with my friend Senator Warnock in demanding that small businesses owned by minorities, women, or other socially and economically disadvantaged individuals get fair access to federally funded highway, transit, and airport contracts,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “Our Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs fuel the transportation economy – dismantling them doesn’t just hurt those who own, run, and work in those businesses, it hurts all of us. Maryland has more Disadvantaged Business Enterprises than any other state, with over 9,000. So I will always fight to protect them and grow their access to opportunity.”\n\nThe Senators efforts were joined by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Corey A. Booker (D-NJ), Christopher A. Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard J. Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibran (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeffrey A. Merkley (D- OR), Patty Murray, (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE, and the text is below:\n\nDear Secretary Duffy,\n\nWe write with deep concern that the Department of Transportation’s (“the Department”) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Airport Concessions Program Implementation Modifications Interim Final Rule (the IFR) risks destabilizing transportation contracting and concessionaire markets nationwide. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs have played a vital role in advancing the physical, social, and economic mobility of all Americans, while growing thousands of small businesses that help drive the nation’s transportation economy.\n\nThese programs have increased competition, expanded contractor and concessionaire capacity, and supported the timely and cost-effective delivery of federally-assisted transportation projects. At a time when transportation construction costs continue to outpace inflation and construction workforce shortages are the leading cause of project delays, any action that disrupts the participation of experienced DBE and ACDBE firms threatens to increase costs, delay delivery, and reduce competition across our transportation economy.\n\nCongress created the DBE program in 1983 to help women- and minority-owned small businesses, which face severe and pervasive discrimination, fairly compete for federally assisted transportation and infrastructure projects. Despite progress in the years since, these small businesses have faced well-documented, persistent, and at times intentionally discriminatory barriers from public and private actors in their attempts to establish, grow, and operate construction and concessionaire businesses.\n\nThese persistent discriminatory barriers are why Congress has repeatedly affirmed its support for these programs, most recently in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (P.L. 117-58) and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-63).\n\nThe DBE and ACDBE programs not only help remedy pervasive and, at times, intentional discrimination, but they also play a unique role in creating a diverse transportation contractor and supplier base that increases competition, lowers costs for America’s commuters, and drives new wealth creation. As of October 1, 2025, there were nearly 50,000 certified DBE businesses nationwide supporting an estimated more than 500,000 jobs, many of which would not exist without the DBE program. Since 2023, DBE certifications have increased nearly 20 percent, reflecting both growing entrepreneurial participation and continued demand for these firms’ services.\n\nThe DBE and ACDBE programs also represent a strong return on federal investment. According to the Department, the ACDBE program alone generated $2.7 billion in concessionaire revenues in 2022. More broadly, small businesses have accounted for roughly two-thirds of net job creation over the past 25 years. Nationally, minority-owned businesses, nearly all of which are small businesses, have contributed hundreds of billions of dollars in annual economic output, supported millions of jobs nationwide, and have grown at rates substantially exceeding the national average in recent years.\n\nIn 2024, leveraging less than $10 million in federal funding, Florida’s Small Business Development Center helped small businesses create or retain nearly 20,000 jobs, generate $475 million in tax revenues, and produce $3.8 billion in sales for local economies. These outcomes underscore a basic principle: policies that expand fair access to opportunity strengthen economic performance and fiscal outcomes alike.\n\nTherefore, we were deeply concerned when the Department sidelined nearly 50,000 high-performing small businesses (representing approximately 500,000 employees) and froze a $37 billion investment program – and the billions more in economic activity it supports – all at a cost of over $100 million to the American taxpayer. This decision could not have come at a more inopportune time, with labor shortages already driving up costs and documented capacity constraints within many state departments of transportation.\n\nThe absence of a demonstrated transition plan, implementation capacity analysis, or disruption mitigation strategy raises serious concerns regarding project delivery, administrative feasibility, and the potential harm for small businesses and the communities they support. If the Department proceeds with its murky implementation of the IFR, it will be solely responsible for the chaos that follows. As long as DBE and ACDBE small businesses remain sidelined, hardworking Americans will be faced with higher costs from reduced competition, increased traffic, longer commutes, and an incomplete transportation system that limits physical, social, and economic mobility.\n\nWe urge the Department to work collaboratively with Congress to address any identified concerns rather than proceeding unilaterally to dismantle programs that have served as pillars of the nation’s transportation economy and created opportunities for countless Americans. All of our nation’s citizens deserve the equal opportunity—free from pervasive and ongoing discrimination—to contribute to building the country’s infrastructure and build wealth for their families and their communities.\n\nSincerely.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-kelly-press-trump-admin-to-support-american-workers-by-reinstating-port-fees-on-chinese-ships", "title": "Warren, Kelly Press Trump Admin to Support American Workers by Reinstating Port Fees on Chinese Ships", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, Kelly Press Trump Admin to Support American Workers by Reinstating Port Fees on Chinese Ships\n\nText of Letter (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) urged United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to protect American workers and promote domestic ship manufacturing by reinstating the Trade Act of 1974’s Section 301 port fees on Chinese ships.\n\n“Section 301 port fees [] are critical to revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding. Presidents of both parties have long recognized the serious threat that Chinese shipbuilding dominance poses to the United States, and…[these] fees and restrictions on Chinese vessels [] would have protected American shipbuilding businesses and workers,” wrote the senators.\n\nIn 2000, China produced less than 5 percent of commercial ships. Last year, Chinese ships accounted for more than half of commercial ships produced worldwide. At the same time, U.S. shipyard production has almost entirely collapsed, accounting for only 0.1% of global production, leaving America’s economy reliant on Chinese ships.\n\nIn the past, Presidents of both parties have recognized the threat of Chinese shipbuilding dominance and acted to counter it, including by investigating China’s targeting of maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding. As a result of a Biden-era investigation, the Trump administration initially proposed fees of up to $1 million on Chinese-owned and operated ships as well as restrictions on the use of non-U.S. built, flagged, or operated ships to transport U.S. goods.\n\nThe prospect of these fees led to a 23.5 percent decrease in orders at Chinese shipyards in just nine months.\n\nBut President Trump’s reckless trade war reversed this progress. China imposed its own fees on U.S. ships and massive tariffs on critical minerals used in military technology and semiconductors. As a result, the Trump administration made several concessions — including suspending the shipping fees and restrictions for one year — so China would drop its restrictions on critical minerals. Within days, the backlog of orders on hand at Chinese ports rose 25 percent.\n\nEven since suspending the fees, the Trump administration has reiterated the need to “reclaim America’s maritime strength” and generate “demand for U.S.-built ships, shipyards, and mariners,” in its “Maritime Action Plan.”\n\n“Without meaningful fees on Chinese vessels, this ‘plan’ is meaningless,” wrote the senators.\n\n“We urge the Administration to stand up for American shipbuilders and reinstate the fees and restrictions imposed pursuant to USTR’s section 301 investigation into Chinese shipbuilding,” concluded the senators.\n\nThe senators urged Ambassador Greer to reinstate the fees and restrictions on Chinese ships entering U.S. ports, commit to keeping them in place, explain how the pause on fees is affecting American workers, and reveal whether the Trump administration secured any meaningful concessions from China for pausing the fees and restrictions.\n\nSenator Kelly is the lead sponsor of the bipartisan Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act; Senator Warren is a co-sponsor of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-merkley-pressley-carson-lead-60-lawmakers-in-urging-trump-administration-to-immediately-address-largest-student-loan-default-crisis-on-record", "title": "Warren, Merkley, Pressley, Carson Lead 60+ Lawmakers in Urging Trump Administration to Immediately Address Largest Student Loan Default Crisis on Record", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, Merkley, Pressley, Carson Lead 60+ Lawmakers in Urging Trump Administration to Immediately Address Largest Student Loan Default Crisis on Record\n\nText of Letter (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), along with Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and André Carson (D-Ind.), led 62 members of Congress in pressing the Department of Education (ED) to immediately address the largest student loan default and delinquency crisis on record, which has been made worse by the Trump administration’s policies.\n\n“(I)nstead of pursuing solutions that protect borrowers, the Trump administration has deflected blame, punted responsibility for the default crisis to another agency, and raised costs for borrowers at every turn. We urge you to provide meaningful support to borrowers,” said the lawmakers.\n\nA February 2026 analysis by The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers revealed that close to 9 million student loan borrowers are now in default, up from 5 million last summer. 3.6 million borrowers defaulted during the first year of the Trump administration alone. 75 percent of borrowers who moved from delinquency to default on a student loan under the Trump administration had never previously defaulted.\n\n“The Trump administration’s actions have fueled this default and delinquency crisis,” wrote the lawmakers, highlighting the administration’s decision to block borrowers from accessing lower student loan payments and reduced access to debt relief.\n\nMaking matters worse, millions of borrowers will soon face an increased risk of delinquency and default due to the Trump administration’s decision to end the affordable SAVE income-drive repayment (IDR) plan. Instead of helping those vulnerable borrowers, the Trump administration will automatically enroll them in more expensive loan repayment plans if they do not apply for an IDR plan within 90 days.\n\nThe rise in delinquencies and defaults will have devastating economic effects and raise costs for American families. The Trump administration has threatened to restart forcibly collecting wages, Social Security, and tax refunds for defaulted borrowers, meaning that more than $30 billion could be seized from Americans’ incomes by the end of next year. Around 2 million borrowers saw their credit score drop by an average of 100 points over the course of 2025, which can restrict access to credit or loans that help them afford everything from housing to medical bills. According to Moody’s Analytics, a 1% increase in the student loan delinquency rate is associated with a statistically significant decline in home ownership.\n\nThe lawmakers urged ED to immediately take the following steps to address the default cliff:\n\nCancel student debt for qualified borrowers under existing debt cancellation programs, including IDR debt cancellation, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge, closed school discharge, borrower defense to repayment, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF);\n\nAdequately staff ED to conduct outreach to borrowers and oversight of servicers;\n\nClear the more than 550,000 application backlog of income-driven repayment applications;\n\nEnroll all 7.5 million borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE in the lowest cost repayment plan available; and\n\nContinue the pause on forced collections, end the interagency agreement tasking the Treasury Department with default collections, and create an interest-free temporary default prevention forbearance.\n\nThe coalition requested that ED commit to clearing the backlog of applications for loan debt relief and create a new form of forbearance to support borrowers by June 22, 2026.\n\nMinority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, along with Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) joined in signing.\n\nRepresentatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), Shomari Figures (D-Ala.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Henry Johnson (D-Ga.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) joined in signing the letter.\n\nSenator Warren has led the fight to make our higher education system more affordable, cancel student loan debt, and hold student loan servicers accountable for incompetence and malfeasance. She launched the Save Our Schools campaign in a coordinated effort to fight back against President Trump’s attempts to abolish the Department of Education:\n\nOn May 28, 2026, in response to a request from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent government watchdog, confirmed the expansion of its investigation into the Department of Education’s (ED) transfer of critical programs to other agencies through interagency agreements (IAAs), including the transfer of student loan default collections to the Department of the Treasury. GAO previously confirmed it had initiated an investigation into ED’s transfer of grant programs for career and technical education and adult education to the Department of Labor.\n\nOn May 21, 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to open a new investigation into whether the Trump administration's dismantling of the Department of Education (ED) is harming ED’s ability to root out waste, fraud, and abuse of Title IV financial aid funds.\n\nOn May 4, 2026, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) released new responses from the Department of Education (ED) and the Treasury Department (Treasury) demonstrating that the agencies cannot articulate a clear purpose or plan for implementing their illegal interagency agreement (IAA) transferring the administration of federal student loans to Treasury.\n\nOn April 28, 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Sanders (I-Vt.) pressed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Student Loan Ombudsman, Geoffrey Gradler, on his plan to protect student loan borrowers, especially given his past censorship of a key student loan report at the CFPB and his background as a lobbyist for lenders.\n\nOn April 17, 2026, Senator Warren led 31 senators in a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, urging them to provide “the highest possible amount of funding” to the Office of Federal Student Aid in fiscal year 2027.\n\nOn April 2, 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Ron Wyden, Patty Murray, and Tammy Baldwin — all top Democrats on influential education committees — pressed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to rescind their plans to move the administration of federal student loans to the Treasury Department.\n\nOn March 11, 2026, following a request from Senator Warren (D-Mass.), the Government Accountability Office, an independent government watchdog, opened an investigation into the Department of Education’s transfer of grant programs to the Department of Labor.\n\nOn February 23, 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Sanders (I-Vt.), along with Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), released a response from the Department of Education (ED) to their November letter regarding a potential sale of the federal student debt portfolio. In the response, ED confirms for the first time publicly that they are weighing a sale of the federal student loan portfolio.\n\nOn February 19, 2026, Senator Warren led members of Congress urging the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office to open an investigation into the Department of Education’s (ED) transfer of grant programs to agencies with no expertise in education policy, such as the Department of Labor.\n\nOn February 19, 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) pushed Education Secretary Linda McMahon on concerns that the U.S. Department of Education is apparently obstructing Congressional efforts to hold federal student loan servicers accountable for underperformance.\n\nOn February 2, 2026, Senator Warren released a new report revealing the findings of their investigation into how private student loan lenders will reap the benefits from cuts to federal student loan access enacted in Republicans’ Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBBA). The report is the first Congressional analysis of the impacts of the OBBBA’s student loan restrictions on the private lending market.\n\nOn January 22, 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) led their Senate colleagues in demanding answers from Trump Education Secretary Linda McMahon about the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate affordable student loan repayment options for millions of Americans.\n\nOn December 8, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in writing to the federal student loan servicers to ensure they are providing borrowers with the customer service they deserve in the wake of the Trump administration’s student loan policy whiplash. The senators sent letters to MOHELA, Nelnet, EdFinancial, Maximus, and CRI.\n\nOn December 1, 2025, Senator Warren published an op-ed in USA Today calling for Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to resign following the recent news that President Trump and Secretary McMahon plan to further dismantle the Department of Education (ED).\n\nOn November 24, 2025, Senator Warren pushed for an expanded investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle ED and whether its recent decision to transfer many of ED’s responsibilities to four other agencies violates federal law.\n\nOn November 17, 2025, Senator Warren led over 40 of her colleagues in a letter urging Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to immediately end any plans to sell or transfer the federal student loan portfolio to the private market.\n\nOn November 10, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in a letter urging the Trump administration to use the IRS’s existing legal authorities to stop the looming “tax bomb” facing borrowers who obtain income-driven repayment (IDR) discharges of their student loan debt.\n\nOn October 15, 2025, Senator Warren and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) led 70 members of Congress in a letter calling on the Trump administration to address the ongoing and unprecedented wave of student loan delinquencies and defaults, which threatens the financial stability of millions of people and could have disastrous effects on the American economy.\n\nOn September 19, 2025, following a push by Senator Warren and nine other senators, the Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education agreed to open an investigation into DOGE’s infiltration of internal systems, including the scope of its access to sensitive student loan borrower information and its impact on borrowers’ rights and privacy.\n\nOn August 26, 2025, Senator Warren led colleagues in sending a follow-up letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon condemning the Department of Education for deliberately hiding the “Submit a Complaint” button on the Office of Federal Student Aid’s website, firing employees responsible for providing customer service to borrowers and families and misleading Congress about the scope of these firings.\n\nOn August 7, 2025, Senator Warren publicly released Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s response to the senator’s 60+ questions and pressed for additional information. Senator Warren announced that she would refer certain matters where the Department has proved uncooperative to the Government Accountability Office and the Education Department’s Inspector General.\n\nOn August 4, 2025, Senator Warren led eight Senators in pressing major private student loan lenders on their plans to serve the incoming surge of borrowers who will be pushed to the industry because of Republicans’ recently passed “Big, Beautiful Bill.”\n\nOn July 17, 2025, Senator Warren released a new 23-page report, “Education At Risk: Frontline Impacts of Trump’s War on Students,” highlighting warnings from 11 major national education and civil rights organizations on the impact of the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education (ED), slashing support to millions of American students, primary and secondary school teachers, administrators, parents, and student loan borrowers.\n\nOn July 15, 2025, Senators Warren and Sanders, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, urging her to reverse the interest hike on student loan borrowers in the SAVE forbearance.\n\nOn July 14, 2025, Senator Warren joined a letter to the director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, and Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, demanding that the Department of Education stop blocking nearly $7 billion in funds for K-12 schools, including for afterschool programs.\n\nOn July 3, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in submitting an amicus brief for NAACP v. US, arguing to the United States District Court District of Maryland that President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education violate separation of powers and lack constitutional authority.\n\nOn June 10, 2025, Senator Warren met with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and delivered over 1,000 letters to McMahon that the senator had received from people in all 50 states who were worried about the Secretary’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education.\n\nOn June 9, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in pushing the Acting Inspector General of the Department of Education to open an investigation into new information obtained by her office, revealing that DOGE may have gained access to two FSA internal systems, in addition to sensitive borrower data.\n\nOn May 20, 2025, Senator Warren and 27 other senators pushed for full funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid.\n\nOn May 14, 2025, Senator Warren led a Senate forum entitled “Stealing the American Dream: How Trump and Republicans Are Raising Education Costs for Families,” highlighting the consequences of Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education and President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” for working- and middle-class students and borrowers.\n\nOn May 13, 2025, Senator Warren agreed to meet with Education Secretary Linda McMahon and promised to bring questions and stories from Americans across the country to highlight how the Trump administration’s attacks on education are hurting American families.\n\nOn May 6, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the consequences of President Trump and Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education for American families in a Senate forum.\n\nOn April 24, 2025, Senator Warren launched a new investigation into the harms of President Trump’s attacks on the Department of Education, seeking information on the impact of the Trump administration’s actions from the members of twelve leading organizations representing schools, parents, teachers, students, borrowers, and researchers.\n\nOn April 10, 2025, following a request led by Senator Warren, the Department of Education’s Acting Inspector General agreed to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.\n\nOn April 2, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Hirono, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Department of Government Efficiency’s proposed plan to replace the Department of Education’s federal student aid call centers with generative artificial intelligence chatbots.\n\n###\n\nNext Article Previous Article", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/as-summer-travel-ramps-up-welch-leads-senators-in-raising-alarm-on-how-trumps-war-in-iran-has-impacted-air-travel/", "title": "As Summer Travel Ramps Up, Welch Leads Senators in Raising Alarm on How Trump’s War in Iran Has Impacted Air Travel", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators: “We are concerned about consumer access to safe and affordable air travel as we head into a busy summer travel season.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today partnered with Senator Tammy Duckworth, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in expressing serious concern to Airlines for America (A4A) about the impact skyrocketing jet fuel prices will have on American consumers and the airline industry in the coming weeks and months. In their letter to Chris Sununu, President and CEO of A4A, the Senators requested information about the impact the war with Iran is having on their members, the measures airlines plan to take in response to higher jet fuel costs, and how rising prices will hurt the broader air travel industry.\n\nA4A’s member airlines include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air Worldwide, Delta Airlines, FedEx, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and the United Parcel Service (UPS).\n\nThe Senators underscore that American families are facing higher costs across all areas: “As you know, rising jet fuel prices are dramatically increasing travel costs for American consumers and input costs for your member airlines…The war with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the largest energy supply disruption in history. Approximately 20% of global jet fuel passes through the Strait. In addition, nearly a third of global crude supply passes through the Strait—up to 10% of which is also refined into jet fuel in other regions. Gasoline prices have increased by 50% in the last two months, and jet fuel prices have more than doubled since February 28. Forecasts estimate that airlines will face up to $24.1 billion in additional fuel expenses in 2026.\n\n“Airlines are already taking steps in response to increased input costs. All major U.S. carriers raised checked baggage fees in April. United CEO Scott Kirby recently stated that the airline could increase ticket prices by as much as 20% in response to the current oil market dynamics,” the Senators continued. “Delta announced route reductions beginning in June. Last week, JetBlue announced route reductions and the termination of service at select airports amid the current “capacity crisis.’”\n\nThe Senators request a briefing from President and CEO Sununu and representatives from A4A member airlines, in addition to answers to the following questions by June 17, 2026:\n\nHow do jet fuel prices affect route economics and air service decisions, particularly as it concerns small- and medium-sized airports?\n\nWhat steps have A4A members taken to prevent future airline ticket increases, route reductions, and flight cancellations at small- and medium-sized airports?\n\nEven if the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, are elevated jet fuel prices expected to persist and continue to impact consumer prices? How long are the impacts projected to last?\n\nAre any A4A member airlines considering measures such as delaying investments, pausing hiring, increasing baggage fees, or increasing ticket prices to address the jet fuel price increases? If so, please identify which measures are under consideration.\n\nThe Iran war energy crisis has already ended operations for Spirit Airlines. Are any A4A members also at risk of bankruptcy or closure should the war in Iran continue through the summer and into the fall?\n\nRead and download the Senators’ full letter to Airlines for America President and CEO Sununu.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-schiff-kaine-schumer-34-senate-dems-in-pressing-trump-for-legal-justification-for-false-claim-that-hostilities-have-terminated-in-iran/", "title": "Welch Joins Schiff, Kaine, Schumer, 34 Senate Dems in Pressing Trump for Legal Justification for False Claim that Hostilities have “Terminated” in Iran", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators: “The 60-day clock specified in the War Powers Resolution does not have a pause button.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 34 Senate Democrats in demanding that President Trump provide legal justification for the use of military force against Iran without congressional authorization. After the Vietnam War, Congress passed legislation requiring presidents to cease military action within 60 days, if those actions are not authorized by Congress. In their letter, the Senators demanded that President Trump adhere to U.S. law.\n\nThe Senators emphasized that the already unconstitutional war in Iran has violated the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Act and argue that it is common sense to conclude that ongoing naval operations, bombings, blockades, and strike campaigns constitute warlike hostilities—which must end if President Trump does not have Congressional authorization.\n\n“Furthermore, the United States and Iran, and their associated partners and proxies, have continued to use lethal force in contravention of the ceasefire, which also constitute hostilities. Finally, U.S. forces remain postured for, and you have regularly threatened, the swift return of major combat operations,” the Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators point out that the continued deployment of troops, ongoing strikes, and an active naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz rebut the claim that hostilities have terminated after the April 7 ceasefire. Senator Welch has supported Senators Schiff and Kaine in efforts to force numerous votes in the Senate on the War Powers Resolution, including asserting the 60-day statutory clock, triggered by a notification to Congress, had run out on the president’s ongoing use of military force, in addition to being unconstitutional from the start.\n\n“Your administration has not explained to the Congress or the American people why you believe the Constitution permits launching a war of this magnitude – including the loss of U.S. service members’ lives, scores of civilians killed in Iran and the broader region, and staggering economic and geopolitical costs – without authorization from Congress as Article I requires…It is imperative that you publish the OLC legal theory underlying your interpretation to the contrary in a timely manner,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senators Welch, Schiff, Kaine, and Leader Schumer, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nRead and download the Senators’ full letter to Airlines for America President and CEO Sununu.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-trumps-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-has-made-it-clear-who-he-answers-to/", "title": "Welch Statement on Trump’s Attorney General Nominee: “Todd Blanche has made it clear who he answers to.”", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following response to President Trump’s formal nomination of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General of the United States (AG):\n\n“The United States Attorney General is the lawyer of the American people, not the personal lawyer for the President. But already, Todd Blanche has made it clear who he answers to,” said Senator Welch. “I have no faith that Acting AG Blanche will fight for justice, the rule of law, and the civil rights of all Americans—he will only fight for President Trump. I cannot support his nomination.”\n\nSenator Welch called on Acting AG Blanche to resign in May.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-murray-demand-trump-administration-restore-key-blm-roles", "title": "Wyden, Merkley, Murray Demand Trump Administration Restore Key BLM Roles", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Oregon and Washington senators sound alarm on reassignment of Public Information Officers ahead of wildfire season\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., today demanded the Trump administration immediately reinstate 13 federal employees in Oregon and Washington state who received “reassignment letters” terminating their roles at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in May, with no apparent plan at the start of fire season to replace them.\n\nThe employees worked in BLM district offices as Public Affairs Officers or Public Information Officers often tasked with communicating life-saving information to communities about fire conditions and evacuations. Some of the employees were also designated ‘red card’ holders, qualifying them to support wildland firefighting operations.\n\n“It is extremely concerning that there are now zero on-the-ground, district level personnel to communicate critical public safety information to our constituents, the media, and local officials,” the senators wrote to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “Removing these employees…at the very start of fire season with no apparent plan to replace them leaves communities across our states without the information and resources they need to stay safe during fires; this may have life-threatening consequences.”\n\nWith record low snowpack and worsening drought, Oregon and Washington are facing a potentially historic wildfire season. Budget and staffing cuts by the Trump administration have left much of the West without the necessary resources and firefighting personnel it needs to prepare for and battle fires. These most recent cuts will make it even harder for local communities across Oregon and Washington to get up-to-date information about fires and evacuation notices.\n\nIn the words of one whistleblower, \"As a long serving, fire-qualified member of the wildland fire community, I am deeply concerned by the loss of experienced, on-the-ground communicators from BLM district offices at the start of fire season. Public Affairs Specialists and Public Information Officers are not simply media contacts, they are trained members of the incident response system who help ensure communities receive timely evacuation notices, safety information, and updates during rapidly evolving emergencies.\n\nRemoving experienced fire-qualified personnel from these roles means losing decades of institutional knowledge, local relationships, and wildfire response experience when those skills are needed most. As Oregon and Washington face the potential for another severe fire season, reducing the capacity to communicate critical public safety information risks leaving communities less informed and less prepared during emergencies. Public information is a core component of wildfire response and weakening that capability has real consequences for public safety.\"\n\nText of the letter is here.\n\nRelated Files", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-attends-indiana-spray-drone-association-education-day-in-jennings-county/", "title": "Young Attends Indiana Spray Drone Association Education Day in Jennings County", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "INDIANAPOLIS – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) attended the Indiana Spray Drone Association Education Day at the Southeast Purdue Ag Center in Jennings County.\n\nThe Indiana Spray Drone Association was created to help ensure aerial application by drone grows safely, professionally, and responsibly across the state.\n\n“Drones continue to be critical for the Hoosier ag industry, and Indiana’s new UAS test site will help ensure our drone ecosystem meets the industry’s growing needs,” said Senator Young.\n\nEarlier this year, Indiana was named the recipient of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Test Site. Young led a letter in support of Indiana’s application signed by the entire Indiana congressional delegation. The full delegation support letter is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-discusses-bill-to-promote-expand-apprenticeship-programs-with-535-news/", "title": "Young Discusses Bill to Promote, Expand Apprenticeship Programs with 535 News", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here or on the image above to watch the interview.\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) joined 535 News to discuss their bill, the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act. The legislation would create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers who maintain or participate in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). The tax credit would offset the cost of wages paid to apprentices and mentors, as well as the cost of other program expenses.\n\nFull video of the interview is available here.\n\n“Apprenticeships equip individuals with sustainable skills to advance their careers and offer employers job-ready workers, but too many businesses still face barriers to launching or scaling these programs. At a time when high-demand industries are struggling to fill open positions, our bill will make it easier for businesses to invest in high-quality apprenticeship programs, strengthening our workforce and expanding pathways to good-paying careers. This is an important step in ensuring Americans are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow,”said Senator Young.\n\nUnder the WAGES Act, eligible employers would be required to:\n\nMaintain a RAP or participate in one through written agreements, like collective bargaining agreements (CBAs);\n\nEmploy at least one qualified apprentice during the calendar quarter; and\n\nNot have received federal payments for the same qualifying wages/expenses.\n\nCovered program expenses would include:\n\nRelated technical instruction (classroom, distance learning, or otherapproved format);\n\nOn-the-job learning costs and supervision reimbursement;\n\nMentor wages — the amount paid above a journeyworker’s base rate while mentoring an apprentice (capped at $10,000/quarter per mentor);\n\nProgram development, registration, and maintenance costs; and\n\nCBA contributions to registered apprenticeship sponsors.\n\nAdditional statements of support can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/rep-yakym-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-in-support-of-national-trailer-safety-week-2", "title": "Rep. Yakym Introduces Bipartisan Resolution in Support of “National Trailer Safety Week”", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN) introduced a bipartisan resolution with Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN), John Garamendi (D-CA), and Chris Pappas (D-NH) expressing support for the designation of the week of June 7-13, 2026, as “National Trailer Safety Week” in the United States.\n\n“I came to Congress to fight every day for manufacturing jobs, the backbone of Indiana’s Second District. And to protect those jobs, we must first protect the hardworking Hoosiers doing them.” Rep. Yakym said. “That starts with making sure every American who hitches up a trailer, whether it’s a towable RV, a cargo trailer, or a flatbed hauling equipment, knows how to do it safely.”\n\n“Trailer accidents claim hundreds of lives and leave 21,000 Americans injured every year – an unacceptable toll on American families and communities,” Rep. Garamendi said. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this resolution to elevate public awareness of trailer safety standards and strengthen the safety of our nation’s roadways. Trailer Safety Week serves as a vital platform to equip both manufacturers and motorists with the critical information necessary to prevent these tragedies and protect all who travel America’s highways.”\n\n“This National Trailer Safety Week I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution highlighting the importance of trailer safety,” Rep. Pappas said. “Trailer safety and education, from recreational use to everyday on the job, is critical to keeping everyone on our roads safe.”\n\n“Trailer Safety Week is dedicated to improving roadway safety for all Americans, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support and recognition at the federal level,” Alex Stowe, National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Executive Director said. “With nearly a million new trailers joining our roads each year, providing accessible education on trailer safety is essential. Whether you’re towing a boat for a weekend trip or a utility trailer for work, having the right knowledge for safe towing is crucial. Trailer safety directly impacts traffic safety, affecting us all. We sincerely thank Representatives Yakym, Burchett, Garamendi, and Pappas for acknowledging the importance of our Trailer Safety Week initiative and its contribution to enhancing roadway safety. This type of support is vital in turning awareness into action, equipping the public with practical knowledge on safe towing, proper maintenance, and compliance. An unsafe trailer on the road poses a risk to everyone. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, we all can actively contribute to creating safer roadways for everyone.”", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/06/08/rep-young-kims-profit-act-passes-the-u-s-house-of-representatives/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim’s PROFIT Act Passes the U.S. House of Representatives", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Young Kim’s (CA-40) PROFIT Act to comprehensively restore and reinforce the State Department’s leadership on commercial diplomacy, energy security, and international economic policy for the first time in over two decades.\n\nThis legislation comes as China and other adversaries continue to exploit gaps in America’s economic statecraft, using trade, investment, and energy dependence as tools of coercion. The State Department has lacked the structure and mandate to aggressively counter these threats and champion American businesses on the world stage. The PROFIT Act directly addresses that challenge by ensuring U.S. diplomats are equipped not just to engage, but to compete and win.\n\n“I have long said that economic security is national security. Now, for the first time in decades, our diplomatic compass is finally pointing in a more strategic direction,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Today’s vote proves that America is serious about securing and maintaining its role on the world stage. I am proud to have worked alongside the administration to restore U.S. economic leadership, equip our diplomats to stand up for American workers and businesses, and ensure the United States can outcompete our adversaries.”\n\nRep. Young Kim spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 5248.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/06/08/reps-kim-bera-dominance-act-passes-u-s-house-of-representatives/", "title": "Reps. Kim, Bera DOMINANCE Act Passes U.S. House of Representatives", "date": "2026-06-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, the Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies (DOMINANCE) Act, legislation introduced by House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific Chair Young Kim (CA-40) and Ranking Member Ami Bera (CA-06), passed the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nEnergy and critical minerals underpin U.S. national security, advanced manufacturing, and economic competitiveness. Yet today, the PRC controls roughly 70 percent of global rare earth mining and 90 percent of processing, while strategic energy and mineral supply chains remain vulnerable to disruption and coercion. The DOMINANCE Act confronts this challenge head-on by aligning U.S. diplomatic, development, and financing tools to secure stronger, more resilient energy and critical mineral supply chains outside of the PRC’s influence.\n\nChairwoman Kim spoke in support of H.R. 7037 on the House Floor. Watch her remarks HERE.\n\n“The United States needs a durable plan to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and reduce strategic dependencies that threaten our economic and national security. The PRC has spent decades expanding its influence across global critical minerals supply chains. America must meet this moment with allies and partners and ensure the materials that power our modern economy are not controlled by a strategic competitor. Our DOMINANCE Act creates the long-term partnerships, institutions, and strategy needed to compete with China and secure reliable access to critical minerals for decades to come. We are proud to see our legislation pass the House with overwhelming bipartisan support and look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to advance it into law,” said Representative Kim.\n\nOrganizations supporting the DOMINANCE Act include: American Academy of Diplomacy, American Conservation Coalition Action (ACC Action), American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF), American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA), American Energy Leadership Institute (AELI), American Petroleum Institute (API), Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action), ClearPath Action, Climate Leadership Council, DZYNE Technologies, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action, the Foundation for American Innovation, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), KoBold Metals, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Newmont Corporation, Progressive Policy Institute, SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy, Third Way, US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), USLNG Association (LNG Allies). Read their quotes of support HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-we-are-prepared-to-protect-the-american-beef-supply/", "title": "Senator Marshall: We Are Prepared to Protect the American Beef Supply", "date": "2026-06-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Bloomberg\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Bloomberg’s Balance of Power with Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz to discuss eradicating the New World Screwworm, addressing rising costs in the agriculture sector, the confirmation of Todd Blanche, FISA, and another reconciliation passage.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn confirming Todd Blanche for Attorney General:\n\n“Well, look, I think this will continue to be a ‘skins and shirts’ basketball game that we’re playing — it’s the NBA finals tonight as well, so it’s a ‘skins and shirts’ basketball game. The Republicans will support the nominee; the Democrats won’t; there will be lots of pomp and circumstance and people posturing. But I tell you what, he came to a Republican conference and took about as much fire as I’ve ever seen someone from the cabinet come and take from a group of senators. He took both barrels on, he answered honestly, when he had an answer he gave an answer. If he didn’t have one, he said, ‘Look, I’m going to find the answer to that as well.’ I think he’s going to do a heck of a job as Attorney General.”\n\nOn an anti-weaponization fund:\n\n“Well, it’s all about the details of this, right? Look, I don’t want the federal government being weaponized against anybody. If it’s a person that was convicted of a violent crime that attacked a police officer, of course not. But I do think there should be some type of recourse for people that have had the government weaponized against them; we’ve seen it happen — Christian groups, conservative groups targeted by the Internal Revenue Service. So, it does happen; it’s all about the details of it. But I’m telling you, it’s not on my priority list right now — my priorities right now are to get the House to finish the funding for ICE, for Border Patrol, and then let’s get on down, let’s figure out what to do with FISA, then let’s get on to E15 and other things that matter. At least that matter to folks back home.”\n\nOn FISA:\n\n“Well, we could sure make this really, really complicated, and FISA is complicated — that’s the challenge. Honestly, every morning I wake up, and I pray that I would do justice. And as I sit here and look at FISA, I see two conflicting situations here. Number one is, I want to make sure we have national security, maintain national security, which is why this FISA foreign surveillance court was set up. On the other hand is Americans’ right to privacy. So, whenever you have a foreign person talking to an American citizen, that’s where the challenge is. So, I think all we need to do is tighten up the language a little bit more. They’re getting there. So, I think we just don’t have the language quite right. I don’t think the nomination of these people — we’re not going to get the Democrats, many of them, to vote for anyone, to them this is a political battle. They want to do everything they can to attack Donald Trump, slow down this policy. I think the Republicans, we want to get things done, and there’s a right way to do FISA and I hope that we figure it out this week.”\n\n“Yeah, my guess is as the Senate moves really, really slowly, we’ll have to have some type of an extension yet. If something suddenly comes together — great. I think you’re looking at an extension though.”\n\nOn passing another reconciliation package:\n\n“Well, I’m sure going to die trying to get this Reconciliation 3.0 on the cost of living — it’s going to be things to address the cost of living. So, you think about under Joe Biden, the cost of healthcare, of housing, of childcare — they all went up 50%. So, people are feeling the burn of that, so let’s do things that can impact health care. Our lead bill is a price tags bill, forcing every health care provider to list their prices up front, we think that would drive down the cost of health insurance $1,000 a month. So, there’s things we can do in housing, there’s things that we can do with property insurance as well, and childcare. So, let’s use it to focus on the cost of living, maybe even more tax cuts, if that’s possible as well.”\n\nOn handling the spread of the New World Screwworm:\n\n“Yeah, well, we got this. We’ve been anticipating this moment for several years, as we saw millions of people come out of Central America through Mexico and America, we knew that they were bringing this screwworm back with them. We had it contained to Central America, but we knew it was working up this way. So, we know how to address the situation, your food is safe. We will never let a head of cattle that’s infected with this get into the system and go through the processing. It’s a very open, fleshy wound, anyone can see this, so we’re not going to let it into the system. We’ve got great treatments out there for it — Ivermectin is one example of what works for it. And then we know how to stop the spread of it as well — it’s not spread like COVID or a flu, it’s through a cough, it’s spread through the screwworm fly that deposits its eggs in an open wound of an animal. And forgive me here for going biology on you, but the screwworm — the female screwworm — all she does is she mates one time, lays eggs, and she dies — so she can only mate one time. And what we do is we grow these male screwworm flies that are sterile. We sterilize them with gamma radiation, they breed together, and then she lays sterile eggs and she dies. So, we had this in the 1960s when I was a young lad, and we were able to get through it then. But we had eradicated, so we stopped these ‘screwworm factories’ so to speak. But we have one in Panama already, we’re building one in Mexico, building one in Texas, it may take us a year. And if I could, here’s the economic significance of this right now — typically a million head of cattle come across the border from Mexico every year, live cattle, so we’ve stopped that. That’s about 1/13 of the amount of cattle that we harvest every year, we usually harvest about 13 million, so 1 million of them have stopped. So, on top of just the small supply — the smallest herd we’ve had in my lifetime in America — we’ve lost this 1/13 of our supply as well.”\n\nOn USDA Secretary Rollins’ work to fight screwworms:\n\n“It’s hard for me to go back through all the history, but from the second I remember talking to Secretary Rollins about this, we started adding more funds to it. So, I know that we’ve been talking about this, really, right from the very, very early beginnings, we knew what we needed to do. I’m disappointed that the previous administration, the Biden administration, didn’t start making these screwworm male laboratories where we’re sterilizing these flies, so that’s probably where the mistake was as well. So, we can cast the blame — I’d have to really dig in to see who was late when — but what I remember is the previous administration didn’t start these laboratories in a timely fashion.”\n\nOn how the screwworm spreads:\n\n“So, it’s two stages — so the fly, it flies around, and then it lays its eggs, which turn into larva, and that’s the worm that we have. So typically, how it’s transmitted is it gets on probably a deer, a coyote, some type of an animal, maybe it’s a pet — that’s how it’s going to, how it probably crossed the border. That’s why we knew it was going to get here as well. So, it’s not going to be being coughed on by somebody, it’s going to be carried across the border by a live animal, in this case, most likely some type of wild animal.”\n\nOn addressing rising costs for farmers:\n\n“Well, we may have to help them some more, and we’ve helped them already, but you nailed it — the number one issue back home is the cost of input costs: it’s fertilizers, it’s diesel, it’s interest rates as well. And this Strait of Hormuz being closed has made fertilizer prices rise again. We saw it, first of all, when Russia invaded Ukraine — for 18 months, it was higher than it is now. But regardless, I think that there’s going to have to be some further aid. We’ve given them $43 billion already; we added $65 billion to the crop insurance fund, $50 billion for rural health transformation as well, but I’m afraid we’re going to have to give them some more to get them through this. And all that being said, we are seeing net farm income improve. Under Joe Biden, we saw two years in a row of a record drop in net farm income. Last year we saw it at least turn around a little bit, but we’ve got more work to do. But I’m afraid that as long as this Strait of Hormuz is closed, we’re probably going to have to come back and help the farmers some more.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"}