SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DELIVER $25 MILLION IN FED FUNDING TO MAKE VITAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN TARRYTOWN AND SLEEPY HOLLOW

Fed Funding Will Support Conversion Of Four Intersections To Roundabouts, Installation Of New Traffic Signals, Construction Of Shared-Use Path, And More

Funding Comes From Highly Competitive BUILD Program, Which Schumer Secured Historic Increase For In Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law

Schumer: A Transportation Transformation Is Coming To Westchester!

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $25 million in federal funding for the Villages of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow to make vital safety improvements along U.S. Route 9. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) highly competitive Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, which Schumer secured historic funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law we passed is paving the way for safer roads and more jobs in Westchester County! I am thrilled to be announcing that Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow will receive $25 million in federal funding to upgrade critical road infrastructure along U.S. Route 9,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to have secured the funding for this project and will continue to advocate for the Hudson Valley to receive the federal resources it needs to thrive.”

"Well-maintained infrastructure is critical to increase safety, improve the flow of traffic, and enhance mobility," said Senator Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee. "This project is a win for Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and all of Westchester. I'm proud to have fought for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which helped fund this project, and I will continue working to deliver federal dollars to New York for the improvement of our infrastructure."

The project will reconstruct approximately 1.5 miles of U.S. Route 9 to include the reconstruction of four signalized intersections as roundabouts, the installation of two new traffic signals, the construction of up to a 0.75-mile shared-use path, the enhancement of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, and the optimization of bus stop locations.

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Sens. Scott, Budd, Colleagues send letter to protect U.S. specialty crop producers and restore competitive trade balance with Mexico

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, calling for measures to restore a more competitive trade balance for U.S. specialty crops with Mexico. In the letter, the senators advocate for addressing the unsustainable pressures on U.S. specialty crop producers caused by an increasing volume of foreign products unfairly flooding U.S. markets while U.S. crops are reaching their peak in-season period. The letter comes as Ambassador Greer works to reauthorize the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

In the letter, the senators wrote:

“Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries. We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food, which is fundamental to our national security.”

U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) joined in co-signing the letter.

U.S. Representative Austin Scott (R-Ga.-08) led the letter in the House of Representatives and was joined by 79 members in sending the letter.

The letter is endorsed by: American Farm Bureau Federation, Alabama Farmers Federation, Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association, California Table Grape Commission, Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Blueberry Growers Association, Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Exchange, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Berry Exchange, Georgia Blueberry Commission, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Watermelon Association, Idaho Onion Growers Association, Malheur County Onion Growers, Michigan Asparagus, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Onion Committee, Michigan Vegetable Council, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, National Onion Association, National Pecan Federation, North Carolina Apple Growers Association, North Carolina Chamber, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, North Carolina Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association, North Carolina Growers Association, North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, North Carolina Tomato Growers Association, North Carolina Vegetable Growers Association, Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association, South Carolina Small Fruit Association, Southeastern Pecan Growers Association, Texas Pecan Growers Association, Tobacco Associates, Inc., Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina, Vidalia Onion Business Council, Washington Red Raspberry Commission, and Western Pecan Growers Association.

Read the full letter text here or below:

Dear Ambassador Greer,

The U.S. specialty crop industry encompasses a large variety of commodities across 220,000 farms, each with distinct supply and demand conditions. As you know, many American growers of fruit, vegetable, and certain tree nut commodities and products are under unsustainable pressure from growing volumes of products unfairly entering U.S. markets. These imports flood the U.S. market, often at the same time U.S. crops are reaching their peak in-season period, with prices at or below the cost of production for U.S. producers. Additionally, many of these commodities are seasonal and/or perishable, creating unique challenges for identifying markets as these products must be harvested, marketed, and consumed within a limited window of time. Other specialty crops that are marketed year-round are forced to suffer the consequences over the course of the entire year. As you review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), we look forward to engaging with you to implement trade measures that will allow our specialty crop producers to continue to feed the nation and remain viable against unfair foreign competition. We urge you to consider the significant strain Mexico continues to place on the U.S. specialty crop industry.

Fresh fruit and vegetable imports from Mexico have increased by more than 550 percent since 2001, driven by fundamental cost and regulatory advantages.

Mexican producers operate with significantly lower labor and production expenses, where agricultural wages are about one-tenth of U.S. levels, while U.S. growers depend heavily on the higher-cost H-2A program for seasonal labor. Because labor accounts for roughly half of total production and harvest expenses in this industry, these disparities create a substantial competitive gap. Mexican farms also cut corners by avoiding many of the regulatory requirements imposed by U.S agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Labor, further reinforcing their cost of production advantage.

Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries. We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food, which is fundamental to our national security.

Many specialty crop organizations and representatives recently submitted comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative for consideration under Docket ID: USTR-2025-0004, titled “Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada.” We encourage you to prioritize the evaluation of these comments, and we emphasize the importance of these commodity industries’ submissions. We appreciate your consideration of our growers’ concerns, your review of the companion letter sent from 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives on May 12, 2026 regarding this matter, and look forward to continued collaboration as the 2026 USMCA review process moves forward.

Sincerely,

/X/

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Shaheen Marks Passage of Landmark Housing Legislation in Franconia, Highlights Over $2 Million in Federal Funding She Secured for Community Wellness Center in Colebrook

(Franconia, NH) – With housing costs remaining a top concern for families across New Hampshire, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) traveled to the North Country today to visit the Fox Hill Cooperative in Franconia and highlight provisions she secured in the landmark housing legislation recently passed by Congress. Shaheen also attended and delivered remarks at a ribbon cutting to celebrate efforts to renovate and redevelop the North Country Community Recreation Center in Colebrook. Photos from today’s events can be found HERE.

In Franconia, Shaheen visited the Fox Hill Cooperative, a resident-owned manufactured housing community, to mark Congressional passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act—bipartisan housing legislation that will expand supply and lower costs. Shaheen toured the community and highlighted a key provision she secured in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that will directly support manufactured housing communities, such as Fox Hill. Specifically, the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative in Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act would extend a federal grant program that provides funding to support the purchase, construction and renovation of manufactured housing communities—increasing supply of affordable housing for families across the country.

“Congressional passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis marks a major step in combatting our nation’s affordable housing crisis,” said Senator Shaheen. “This bill is one of the most consequential pieces of housing legislation Congress has passed in decades, and I was proud to secure three provisions in it that will lower costs and expand the supply of affordable housing in New Hampshire. I urge President Trump to stop stalling and immediately sign this legislation into law to deliver real financial relief to communities such as Fox Hill and others across the Granite State.”

Along with the PRICE Act, Shaheen secured two additional provisions in Congress’ milestone legislation that will directly lower housing costs in New Hampshire by cutting red tape and preserving rental assistance to keep homes affordable. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act currently sits on the President’s desk, who has so far refused to sign the landmark bill.

As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies (Ag-FDA) Subcommittee, Shaheen has continually worked to ensure New Hampshire communities have the federal funding needed to tackle the housing affordability crisis. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Ag-FDA Appropriations bill that was signed into law, Shaheen fought to fully fund the Rental Assistance program. Additionally, the FY 2026 appropriations bills invest $1.25 billion in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to help build new housing across New Hampshire and support grant programs that aid state and local efforts to remove barriers to housing construction.

In the afternoon, Shaheen visited the North Country Community Recreation Center in Colebrook. In the fiscal year (FY) 2024 government funding legislation, Shaheen secured $2.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the renovations of the North Country Community Recreation Center and establishment of a Wellness Center. Upon completion, the Wellness Center will expand access to health and fitness facilities in the region, including with an indoor walking track, pool, exercise gym and physical therapy and rehab programs. Shaheen also gave remarks on the project and its importance to the Colebrook community.

“While the loss of the North Country Community Recreation Center left a real impact on the entire community, it is wonderful to see how leaders in Colebrook have stepped forward to create a new wellness facility that will reinvigorate the community,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was thrilled to secure over $2 million in funding for this important project, and I thank everyone involved for their tireless work on this important community need in the North Country.”

Senator Shaheen has a long track record of securing resources to support community health enhancement across New Hampshire. Along with securing $2.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Colebrook wellness center, Shaheen secured millions of dollars to support key health care priorities in New Hampshire in the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill, including funding for health care facility improvement and workforce development.

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Peters and Slotkin Demand Answers as Trump Administration Further Delays Toxic PFAS Chemical Cleanups at Military Sites in Michigan

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) are demanding answers from the Trump Administration for its continued delays in cleaning up toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at military installations in Michigan and across the country. The delays come as Michigan communities and residents continue to face severe challenges with toxic PFAS contamination.

Michigan is home to 16 military installations where DOD has identified or suspects PFAS contamination, including Camp Grayling and the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. In a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth, the senators called on DOD to reverse its unacceptable postponement of PFAS remediation at military bases and requested detailed explanations for the delays in order to give servicemembers, their families, and the surrounding communities the transparency they deserve.

“We remain greatly concerned by the staggering delays at some installations, which include over 170 installations with delays ranging from 1 year to over 20 years,” the senators wrote. “Communities around these installations must not be left behind, and remediation work cannot wait.”

Recently, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly updated its timetable for PFAS remediation at military sites across the country. Its new timeline, which was only recently made public but dated September 30, 2025, delayed cleanup efforts by over a decade at many installations and even up to two decades in some cases. In total, over 170 military sites were affected by this newest round of delays, including 8 sites in Michigan. This comes just months after DOD initially pushed the PFAS remediation timelines for roughly 150 bases late last year. In November 2025, Peters and Slotkin also led a letter with their colleagues to Secretary Hegseth demanding that he reverse those delays.

In their most recent letter, Peters and Slotkin wrote, “Furthering our concern is the fact that this most recent set of delays is backdated to September 30, 2025, raising the question of whether the Department has further expanded the breadth and extent of its delays in the previous nine months. The longer DOD takes to complete such remediation efforts, the greater the risk to public health and the environment in impacted communities.”

PFAS or “forever chemicals” are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications and especially around U.S. military installations. At least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DOD activities. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at DOD facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of drinking water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to servicemembers, their families, and the communities surrounding these military sites.

The full text of the letter to Secretary Hegseth can be found here.

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Slotkin Joins Senate Colleagues in Demanding Trump Halt Illegal Move to Undermine Special Ed, Civil Rights Enforcement

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined her Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding the Trump administration put students first, follow the law, and immediately reverse course on transferring special education programs and civil rights enforcement out of the Department of Education (ED). These latest moves are part of the Trump administration’s explicit effort to dismantle ED, threatening key funding, support and services for students, schools, and families nationwide.

“The administration’s latest attempts to dismantle the Department of Education through the four Interagency Agreements (IAA) announced June 16, 2026 are outrageous and put the educational outcomes of students and their rights in the classroom at risk,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

“Special education and vocational rehabilitation are education programs. Any attempt to move these programs to HHS would fundamentally alter the purposes of these services, upending fifty years of work that took place at the federal, state, and local level to improve educational and employment outcomes for people with disabilities,” wrote the Senators. “It appears the administration values its backward goal of dismantling ED over the faithful execution of the law and improving opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and students with disabilities.”

“We have a simple demand: follow our nation’s education and appropriations laws as Congress wrote them to protect students’ most basic right to a quality education. More than 80 education, disability, parent, and civil rights groups have vocally opposed the recent IAAs and other departmental changes. We call on this administration to immediately cease implementing these IAAs, fully implement IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act as Congressionally directed, and take immediate action to strengthen civil rights enforcement—instead of burying students’ cases behind more bureaucracy. Our students and their families deserve nothing less,” concluded the Senators.

This letter was led by Senators Baldwin, Murray, and Sanders and co-signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

A full version of this letter is available here.

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Slotkin, Van Hollen, Colleagues Press EPA to Reinstate EPA Employees Retaliated Against for Exercising their Right to Free Speech

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were joined by more than 20 of their Senate colleagues in pressing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to reverse disciplinary actions taken on employees for signing a “Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights, and constitutional protections last year.

“In light of recent evidence showing a violation of constitutional and whistleblower rights, we demand that you reverse the firings and disciplinary actions imposed on employees for signing a “Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights, and constitutional protections,” the Senators began.

On the June 30, 2025 “Declaration of Dissent” letter the approximately 270 current and former EPA staff signed, the Senators wrote, “The language of the letter clearly states that the employees were signing in their personal capacity. EPA has not produced any evidence that would indicate that EPA employees used official resources or otherwise were acting in their professional capacity in writing and signing the “Declaration of Dissent,” nor has EPA provided a legitimate workplace-related justification for disciplining the signers of the letter that would possibly outweigh employees’ free speech rights.”

“Even after the recent revelations from EPA legal counsel, EPA continues to retaliate against staff by upholding the suspensions of over 140 workers and the firing of 20 others. Overturning the punishments is crucial to prevent a chilling effect on free speech. Stifling dissent cripples the agency’s ability to protect the public and is causing the loss of the experienced staff needed to carry out EPA’s mission,” they continued.

“Given the lack of any evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever, we support the EPA employees’ continued campaign to be exonerated and applaud them for the bravery it took to speak out about these matters of grave public concern. We call on you to reverse course, to reinstate all those who were fired for speaking out, and overturn all other discipline imposed. Speaking the truth is not a fireable offense. It is the public duty of every citizen who cares about protecting our health,” the Senators concluded.

Senator Van Hollen was joined in sending this letter by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).

A copy of the letter is available here.

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Van Hollen, Warren, Reed Call On Fed Watchdog to Investigate Vice Chair Bowman’s Private Wall Street Dinner During Fed’s Blackout Period

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) sent a letter to Michael Horowitz, the Inspector General at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, calling for an investigation into Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman’s recent decision to speak and answer questions at a closed-door dinner on Wall Street during the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) “blackout period.”

According to recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal, Vice Chair Bowman attended an “invitation-only, private dinner that Bank of America hosted for clients” immediately following the FOMC’s first monetary policy meeting led by the newly confirmed Chair, Kevin Warsh, and while the blackout period was in effect.

“During the blackout period, FOMC officials are required to ‘refrain from expressing their views about macroeconomic developments or monetary policy issues,’ including in ‘any meeting or conversation with any individual, firm, or organization who could profit financially from acquiring that information,’” wrote the Banking Committee members.

“Bowman has maintained that she did not share her views on monetary policy at the dinner, (but) public reporting indicates she discussed a range of Federal Reserve monetary policy topics,” continued the Senators. “She also reportedly expressed her views about the Federal Reserve’s Standing Repo Facility, which the FOMC established ‘to support the effective implementation and transmission of monetary policy.’”

The Senators highlighted concerns about the meeting from a past member of the FOMC : “Former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Patrick Harker, who was previously subject to these restrictions, reacted to reports of Bowman’s conduct: ‘If Bank of America is putting their dinner on, it’s giving them a commercial advantage, right? So we were not allowed to do those.’”

The Senators continued: “The top White House ethics official during the George W. Bush Administration argued that “(a) bank offering its clients a private audience with an official who oversees its supervision is the kind of exclusive access the Fed’s policies should guard against.”

The Senators concluded: “The Fed has been plagued by ethics scandals in recent years involving at least six senior Fed officials. Fed officials must be held to the highest ethical standards.”

The Banking Committee members requested that Inspector General Horowitz open an investigation into whether the Vice Chair’s actions violated the FOMC’s restrictions on external communications during blackout periods or any other statutes, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Inspector General Horowitz:

We write regarding Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman’s recent decision to speak at a closed-door dinner on Wall Street during the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) “blackout period.” The FOMC generally prohibits external communications around FOMC meetings to “reinforce the public’s confidence in the transparency and integrity of the monetary policy process.” Furthermore, Fed Governors are subject to strict ethics rules, which prevent them from privately discussing certain matters with banks that are under the Fed’s supervision and regulation. In light of Vice Chair Bowman’s speaking role at the dinner, we ask the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to review whether her attendance or comments violated any statutes, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures and whether the Fed’s existing framework governing such external events should be strengthened.

During the blackout period, FOMC officials are required to “refrain from expressing their views about macroeconomic developments or monetary policy issues,” including in “any meeting or conversation with any individual, firm, or organization who could profit financially from acquiring that information[.]” The restrictions further emphasize that officials should ensure that “contacts with members of the public do not provide any profit-making person or organization with a prestige advantage over its competitors.” The policy lists specific examples of conduct inconsistent with the restrictions, including discussing monetary policy topics at a “private meeting with selected clients of a profit-making entity[.]”

Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that immediately after the FOMC held its first monetary policy meeting led by the newly confirmed Chair, Kevin Warsh, and while the blackout period was in effect, Vice Chair Bowman attended an “invitation-only, private dinner that Bank of America hosted for clients.” The dinner was reportedly attended by more than 20 “business leaders and investors,” was not publicly advertised, and was closed to the public and media. Vice Chair Bowman spoke and answered questions. While Vice Chair Bowman has maintained that she did not share her views on monetary policy at the dinner, public reporting indicates she discussed a range of Federal Reserve monetary policy topics. These topics include Chair Warsh’s press conference at which he announced the FOMC’s interest rate policy and a set of task forces to reform how the FOMC conducts monetary policy. She also reportedly expressed her views about the Federal Reserve’s Standing Repo Facility, which the FOMC established “to support the effective implementation and transmission of monetary policy[.]”

Former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Patrick Harker, who was previously subject to these restrictions, reacted to reports of Bowman’s conduct: “If Bank of America is putting their dinner on, it’s giving them a commercial advantage, right? So we were not allowed to do those.” The top White House ethics official during the George W. Bush Administration argued that “[a] bank offering its clients a private audience with an official who oversees its supervision is the kind of exclusive access the Fed’s policies should guard against.” Even some private sector invitees decided to skip the dinner, “having concluded that attending could create compliance problems for their own institutions given their knowledge of the Fed’s quiet-period procedures[.]”

The Fed has been plagued by ethics scandals in recent years involving at least six senior Fed officials. Fed officials must be held to the highest ethical standards. Therefore, we ask that you open an investigation into whether Vice Chair Bowman’s participation in the closed-door dinner hosted by a regulated Wall Street firm for its clients violated the FOMC’s restrictions on external communications during blackout periods or any other statutes, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures. In addition, please provide the Fed with recommendations to strengthen its rules, regulations, policies, or procedures, if your review identifies any gaps or shortcomings in the existing framework.

Sincerely,


Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner Statement on Breach of DHS Information-Sharing Network

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement regarding a breach of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) information-sharing network:

“I am deeply concerned by the recent revelation of a compromise of DHS’s Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). For more than two decades, the HSIN platform has been used by federal, state, local, Tribal, territorial law enforcement, and private sector partners, to share intelligence, plan, coordinate, and collaborate on events, and respond to incidents. HSIN is currently sharing intelligence across law enforcement and homeland security communities, supporting the safety and security of the FIFA World Cup, America250, and other major events, and is critical to emergent response in the event of disaster. Virginia saw this firsthand in January 2025, where HSIN was an important tool to managing the response to the tragic mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk.

“The information in HSIN, while not classified, is highly sensitive, and its exposure risks national security. DHS and DOJ must thoroughly investigate who breached HSIN, what the attackers accessed, and ensure all DHS partners are provided with timely information and the tools necessary to mitigate any associated risks from the breach.

“Furthermore, DHS must take a serious look within and account for how this happened and ensure a breach like this does not happen again. The homeland security community needs to have confidence that the information in HSIN is secure, and the American public needs to be able to trust that the Department responsible for America’s cybersecurity has its own house in order.”

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Warnock Joins Bipartisan Letter to Protect U.S. Specialty Crop Growers and Restore Competitive Trade Balance with Mexico

Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock joined a bipartisan letter led by Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging him to establish safeguards to protect U.S. specialty crop growers from unfair international pressures

Senator Warnock is a strong advocate for Georgia’s agriculture industry and has pushed for bipartisan solutions to lower trade barriers for Georgia producers

Georgia is a leading producer of specialty crops—including blueberries, Vidalia onions, pecans, and peaches

USMCA is critical to American agriculture and the global competitiveness of Georgia producers

Senator Reverend Warnock, colleagues: “Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries”

Washington, D.C. – Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a key member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined a bipartisan coalition of senators in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, calling for measures to restore a more competitive trade balance for U.S. specialty crops with Mexico. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) also signed onto the letter.

“Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries,” wrote the senators. “We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food, which is fundamental to our national security.”

In the letter, the senators push for alleviating unsustainable price pressures on U.S. specialty crop producers caused by an increasing volume of foreign products unfairly flooding U.S. markets while U.S. crops are reaching their peak in-season period. The letter comes as Ambassador Greer works to reauthorize the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Senator Warnock has been a vocal proponent of practical solutions to alleviate unnecessary strain on Georgia’s farmers imposed by oversaturated international markets and unfair trade policies. In April, Senator Warnock led a bipartisan letter urging Ambassador Greer to ensure the USMCA is improved to adequately support domestic producers and maintain strong market access for American farmers and ranchers.

This letter comes as the Administration is nearing the July 1 mandatory USMCA six-year review. While USMCA—like any trade agreement—can be improved, pulling out of the trilateral USMCA would disrupt supply chains and drive-up costs for Georgia families already facing higher prices because of the Trump administration’s tariff policy.

The letter is endorsed by several of Georgia’s agricultural stakeholders, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Berry Exchange, Georgia Blueberry Commission, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Watermelon Association, National Onion Association, National Pecan Federation, and the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below.

“Dear Ambassador Greer,”

“The U.S. specialty crop industry encompasses a large variety of commodities across 220,000 farms, each with distinct supply and demand conditions. As you know, many American growers of fruit, vegetable, and certain tree nut commodities and products are under unsustainable pressure from growing volumes of products unfairly entering U.S. markets. These imports flood the U.S. market, often at the same time U.S. crops are reaching their peak in-season period, with prices at or below the cost of production for U.S. producers. Additionally, many of these commodities are seasonal and/or perishable, creating unique challenges for identifying markets as these products must be harvested, marketed, and consumed within a limited window of time. Other specialty crops that are marketed year-round are forced to suffer the consequences over the course of the entire year. As you review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), we look forward to engaging with you to implement trade measures that will allow our specialty crop producers to continue to feed the nation and remain viable against unfair foreign competition. We urge you to consider the significant strain Mexico continues to place on the U.S. specialty crop industry.”

“Fresh fruit and vegetable imports from Mexico have increased by more than 550 percent since 2001, driven by fundamental cost and regulatory advantages.”

“Mexican producers operate with significantly lower labor and production expenses, where agricultural wages are about one-tenth of U.S. levels, while U.S. growers depend heavily on the higher-cost H-2A program for seasonal labor. Because labor accounts for roughly half of total production and harvest expenses in this industry, these disparities create a substantial competitive gap. Mexican farms also cut corners by avoiding many of the regulatory requirements imposed by U.S agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Labor, further reinforcing their cost of production advantage.”

“Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries. We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food, which is fundamental to our national security.”

“Many specialty crop organizations and representatives recently submitted comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative for consideration under Docket ID: USTR-2025-0004, titled ‘Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada.’ We encourage you to prioritize the evaluation of these comments, and we emphasize the importance of these commodity industries’ submissions. We appreciate your consideration of our growers’ concerns, your review of the companion letter sent from 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives on May 12, 2026 regarding this matter, and look forward to continued collaboration as the 2026 USMCA review process moves forward.”

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Welch Hosts ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ Listening Session in Bennington County

Welch highlights how President Trump has raised costs for average Vermont households by more than $2,000

BENNINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today hosted a ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ listening session at Bennington College’s Purple Carrot Farm. The Senator heard from Vermonters about how Washington can work better for Bennington County families, farmers, and businesses.

“President Trump’s policies are hurting Vermont families. A large part of the hardship facing rural communities stems from the president’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’—signed one year ago this week—which made life more expensive for working families and gave tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. The president’s illegal war with Iran and reckless trade war, cuts to Medicaid, and his refusal to extend health care tax credits—which helped more than 30,000 Vermonters access health care—have only worsened the affordability crisis gripping our country,” said Senator Welch. “At the end of the day, President Trump’s disastrous policies have raised costs for Vermont families—it’s an unsustainable financial burden for families who can’t make ends meet. I’ll keep fighting to reverse these policies and work to make life more affordable for everyday Vermonters.”

View photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website:

Senator Welch has hosted Common Grounds events in Franklin, Addison, Caledonia, Orleans, Orange, Lamoille, Grand Isle, and Windsor counties, and will host listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026. Sign up for the Senator’s newsletter here to learn more about his upcoming events in Vermont.

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Welch Statement on the Future of the USMCA Trade Agreement and U.S.-Canada Trade Relations

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was negotiated and signed by President Trump in 2018

BURLINGTON, VT—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s refusal to extend the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, which was negotiated and signed by President Trump in 2018 and went into effect in 2020:

“Vermont’s small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers rely on the USMCA to maintain strong trade relationships with our neighbors—especially Canada. President Trump’s anti-Canadian rhetoric and reckless tariffs have created economic chaos on both sides of the border. The ripple effects have been severe and lasting, hurting Vermont’s Main Streets, our agriculture economy, and our tourism. Economic chaos has been a hallmark of the last 18 months, and today’s announcement by the Trump Administration only adds fuel to the fire. To be crystal clear for Vermonters who rely on this trade agreement: the USMCA still remains intact,” said Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “President Trump negotiated and signed this trade agreement in his first term. The USMCA has been a key tool in keeping trade flowing after the president lodged extreme tariffs on our closest trading partners. No trade agreement is perfect, but we need to extend the USMCA to bolster our North American supply chain and to protect and create manufacturing jobs. I urge Ambassador Greer, the White House, and Canadian trade officials to come to a swift resolution on unresolved matters and to maintain this critical agreement.”

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Wicker Welcomes New Roadway Funding

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement after the Department of Transportation awarded Mississippi a total of $51,160,000 in three grants. These funds will support infrastructure investments such as roadway improvements, safety improvement measures, lane widening, and increased truck parking.

“Roadways are the building blocks of a strong economy. These grants will help Mississippians do business, welcome tourists, and visit loved ones. I stand ready to help local leaders put these funds to work right away,” said Senator Wicker.

“On behalf of MDOT and the Mississippi Transportation Commission, I am pleased to be amongst several recipients for the USDOT Build grants. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for transportation in Mississippi. These BUILD grants will allow us to advance critical projects on both the state and local systems, continuing the progress Senator Wicker has championed for our state’s infrastructure over many years,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “We’re grateful he shares MDOT’s vision of building and maintaining better roads for the people of Mississippi.”

The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program provides competitive discretionary grants to support investments in nationally and regionally significant surface transportation projects, including highways, bridges, ports, rail, transit, and multimodal freight infrastructure. Unlike formula programs, BUILD grants are awarded competitively by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Senator Wicker has been a strong advocate for the program, and, as the lead Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during consideration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, he helped secure significant additional authorized funding for BUILD grants.

Mississippi was awarded the following grants:

Mississippi Department of Transportation - $22,100,000

This project will construct truck parking and technology improvements along the I-10 Corridor at the Hancock County Welcome Center. The project will increase the number of truck parking spaces from 20 to 74. It also includes technology upgrades to the existing welcome center lot.

City of Brandon - $24,060,000

This project will construct roadway, pedestrian, and intersection improvements along U.S. Highway 80. It also includes modifications to two intersections located at College Street and Overby Street/SR 471.


Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Press Trump Administration to Reinstate EPA Employees Attacked for Exercising their Right to Free Speech

Senators’ effort comes on one-year anniversary of “Declaration of Dissent” letter and follows recent revelations that EPA legal counsel advised against disciplinary action due to employees’ First Amendment rights

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump administration to reverse disciplinary actions taken after about 270 current and former Environmental Protection Agency staff signed the "Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights and constitutional protections last year.

“In light of recent evidence showing a violation of constitutional and whistleblower rights, we demand that you reverse the firings and disciplinary actions imposed on employees for signing a "Declaration of Dissent” in defense of scientific integrity, whistleblower rights, and constitutional protections,” the senators wrote in their letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

“The language of the letter clearly states that the employees were signing in their personal capacity. EPA has not produced any evidence that would indicate that EPA employees used official resources or otherwise were acting in their professional capacity in writing and signing the “Declaration of Dissent,” nor has EPA provided a legitimate workplace-related justification for disciplining the signers of the letter that would possibly outweigh employees’ free speech rights,” the senators continued

“Even after the recent revelations from EPA legal counsel, EPA continues to retaliate against staff by upholding the suspensions of over 140 workers and the firing of 20 others. Overturning the punishments is crucial to prevent a chilling effect on free speech. Stifling dissent cripples the agency’s ability to protect the public and is causing the loss of the experienced staff needed to carry out EPA's mission,” the lawmakers continued.

“Given the lack of any evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever, we support the EPA employees’ continued campaign to be exonerated and applaud them for the bravery it took to speak out about these matters of grave public concern. We call on you to reverse course, to reinstate all those who were fired for speaking out, and overturn all other discipline imposed. Speaking the truth is not a fireable offense. It is the public duty of every citizen who cares about protecting our health,” the senators concluded.

The letter was led by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chris Coons, D-Del., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Andy Kim, D-N.J., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md..


Yakym, Davis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Taxes on Boat Loans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) introduced the Boat Loan Interest Deduction Act of 2026 (H.R. 9532), bipartisan legislation that would extend the Working Families Tax Cut’s No Tax on Auto Loans provision to boats.

“There’s nothing more American than loading up the family and heading out on the lake for a summer afternoon. It’s an important investment, and it should be treated like one,” Rep. Yakym said. “As the congressman representing a district that builds some of the finest boats in the country, I hear from manufacturers and families alike about what this relief would mean. This bill is simple: if you’re paying interest on a boat loan, you should be able to deduct it.”

“As co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus, I am proud to stand with the communities, workers, and businesses that power America’s boating industry. From the Outer Banks to the Albemarle Sound and along the rivers and coastal waterways of eastern North Carolina, boating is a way of life that fuels our economy, supports marinas, boat dealers, marine manufacturers, and charter businesses, and creates opportunities for thousands of hardworking North Carolinians whose livelihoods depend on the water,“ Rep. Davis said. “As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom and opportunity, we have a responsibility to stand behind American craftsmanship and the skilled workers who build the boats that carry our traditions forward. I am proud to support legislation that keeps America’s boatbuilding industry competitive, strengthens American manufacturing, protects good-paying jobs, and preserves the coastal way of life that defines eastern North Carolina.”

This legislation has gained the support of several members of the boating and manufacturing industries:

“Eliminating taxes on boats is a win for American families, jobs, and manufacturing,” said Smoker Craft, Inc. “As one of the oldest family-owned and operated boat manufacturers in the country, Smoker Craft, Inc. has always focused on value and accessibility. Lowering the cost of ownership puts more people on the water, strengthens our industry, and supports the communities that depend on it. We’re grateful to Representative Rudy Yakym for his leadership in advancing this important effort.”

“On behalf of Brunswick Corporation, America’s Marine Company and the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational marine products, we applaud Congressman Rudy Yakym and Congressman Don Davis’ bipartisan bill on behalf of American consumers,” said Ryan Gwillim, Chief Financial Officer of Brunswick Corporation. “Brunswick has worked closely with Congressman Yakym and Congressman Davis to advance policies that support access to recreation and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. Boating is an important part of how many middle-class families connect with the outdoors, and America’s waterways are one of our nation’s greatest assets. This legislation helps ensure that more families can continue to participate in the boating lifestyle for years to come.”

“The bipartisan Boat Loan Interest Deduction Act recognizes recreational boating as a uniquely American industry that supports thousands of small businesses, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and creates jobs in communities across the country,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of NMMA. “With 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. built here at home – and 93 percent of boat builders classified as small businesses – this commonsense legislation will help make boating more affordable and accessible for American families. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this bill will help more Americans experience the freedom and traditions of spending time on our waterways. We thank Representatives Yakym and Don Davis for their bipartisan commitment to ensuring more Americans can access and enjoy our nation’s waterways.”

“H.R. 1 was a historic investment in manufacturing, empowering manufacturers across the country to invest, innovate, and create jobs,” said Charles Crain, Managing Vice President of Policy, National Association of Manufacturers. “Expanding the law’s pro-growth tax provisions to a broader range of manufacturers will help ensure continued U.S. manufacturing leadership across industries. We are grateful to Congressman Yakym for his continued efforts towards a competitive tax code that supports making things in America.”

Background:

The bill allows Americans to deduct up to $10,000 in interest relating to loans for qualifying boats. Qualifying boats must have final assembly in the U.S. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers).

Indiana’s Second Congressional District is a major hub for the American boating industry, centered in Elkhart and Kosciusko counties, which produce pontoon, fishing, and family deck boats.

An estimated 85 million Americans go boating each year on roughly 11 million registered boats nationwide. Restoring the interest deduction would lower the cost of ownership for families across the country.


Castro says Air Force confirmed death from flu outbreak at Texas base

Originally published in The Hill.

Written by Ellen Mitchell

The Air Force has confirmed a trainee died as a result of a flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, according to Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas).

Keon McDaniel was in his sixth week of basic military training when he experienced a “medical emergency” June 12. He was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center and died there on June 16, the Air Force said.

At the time, the service said his death was undergoing a medical review and did not name influenza as the cause. But Castro said Tuesday that McDaniel “died from the flu,” which also has sickened nearly 300 service members.

“This is a tragedy that could have been prevented were it not for the reckless actions of” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Castro told reporters during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol.

In scrapping the flu vaccine mandate for all service members this past April, Castro argued Hegseth has put troops in harm’s way and undermined the military’s readiness.

“We’re at war with Iran and face many threats throughout the globe. A soldier who is sick cannot fight effectively,” he said. “The flu vaccine is a simple way to make sure troops are healthy and prepared to carry out their mission.”

Castro added that the flu outbreak at Lackland “is getting worse,” with now 284 confirmed flu cases and four hospitalizations. That’s up from 160 cases in June.

Over the past month, the influenza outbreak has hammered the 37th Training Wing at Lackland, part of Joint Base San Antonio, through which more than 36,000 recruits flow annually.

The incident follows Hegseth’s decision this spring to end the military’s mandatory flu vaccines for service members, arguing the shift would give troops “medical autonomy” and “freedom to express their religious convictions.”

The flu shot requirement, around since 1945, was an “absurd” and “overreaching” mandate that weakened the country’s warfighting capabilities, Hegseth claimed.

But the outbreak at Lackland has prompted the Army, Navy and Air Force to once again require flu shots for basic trainees.

Castro says it took a month for the Pentagon to approve Lackland’s request to reinstate the mandate, calling for an investigation into McDaniel’s death in connection to the flu outbreak.

Castro, along with Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), last week co-sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to require service members to be vaccinated for influenza, but House Republicans voted down the provision.

“When our troops volunteer to risk their lives for our country, the least we can do is not ask them to risk their lives because their leaders abandoned decades of military medicine,” Houlahan said alongside Castro. “The House Rules Committee’s refusal to make our amendment in order was a missed opportunity to right Secretary Hegseth’s wrong and to put military readiness ahead of politics. We owe our service members better.”

Houlahan, who is a former Air Force officer, also called the situation at Lackland “deeply disturbing and troubling.”

And Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.), who also spoke at the press conference, echoed his colleagues that the influenza mandate should never have been rolled back in the first place.

“The outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base was entirely preventable as evidenced by the decades prior with no outbreaks,” he said. “Now there are almost 300 confirmed flu cases. That is almost 300 future airmen and women who will not be finishing their training at their expected dates. This has completely set back the Air Force’s expected recruitment class from entering the future squadrons on time.”


Who Is Jason Watson? Decorated Air Force Major Arrested After Trump Protest

Originally published in Newsweek.

Written by Marni Rose McFall, Jordan King, Hannah Parry, Joshua Rhett Miller, and Khaleda Rahman

The U.S. Air Force is investigating a decorated major who was arrested on Wednesday for staging a protest calling for President Donald Trump's impeachment, military officials said.

The U.S. Air Force has announced an investigation after Major Jason Watson held a sign calling for Trump to be removed from office on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where protests are prohibited unless participants are accompanied by a member of Congress.

Initially, Watson had been accompanied by the Texas Democratic Congressman Al Green, but when he left the area, police said he would need to stop his protest or be arrested.

In video footage shared widely on social media, Watson is seen in uniform, speaking at the protest.

"The president and vice president must be impeached, convicted and removed," Watson said.

A fundraiser, set up on the platform Spot Fund in support of Watson, has raised over $139,000; while another launched on GoFundMe has raised over $5,000, as of Friday morning. The Spot Fund fundraiser states that it is taking donations for “the defense fund of this patriotic hero.”

The footage then shows him being arrested while standing on the steps of the Capitol.

In a video shared to X, Green said: "I just left the Capitol grounds, and I was there to witness a major in the U.S. military…He stood for the impeachment of a president on the Capitol grounds and thereafter he walked up the steps where he was arrested."

"This is the kind of courage necessary to inspire others," Green said.

U.S. Capitol Police confirmed Watson’s arrest in a statement to Newsweek early Thursday.

“It is generally against the law for the public to demonstrate on the House steps unless they are with a member of Congress,” a Capitol Police spokesperson wrote in an email. “Yesterday afternoon, a man was escorted to the House steps by a member of Congress. When the member of Congress left the area, our officers gave the man lawful orders to stop the illegal demonstration or he would be arrested.”

Watson was arrested for crowding, obstructing and incommoding after refusing “lawful orders,” authorities said.

“It is important to note that there are plenty of other spots on Capitol grounds where demonstrating is allowed,” the spokesperson said.

John Bonifaz, the president and co-founder of Free Speech For People, praised Watson in a press release, writing: "His willingness to risk his own freedom stands in stark contrast to those who continue to look away as President Trump commits unprecedented abuses of power."

Newsweek contacted the White House for comment via email outside of normal working hours.

In video footage showing his arrest, Watson first calls for the impeachment of Trump and Vance and is then filmed walking up the steps of the Capitol, where he stood holding a placard that read "Impeach Convict Remove."

As he stands on the steps, voices can be heard out of the camera frame, cheering.

He then places the placard on the ground, puts his hands behind his back and is arrested. As he is being led away, the crowd cheers and chants: "Who do you serve?"

A press conference was held prior to the arrest and protest by Jessica Denson, founder of the Removal Coalition, which advocates for the constitutional removal of Trump and members of his administration. Video footage of this was livestreamed and shared to YouTube.

Denson introduced Watson and spoke about his military background.

“This man is a U.S. Air Force major. He is currently on leave from his commission post as a logistics readiness officer in Poland. He has spent much of 17 years in Europe, all over the globe, defending this country, working with NATO.”

Denson said that Watson had approached the Removal Coalition in February of this year and asked them to create the event for him.

Green did not speak at the conference but stood by Denson and Watson.

Watson addressed Green directly while speaking and said: “I’m not a Democrat and know next to nothing about his policies. I am here with him because Representative Green is the only member of Congress that has demonstrated the courage and conviction to invoke Rule 9 and force a vote on the articles of impeachment.”

In December of 2025, Green filed to impeach Trump, saying that he is “an abuser of presidential power who, if left in office, will continue to promote violence, engender invidious hate, undermine our democracy, and dissolve our Republic.”

The House voted to kill that impeachment resolution 237-140.

Prediction market Kalshi currently have odds of 64 percent that Trump will be impeached before January 2028.

The Removal Coalition states on its website that the movement is: “Explicit and united in our mission to constitutionally remove the illegal Trump administration from power, NOW.”

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat and Air Force veteran, praised Watson for his bravery in standing up to the Trump administration, and spoke to Newsweek of her frustration with her Republican colleagues for failing to use their power to do the same.

“It says a great deal about the conviction of Major Watson that he is willing to make this statement while in uniform," she said.

"He is undoubtedly aware of the consequences of his actions and is willing to sacrifice likely his career and possibly his freedom for his beliefs about this now twice-impeached President. I know he is not alone in his efforts to shine a light on this President and his administration’s unlawful behavior. I am enormously frustrated that my Republican House colleagues and the Speaker and Senate remain unwilling to recognize their authority to call for their resignations or removal. Indeed, they remain unwilling even to come to work at all.

"I am hopeful that in November the people of the United States will deliver the votes necessary to flip the House and the Senate to allow us the votes to again impeach this reckless and lawless President and his supporting cast, including Secretary Hegseth.”

Watson Speaks Out

In a pre-recorded interview with Denson conducted before his arrest, Watson explained his decision to take a stand was based on his belief that the Trump administration has violated the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court rulings.

“You could look at everything that this administration's doing and there is some kind of tie-in to it being unconstitutional or illegal or corrupt or violent against American people or people living in our country,” Watson said later in the 43-minute interview, which was posted on YouTube on Wednesday.

Watson, a father of two, is just three years away from retirement, Denson noted.

Earlier in the interview, he said while it is "dangerous" for any member of the military to "do something like he is doing" he "can afford to" because he's "just not important enough."

Later he said active duty members who "don't feel comfortable continuing to serve because of the nature of this administration" should "leave loudly… express your dissent on the way out the door."

U.S. Air Force Responds

Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Troy E. Meink, responded to the arrest of Watson in a Thursday evening post on X.

"I am aware of recent reports involving an Air Force officer protesting at the United States Capitol," he said in the statement. "Let me be clear: I expect every Airman and Guardian to comply with all laws and policies governing personal conduct, political participation, and the wear of the uniform. Americans place their trust in us. We cannot, and will not, compromise the trust of the Nation.

"Good order and discipline are critical to the DAF’s mission, and rigorously maintaining the highest standards of conduct on & off duty are an absolute must for all Airmen and Guardians. The Department takes allegations of misconduct seriously, including any that might undermine the nonpartisan nature of our military.

"Pursuant to a thorough investigation - which will proceed unimpeded - commanders will ensure appropriate disposition when holding service members accountable in accordance with military law and due process," he continued.

Watson's Decorated Military Career

An Air Force spokesperson told Newsweek that Major Watson that received more than a dozen medals or decorations during his 17-year career in the military.

Watson, who entered the Air Force on May 27, 2009, is currently on leave from his commission post as a logistics readiness officer in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

The majority of his military career has been spent in Europe and internationally, working with NATO to protect his country.

Awards:

National Defense Service Medal

Air Force Training Ribbon

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Boarder

Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with device)

Korean Defense Service Medal

Air Forse Overseas Long Tour Ribbon (two awards)

Meritorious Unit Award

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award

Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal

Air Force Longevity Service Award (five awards)

Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon (three awards)

Decorations:

Air Force Commendation Medal (three awards)

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Meritorious Service Medal (two awards)

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Could Watson Be Removed From The Air Force After Arrest?

An arrest alone does not automatically result in a service member's removal from the Air Force. However, officers can face administrative separation or other disciplinary action if military authorities determine they violated service regulations or the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Any decision would depend on the facts of the case, the outcome of the civilian criminal proceedings, whether Air Force rules governing political activities were violated, and the officer's overall service record.

What Other Consequences Could He Face?

Administrative counseling or reprimand. If the Air Force determines Major Watson violated service standards but the conduct does not warrant more severe action, he could receive a formal counseling, letter of reprimand, or other administrative measures.

Administrative separation. The Air Force could initiate proceedings to involuntarily separate Watson from service if it concludes his conduct violated military regulations or demonstrated that he should no longer serve as a commissioned officer. This is the most likely mechanism by which an officer would be removed absent a court-martial.

Action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). If military authorities determine his conduct violated the UCMJ, he could face nonjudicial punishment or, in more serious cases, a court-martial.

Dismissal following a court-martial. If Watson were convicted by a court-martial of an offense warranting the punishment, he could receive a dismissal—the officer equivalent of a dishonorable discharge. This is distinct from administrative separation and is not imposed simply because someone is arrested.

Factors the Air Force Would Consider


Rep. Adams Introduces Bill to Set Standard Wages For Federal Contractors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), introduced the Living Wage for Federal Contractors Act, legislation establishing a permanent, predictable minimum wage for workers employed through federal contracts.

The bill sets the federal contractor minimum wage for employees at $17.00 per hour upon becoming law, rising by $2.00 every year until it reaches $25.00 per hour, at which point it will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Tipped contract workers would see their minimum wage rise from $13.00 per hour to $25.00, at a similar rate.

“Contractors who work for the government deserve the same certainty as any federal employee,” said Congresswoman Adams.“This bill will end the inconsistent wage policy set by the executive branch and put a living wage into law. Without firm policy set by Congress, federal contract workers become an easy target for wage theft, with no regard to the people we are taking advantage of.”

A one pager explaining the bill can be found here.

Millions of Americans work on federal contracts, and hundreds of thousands have seen their wages change inconsistently over the last 10 years. Since 2014, the minimum wage for federal contractors has been raised and lowered by a cycle of executive orders, leaving working people and businesses without a consistent standard from the United States government.

Since 2014, administrations of both parties have used Executive Orders to raise or lower the minimum wage for federal contract workers. Most recently, in 2025, the current administration reduced the federal contract worker minimum wage from $17.75 to $13.65 per hour.

But Executive Orders are not law. They can be changed or reversed whenever a new administration takes office. Federal contract workers should not have their livelihoods subject to political swings from one administration to the next. They deserve the certainty, stability, and economic security that come with a predictable wage protected by law.

The Living Wage for Federal Contractors Act will solidify wage protections, extend coverage to independent regulatory agencies and the U.S. Postal Service, and create wage floors for construction, service, and procurement contract workers.

The bill will also strengthen enforcement by providing liquidated damages, civil penalties, a private right of action for workers, and authority for the Department of Labor to withhold payments from contractors found in violation.

You can read the full text of the bill here.

Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (MI-05), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) have joined the bill as original cosponsors.


Rep. Mark Alford Announces $18 Million Federal BUILD Grant for Belton Infrastructure Project

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) announced that the City of Belton has been awarded an $18 million federal BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the “Belton to AMERICA” infrastructure project.

Earlier this year, Rep. Alford wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing his strong support for the project and highlighting its importance to regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.

The funding will be used to construct a critical last-mile, multi-modal freight connection linking the Kansas City Inland Port to the interstate highway system. The project includes completion of the Markey Parkway and Bales Avenue connections and will enhance freight mobility, improve safety, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.

“I was proud to support this project because it delivers exactly what our region needs—stronger infrastructure, safer transportation, and more good-paying jobs,” said Rep. Alford. “This investment will help position Belton and the entire Kansas City region as a national logistics hub while supporting American manufacturing and economic growth.”

The project is expected to improve freight efficiency and expand access to markets, allowing goods to reach nearly half of the U.S. population within one day. It will also support future industrial development and job creation in the area, particularly at the Markey Business Park.

“We are so proud and excited to receive this grant,” said Greg Rokos, Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director.“We will use these funds to provide access to Markey Business Park that will help increase jobs in the City.”

In addition to freight improvements, the project includes multimodal enhancements such as a multi-use trail and sidewalk to ensure safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.

“This is a big win for Missouri’s Fourth District. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and deliver lasting benefits for our communities,” Alford concluded.

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Alford Leads Missouri Delegation in Urging Transparency and Continued Investment in Fort Leonard Wood’s Critical Training Mission

Washington, D.C. — This week, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford announced he and members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation have sent a formal letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll seeking clarity and transparency regarding any internal proposals that could affect the future of Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Leonard Wood.

The delegation emphasized that while it strongly supports Army modernization and force optimization efforts, that any changes affecting foundational training missions must be deliberate, fully vetted, and aligned with long-term readiness goals.

“Fort Leonard Wood is not just a Missouri installation—it is a national asset that underpins the Army’s ability to train and deploy a ready fighting force,” said Congressman Alford. “We fully support efforts to strengthen and modernize the Army, but that must include growing and sustaining the training footprint that produces the engineers, military police, and CBRN specialists our military depends on.”

Alford also underscored concerns that incremental personnel or mission shifts could, without proper oversight, effectively alter the installation’s role without congressional review.

“There must be full transparency with Congress when it comes to decisions of this magnitude. Any proposal that impacts Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood must be evaluated openly, with clear analysis of readiness, cost, and long-term training capacity to ensure we are strengthening—not weakening—the Army’s ability to fight and win,” concluded Alford.

The letter requests a detailed briefing from the Department of the Army and the Office of the Secretary of War regarding any ongoing assessments, including impacts on readiness, infrastructure investment, military construction needs, recruiting pipelines, and community effects.

The delegation reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Missouri remains a central hub for military training excellence and that Fort Leonard Wood continues to play a growing role in supporting Army readiness in the years ahead.

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Congressman Al Green and Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson Introduce the Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Authorization Act

(Washington, DC) – On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Congressman Al Green, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson introduced the Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Authorization Act, legislation to strengthen the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL). The bill enhances the Office's authority to protect civil rights and civil liberties, improves transparency and accountability, strengthens oversight of DHS policies and programs, establishes CRCL officers across DHS operational components, improves the public complaint process, and requires annual reporting to Congress.

The legislation follows the Trump Administration's significant reduction of the CRCL workforce, which weakened the Office's ability to protect civil rights and civil liberties and provide meaningful oversight within the Department. The legislation is endorsed by the Washington Office on Latin America and the Kino Border Initiative. The full text of the bill can be accessed by clicking here.

Ranking Member Thompson stated, “It is critical for DHS to have a fully staffed, properly resourced, and transparent Civil Rights and Civil Liberties office to investigate and inform the public on potential civil rights and civil liberties abuses at the Department. Even before Donald Trump decimated the office and fired most of its workforce, it did not have the necessary authorities to do its job properly. I thank my friend and colleague Congressman Green for introducing this necessary legislation to expand and strengthen the office, ensure each DHS component is involved, and make certain what Trump did to the office is not allowed to happen again.”


ICYMI: Newsweek and Washington Times Articles

The Newsweek article below, titled “Who Is Jason Watson? Air Force Major Arrested After Protesting Trump,” and the Washington Times article below, titled “U.S. Air Force major arrested at Capitol while demonstrating for Trump’s impeachment,” speak for themselves.

You can access the Newsweek article by clicking here, and the Washington Times article by clicking the link here.


Rep. Ansari Hosts Shadow Hearing on Healthcare Affordability

WASHINGTON – This week, Representative Yassamin Ansari, Chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ (CPC) Lowering Costs Taskforce, hosted the Taskforce’s second shadow hearing, titled “Patients Over Profits: Lowering Healthcare Costs for All Americans.” The hearing featured experts and CPC members discussing proposals to expand prescription drug price negotiations, tackle PBM and corporate hospital profiteering, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and ensure all Americans can access affordable, high-quality healthcare.

“Medicare and Medicaid need protections and reinforcement now more than ever. Insurance premiums are rising, and millions of Americans have been stripped of their healthcare, with the expectation for millions more to lose Medicare or Medicaid as well,” said Rep. Ansari. “Progressives are ready to tackle this issue with innovative policy and bold reforms. We have the legislation, the vision, and the energy to see it through. With Medicare for All, we can provide every American with access to medically necessary healthcare. The health of our nation cannot continue to be at the whims of corporations.”

“People are hurting. When I am home in my district and at the grocery store, I hear the stories of families struggling to afford basic essentials like healthcare. This issue has been made worse after Republicans let cost-saving tax credits expire and passed the Big Ugly Bill that gutted $1 trillion from Medicaid,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I have been fighting to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare since entering Congress, and I am not letting up. When Democrats take back the House, we will continue fighting to lower healthcare costs, increase access to coverage, and give working families an opportunity to thrive.”

WATCH

“Rep. Ansari, Rep. Dingell and the Congressional Progressive Caucus are correct in understanding the urgent imperative of lowering the cost of prescription medicines for Americans. Big Pharma’s monopolistic price gouging of Americans is worse now than at any time in American history but easily addressed if Congress and the Executive have the political will to do so. Expanding Medicare drug price negotiation to cover all drugs, with no delays and to apply to the private market could save the nation roughly $200 billion every year,” said Robert Weissman, Co-President, Public Citizen.

“Every day, families are forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for the people they love. Home care for seniors and disabled or chronically ill family members can cost up to $68,000 a year, and over $288,000 for those with the most intensive needs. Medicaid is how most Americans actually pay for long-term care, yet H.R. 1’s historic cuts shredded that patchwork system. These cuts don’t save money, they benefit the wealthiest among us while shifting costs onto emergency rooms, states, and family caregivers, who already provide $1.1 trillion in unpaid care and often can’t get care for themselves. Affordable care isn’t a luxury. It’s what 130 million family caregivers, care workers, seniors, and disabled people in this country are counting on,” said Nicole Jorwic, Chief Program Officer, Caring Across Generations.

“Our healthcare system has been broken for decades,” said Lisa Brown, Executive Vice President of the 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Maryland/DC Division. “Bad policy, lack of oversight, and corporate interests in healthcare have led us here, and people are dying because of it. But 1199, and SEIU, will fight to right these wrongs and build a better world for healthcare workers and patients.”

“We are now at a breaking point. And the cause is clear: extreme concentration of health care corporations that extract obscene amounts of wealth by inflating medical prices and premiums. Thank you to Congresswomen Ansari and Dingell for hosting this important conversation about how we expand access to high-quality affordable healthcare,” said Topher Spiro, Senior Health Fellow, Center for American Progress.

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America 250 Years Later: Restoring The Foundation Of Trust

In case you missed it, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) wrote an op-ed in the Lansing City Pulse reflecting on America's 250th anniversary and arguing that Restoring Trust in Government is essential to preserving our democracy. This is the first pillar of Barrett’s Blueprint for a Better America, his plan to challenge the status quo and take on the issues that Americans care about most.

You can read the op-ed here or below.

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This week marks 250 years since our Founding Fathers boldly embarked on the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known. For the next two and a half centuries, the United States of America would chart its own path forward as a nation that recognized that each person is endowed with the unalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Against the odds, America grew from a fragile new republic into the greatest nation in the world. Generations before us led the world in harnessing electricity, building the highways and railroads that connected the continent, saving the world from tyranny, putting a man on the moon, pioneering breakthroughs in medicine and technology and by creating opportunities that drew generations of people from around the world seeking freedom and a better future.

Despite these advancements in the face of unthinkable adversity, our nation feels more divided than ever — much of which stems from a breakdown in trust in our government and institutions. If we want to preserve this experiment for the next 250 years, we need to get back to our founding principle: that we are a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

That’s why I am leading the Blueprint for a Better America — my bold policy agenda to challenge the status quo and tackle the issues that matter most to everyday Americans.

The first pillar of my plan is restoring trust in government. That starts with holding elected officials to the same standard of integrity Americans expect in every other profession and ensuring our political system works for the people it represents.

I helped lead the introduction of the Stop Insider Trading Act and the PREDICT Act to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks and betting on prediction markets. I do not own any individual stocks and I also set an office policy that prohibits my staff from betting on prediction markets. Like you, I believe that members of Congress should serve the public — not profit from privileged information or the office they hold.

I also introduced legislation to require congressional districts to be redrawn only once every decade following the census. By ending mid-decade redistricting, we can provide voters with fairer, more stable representation and reduce politically motivated gerrymandering battles that undermine confidence in our elections.

My Blueprint for a Better America doesn’t stop at restoring trust in government. Another key pillar is reforming campaign finance so our elections belong to voters — not the biggest checkbooks.

I introduced a constitutional amendment to restore the authority of Congress and the states to enact reasonable campaign finance reforms, including limits on corporate spending in elections. Giving elected representatives the ability to establish commonsense guardrails would help ensure that every American’s voice carries weight, not just those with the deepest pockets.

None of these reforms alone will restore faith in our government. But together, they represent a commitment to making Washington more accountable, more transparent, and more responsive to the people it serves.

As the United States celebrates 250 years of self-governance, we should remember that our founders entrusted this republic not to politicians, but to the American people.

Our responsibility is to preserve that trust for the next 250 years by building a government worthy of the people it represents. To read my full Blueprint for a Better America, you can visit barrett.house.gov/reform.

Happy Independence Day and happy 250th birthday to the United States of America, my home sweet home.


Barrett Introduces Bill to Name Charlotte Post Office After Medal of Honor Recipient Killed at Pearl Harbor

Public domain photo from the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) introduced a bill to name the post office in Charlotte, Mich., after U.S. Navy Ensign Francis Flaherty, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and sacrifice during Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.

Barrett’s bill (H.R. 9570) to name the “Francis C. Flaherty Post Office Building” is co-sponsored by all 12 other U.S. representatives from Michigan.

“Ensign Francis Flaherty sacrificed his life while rescuing his fellow sailors during the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Barrett said. “I was proud to help ensure that his remains were finally brought home to Charlotte a few years ago, where thousands of people from our community came together to finally lay to rest and honor a hometown hero. Naming the local post office after this Medal of Honor recipient will be a permanent and lasting tribute to his patriotic service and sacrifice.”

Background

Francis Charles Flaherty was born on March 15, 1919, in Charlotte, Michigan. He graduated from Charlotte High School and attended the University of Michigan before joining the U.S. Naval Reserve. Flaherty was stationed on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor during the December 7, 1941, attack. When the crew was ordered to abandon the sinking ship, Flaherty stayed in his turret, holding a flashlight to help the rest of his turret crew escape and sacrificing his own life. For this heroism, Flaherty in 1946 was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his brother.

His remains were initially unable to be identified and were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2019, the military was able to identify his remains using DNA samples from family members, and the family chose to have him reinterred at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte in 2021. Barrett, a state senator at the time, participated in the homecoming ceremony along with family members, local residents, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Jeff Spivey.

Barrett previously led a successful effort to rename a portion of M-50 in Charlotte in honor of Flaherty. The bill that included Barrett’s amendment naming the “Ensign Francis Flaherty Memorial Highway” passed the Michigan Legislature unanimously, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed it into law on July 29, 2021.


Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces $1 Million USDA Rural Development Grant for Alcorn State University

BOLTON, MS — Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved a $1,000,000 Community Facilities Grant for Alcorn State University.

The funding, made available through Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending, will be used to renovate and equip computer labs, computational chemistry laboratories, business innovation labs, classrooms, faculty and staff offices, conference and meeting rooms, and study and collaboration spaces.


Scott Statement on June Jobs Report

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy gained 57,000 jobs in June, and the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2 percent. At this point in his term, the economy under President Biden had created 9.5 million jobs, compared to just 716,000 under President Trump's second term.

“In the year since President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed their ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ Americans’ lives have gotten more difficult and more expensive. Seventeen months into President Trump’s second term, the economy has only created 7.5 percent of the jobs that President Biden created at the same point in his term. As a direct result of Republicans’ health care cuts, over eight million Americans have lost health care coverage in the past year, and over four million

“These bad economic policies continue to put the American dream further out of reach for working people. Inflation has begun to outpace wage growth, and American workers’ share of national income has shrunk to its lowest level in at least seventy years. These factors contribute to a ‘K-shaped economy,’ where the rich get richer while working people continue to struggle.

“On the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation and as we reflect on the ambitions of our country’s founders, we cannot take for granted the power of self-determination. Democrats are committed to making the government work for everyone, not just the wealthy and Trump-connected few. Congress must expand economic opportunity for all Americans by lowering the cost of living, delivering quality health care, and creating well-paying jobs that stand the test of time.”

To see a chart comparing the cumulative seasonally adjusted job change by month between President Trump's first and second terms, and President Biden's presidency,click here.

To see a chart comparing the total job change between President Trump's first 17 months in office and President Biden's first 17 months in office,click here.

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ICYMI: Buchanan Celebrates 250 Years of the American Dream in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed

“The American Dream is Still Alive”

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence and applauding our shared ideals. Buchanan shares his personal story living the American Dream and lays out his hopes for the next 250 years.

“As we gather this Fourth of July to watch the fireworks, let us remember that after 250 years, the American Dream is still alive,” writes Buchanan in the op-ed. “If our history proves anything, it’s that the best is yet to come.”

Read the full op-ed here or below:

America at 250: A Nation of Unlimited Possibilities

Congressman Vern Buchanan

Every member of Congress has been asked to write a postcard for a time capsule marking America’s 250th birthday, to be sealed away and opened by a generation we will never meet in another 250 years. What do you say to Americans 250 years from now? What do we want future generations to know about the nation we built and the values we stood for?

For me, it begins with gratitude for the journey that brought us here. Two hundred and fifty years ago, ordinary Americans risked everything to declare that people could govern themselves and that liberty was worth defending. From the start, America was built not on bloodlines or background, but on shared ideals: freedom, opportunity and self-government.

President Ronald Reagan said it best when he recalled a letter he once received. “You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American.” That is the promise that has drawn entrepreneurs, workers and families to our shores for two and a half centuries.

From the beginning, Americans achieved what no other nation had done. When George Washington stepped down after two terms, he set in motion a peaceful transfer of power that kings and emperors could scarcely imagine, proving that in America, no one is above the people. That faith in ordinary citizens has driven our progress ever since.

America’s story is one of grit, innovation and sacrifice. Pioneers pushed west across a vast and unforgiving frontier, and the Homestead Act gave ordinary families a chance to own land and build a future from nothing. We connected the nation by rail, powered homes with Edison’s light, and put a voice on every line with Bell’s invention of the telephone. The Wright brothers took flight, Ford’s assembly line put cars within reach of working families, and American medicine defeated polio and other deadly diseases. We didn’t stop there. We split the atom, won the race to the moon and led the world into the digital age.

When freedom was threatened, Americans answered the call. President Lincoln preserved the Union and ended slavery, beginning the long march toward the promise that all are created equal. A generation of heroes stormed the beaches of Normandy and fought across two oceans to defeat tyranny, delivering back-to-back victories in the World Wars. When communism challenged liberty, American resolve won the Space Race and, ultimately, the Cold War. President Reagan stood in Berlin and demanded, “Tear down this wall.” It later fell.

Through it all, the true engine of American progress has never been our land, our resources or our industries. It has always been our people and their belief that where you start does not determine where you finish. Veterans returned home and used the GI Bill to enter college and join the middle class. Entrepreneurs turned bold ideas into world-changing industries. Time and again, Americans have achieved extraordinary things thanks to the opportunities only this nation offers.

I know that promise firsthand. I grew up in a blue-collar family as the fifth of six kids in a 900-square-foot home. Hard work was a way of life. I worked my way through college, served in the Air National Guard and built a business from the ground up. That only happened because America is the one place where determination and hard work can carry an ordinary person to an extraordinary life.

So when it came time to write my postcard to the future, here is what I said:

As you read this 250 years from now, I hope one thing remains as true for you as it was for me: that only in America can a blue-collar kid, raised in a 900-square-foot home with five siblings, grow up through hard work and determination to build a business and serve in the United States Congress. America is a nation of unlimited possibilities. My prayer is that it always will be.

As we gather this Fourth of July to watch the fireworks, let us remember that after 250 years, the American Dream is still alive.

If our history proves anything, it’s that the best is yet to come.

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the Chair of the Health Subcommittee. Prior to serving in Congress, Buchanan was in business for over 30 years and chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce.

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